2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA - First impression

Say goodbye to the GLA X156 and hi to GLA H247, yes the second generation of Mercedes-Benz’s smallest and most affordable crossover SUV has finally made its way to the Malaysian shores almost a year after its world premiere. As an entry-level model, it rounds off the Stuttgart-based automaker’s SUV portfolio in the local market, being offered as a compact alternative to the bigger models - GLC and GLB, launched earlier this year.

Let’s check out the first impression of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA, starting with the price.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Price

With a hallmark of luxury, status, and exclusivity, the new Mercedes GLA is available in two variants - GLA 200 Progressive Line and GLA 250 AMG Line. Like before these come as fully imported (CBU) units from the Rastatt plant in Germany.

Variant	Price (With a 50% reduction in the sales and services tax)	Price (Without sales and services tax exemption)
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 Progressive Line	RM 244,200	RM 252,888
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AMG Line	RM 285,337	RM 295,888

Note: To avail the benefit of SST exemption, interested buyers need to act quickly as it ends on December 31, 2020.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Exterior

In terms of design, the second-generation GLA carries a more crossover appearance with balanced proportions and aggressive design. At the front lies a large radiator grille incorporating a single louvre and a central three-pointed star. The grille is complemented by a pair of LED performance headlamps, aggressive front bumper, non-functional full-width air intake, under which sits a functional centre inlet.

Aside from these common designing highlights, the GLA 200 gets a chrome skid plate on the bottom of the front bumper while the 250 boasts an AMG-inspired grille with chrome pins, pronounced front spoiler and gloss black trim. In the case of wheels, the GLA 200 rolls on 18-inch split-spoke silver alloys, whereas the GLA 250 is fitted with larger 19-inch two-tone units.

On the sides, it boosts a coupé-like side profile, providing it a dynamically elegant flair while on the tail-end, the designers come up with two-piece trapezoidal LED tail lights housing rectangular light guides and twin-integrated tailpipes. Extra fake vents and a sportier bumper insert round off the looks of the AMG Line.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Dimensions

Based on the brand’s latest Modular Front Architecture, the new GLA looks like a jacked-up hatchback as its height is 104 mm higher than its predecessor while in case of length and width, the SUV is smaller; 14 mm shorter in length and 2 mm narrower in width. Although wheelbase and track measurements are now increased by 30 mm and 46 mm, respectively, giving it a more imposing stance on the exterior and more space inside the cabin. Check out the 2021 Mercedes GLA dimensions:

Length	4410 mm
Width	1834 mm
Height	1611 mm
Wheelbase	2729 mm
Boot space	435 litres

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Interior

On the inside, the SUV is fitted with tons of technology that makes the drive convenient and comfy. The latest MBUX set-up dominates the dashboard with twin 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment system displays. It is mated to the latest generation ‘Mercedes me’ connectivity feature and “Hey Mercedes” voice control system. Both variants are almost the same in their interior features, including:

• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity
• Navigation with live traffic information
• Automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats with memory function, four-way lumbar support
• Leather multifunction sports steering wheel
• Light and Sight package
• Roof liner in black fabric
• Powered tailgate

With the GLA 200, customers also get Black Artico leather-wrapped seats, while the AMG Line treatment on the GLA 250 is highlighted in the form of Sports Seats packed in Artico leather and Dinamica microfibre, AMG lettering on door sill plates, and floor mats. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Engine

The different GLA variants are fitted with two different engine options, both petrol. The base GLA 200 is powered by a Renault-sourced M282 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol four-pot engine churning out a maximum power of 163 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 250 Nm from 1,620 to 4,000 rpm. Coupled with the Getrag seven-speed DCT, it is enough to propel the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in 8.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 210 kmph while the fuel economy hovers between 5.9-5.6 litres per 100 km.

At the same time, the GLA 250 has AMG Line spec and comes with an in-house 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 224 PS and 350 Nm. An 8G-DCT automatic transmission is there to send power to all four wheels. Talking about its performance, the SUV can hit the century sprint in 6.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 240 kmph. The rated fuel consumption lies between 6.7 – 6.5 litres per 100 km.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Safety

As for safety, the new GLA is loaded with seven airbags (front passenger, knee, and window). The driving assistance systems include an active braking assist, an autonomous braking system, active parking assist with Parktronic, and Pre-Safe Plus. The Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 also gets a blind-spot monitoring system.

Impressed with this small, sporty, and luxury SUV? You can now head towards any Mercedes-Benz Malaysia showroom to experience the actual fun behind the wheel. Also, you can enjoy a two-month payment holiday if you buy it before the end of this year. 

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