Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class (H247 generation) in Malaysia. The fully-imported (CBU) GLA is available in two variants with prices ranging from RM 244,200 to RM 285,337 (without SST, valid until 31-December 2020).

The all-new GLA competes with the BMW X1.

What are the prices and variants?

The two variants are:

• GLA 200 Progressive Line: RM 244,200
• GLA 250 AMG Line: RM 285,337

Both prices shown are on-the-road, sans insurance, and are exempted from SST. These prices are only valid until 31-December 2020.

What powers the 2021 GLA-Class?

Both the GLA 200 and GLA 250 have different powertrains, but let’s begin with the GLA 200. The GLA 200 is the base variant of the GLA and the Malaysian-spec GLA 200 is equipped with a Progressive Line trim.

Included on the Progressive Line are 18-inch 5-twin spoke alloy wheels and aluminium roof rails. 

Powering the GLA 200 is a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine which is built by Renault. This engine makes 163 PS and 250 Nm, and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100 km/h time of 8.7 seconds.

Meanwhile, the GLA 250 is equipped with AMG Line body styling, which enhances the sporty presence of the SUV with the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels, and sportier front and rear bumpers.

The AMG Line also gains a sportier and lowered suspension set-up for a performance look that matches the GLA's coupe appearance.

Also being given a boost is the engine power output. The GLA 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (224 PS/350 Nm) that is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This gives the GLA 250 a century sprint in only 6.9 seconds.

Both engines also power its bigger brother, the GLB, which was launched here a couple of months ago.

What are the features in the 2021 GLA-Class?

Compared to the outgoing GLA, the all-new GLA has a distinctive look that no longer looks like a jacked-up A-Class hatchback which is a good thing.

The H247 GLA shares the same MFA-II compact car platform as the A-Class hatchback, A-Class sedan, B-Class, CLA-Class, and GLB.

With a length of 4,410 mm, the GLA is the shortest SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s current line-up. However, its height has been increased by 10 cm compared to the previous GLA, which gives a higher seating position for the driver and a taller headroom.

Some features available as standard across the GLA range include:

• LED High Performance headlamps
• 4-way lumbar support
• Automatic climate control
• Automatic wipers
• Easy-Pack automatic tailgate
• The latest generation of Mercedes me connect
• MBUX infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support

As for safety equipment, both variants of the GLA are equipped with the following:

• 7 airbags
• Active brake assist
• Active parking assist
• Cruise control
• Pre-Safe system
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

However, the GLA 250 comes with an additional blind-spot assist which also warns drivers of incoming objects in their blind-spot even when at standstill.

MBM also offers the Agility Financing Plan for the GLA which starts from RM 2,388 per month, only for a limited time.