Mercedes Benz GLA-Class

The interior of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class hasn't changed either. The car retains the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. The dashboard has three air-conditioning vents. There are two 10.25-inch units for infotainment and instrument display. Features include keyless entry, power-adjustable front seats with memory, and push-button start. The Light and Sight package is optional. A big update in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class are the digitized controls. The sunroof and steering wheel controls are now placed on the touchscreen. There's an onboard air purifier. The ambient lighting even covers the door handles and pads. Some hard plastics have been used in the cabin but that doesn't affect the overall look and feel. 

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class looks similar to its outgoing version. The car retains the flowing roofline and the aerodynamic shape. The GLA-Class is handsome but doesn't look flashy. The LED headlights are connected to the grille that sports the signature three-pointed star in the center. The bumper comes with a chrome appliqué. It's styled a bit like a skid plate. The car runs on 19-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels. At the back, the lights are horizontally stacked. The central bar isn't illuminated but gets a black gloss finish. 

Travelling in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is a mixed experience.  The ride quality is on the firmer side. The suspension is non-adjustable, regardless of the drive mode chosen. But at the same, the car offers a spirited drive on well-paved, twisty roads. The impact from some of the larger bumps and potholes are felt inside the cabin. The ride isn't harsh but not plush either. Body roll is minimal and the car has good road grip. The cabin of the five-passenger GLA-Class is spacious. There's enough headroom and legroom. Taller passengers may find space on the rear seat a bit lacking. But all seats offer good back support and are comfortable for long highway trips. Cargo space is sufficient and increases with the rear seat folded flat. 

The car is available in three versions with two engine options. The entry-level 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class Progressive Line is hauled by a turbocharged, Renault-sourced, four-cylinder, 1.3-litre petrol engine that produces 163 PS and 250 Nm. The motor is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch. Power delivery is linear and the car revs quickly. The 1.3-litre powertrain never feels underpowered. The steering is nicely weighted and the response is accurate and quick. There are four driving modes that adjust the steering, engine, and transmission. All modes are actually usable. Handling the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is easy. The car turns corners easily. Even on packed streets, overtaking with the GLA-Class is pretty easy. The all-wheel-drive transmission shows its power on off-road surfaces. But the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is more of an on-road, highway cruising car.    

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class comes with exhaustive safety features like all-around camera, parking sensors, automated emergency braking, high-beam assist, and multiple airbags. The optional Driver Assistance package comprises lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The car has earned a five-star safety rating in many countries. 

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a starting price of RM 254,888. It's certainly not among the more affordable cars in its segment. But the GLC-Class has been a game changer for the German company in the premium crossover segment. It comes with a nice set of features and a capable powertrain. Styling-wise, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is better equipped than its competitors. But a Mercedes-Benz is usually not the first car for a buyer and the new GLA-Class will be in the same category. It's for those who want a premium, relaxed drive.