New Mercedes-Benz GLA to launch in Malaysia on December 15

KUALA LUMPUR: The GLA is an established name for Mercedes-Benz, whose second-generation (H247) has a more defined SUV shape offering greater everyday practicality to the buyers. Globally revealed in December last year, the new GLA is now all set to hit the Malaysian showrooms. According to the company’s website, the live digital premiere of the SUV will take place on December 15 at 11 am.

Dimension-wise, the new Mercedes GLA measures 4410 mm in length, 1834 mm in width, 1611 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2729 mm. This makes it 30 mm wider, 100 mm taller, and 30 mm longer in wheelbase, although the length is now short by 14 mm. The increased dimensions made this small SUV roomier inside the cabin.

Talking about the visual tweaks, the latest model gets new sleeker LED headlights and tail lights, Panamericana grille, sporty bumpers, body cladding, a new roof spoiler, and a new tailpipe design. The interior boasts a floating digital instrument panel, coloured head-up display, MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), ambient lights, etc.

Also, Mercedes has packed tons of advanced safety tech into the GLA, we hope the local market gets the most out of that. These include a new exit safety function, an automatic emergency braking system, Mercedes' super-smart Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active speed-limit assist, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and more. 

Mercedes offers the new GLA with multiple engine choices, starting from GLA 200 housing an M282 1.33-litre turbo four-pot engine churning out 163 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. Next on the list are GLA 250 and GLA 250 4Matic, both powered by an M260 2.0-litre turbo-four producing 224 PS and 350 Nm. All engines are mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, except the GLA 200, which gets a seven-speed unit. For Malaysian-spec GLA, the automaker is likely to offer all these versions.

In the premium SUV segment, the Mercedes GLA fights against the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40.

Also read: Daimler plans to invest €70 billion more in electric vehicles development