KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) unveiled the new generation Mercedes GLA range today at the Kuala Lumpur Life Centre, which will also be the stage for a customer event tonight — the GLA is a cross-over SUV built on the A-class platform, and as usual, three variants are available, starting with the GLA 200 Urban Line, and GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line. At the top of the model series is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, with a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 Nm maximum torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.4 seconds, it is among the most powerful cars in its segment.

The new generation compact SUV receives a host of new exterior and interior upgrades, as well as an improved list of specifications for the Malaysian market. It is not the biggest crossover SUV around, but it certainly looks great, but I suppose one of the greatest pull factors would be the three-pointed star emblem on it, a clear status symbol to many.

"The new generation GLA with its unique character and progressive appearance is destined to become a style icon. With a sporting soul and a dynamic character combined with its stylish highlights, it is perfectly suited for an active lifestyle,” says Mark Raine, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Vice President of Sales & Marketing Mark Raine with the new Mercedes GLA series.

The new GLA gets a different set of bumpers, new alloy wheels and a new colour, — "Canyon Beige”. The GLA 200 Urban Line and the GLA 250 4MATIC AMG Line get a set of new off-road suspension, and 19-inch wheels.

The AMG Line on the GLA 250 4MATIC comes with AMG bodystyling, a radiator grille with two louvres painted in silver and chrome inserts, and also the twin-pipe sports exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements integrated into the bumper. Wheels are 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels, with perforated brake disks at the front and the front brake callipers come embossed with Mercedes-Benz lettering.

The characteristic distinguishing feature of the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is the sharpened front section. The front apron was given an even more dynamic shape, new air intake grilles, a front splitter insert plus flics in high-gloss black. These guide the cooling air flows to the vehicle radiators even more effectively. The twin louvre on the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille is now in silver chrome, as are the inserts in the side sill panels. Eye-catching features at the tail end are the new diffuser insert in the rear apron, the trim in high gloss black and the new spoiler lip on the roof spoiler. It helps improve the driving dynamics of the GLA 45 4MATIC. The GLA 45 4MATIC features 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.

The GLA has been developed using the wind tunnel facility at Sindelfingen, and has good aerodynamic efficiency which contribute decisively to the low fuel consumption in everyday conditions and a pleasantly discreet noise level even at higher speeds. 

Aerodynamic improvements include a low A-pillar step with corresponding A-pillar geometry and aerodynamically optimised exterior mirror housings. The generously sized trim on the main floor, an additional trim in the centre section of the rear axle and even an aerodynamically optimised rear silencer with a connected diffuser improve the flow of air beneath the underbody. An elaborate roof spoiler lip, specially shaped tail lights plus discreet side rear spoilers also ensure that the air flow at the tail end is aerodynamically optimal, resulting in an improved Cd value from the previous 0.29 to 0.28.

The interior of the GLA is enhanced by new seat covers and trim parts as well as chromed control panels. The free-standing 20.3 cm (8-inch) media display is slim and is easily legible, as are the new dials with red needles. The controls for switches on the electric seat adjustment in the doors have been given small yet effective highlights and the stowage compartment in the centre console is also surrounded by a chrome frame.

At the top of the model series is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, with a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 Nm maximum torque.

For the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, the interior has been similarly upgraded. The dashboard is covered as standard with ARTICO man-made leather and has been given exclusive highlights with red contrasting topstitching. A further highlight is the generously sized trim, extending over virtually the entire width of the car: its fundamental structure is printed matt with a high-gloss surface and it bears AMG lettering. The instrument cluster has been given a new number design and the speedometer is divided into 30 km/h stages. New needles with a black needle centre and the chrome frame around the gear display also ensure an autonomous cockpit experience.

Vehicle safety is the top priority at Mercedes-Benz. The GLA has the "Active Brake Assist” as standard: it warns the driver if there is not sufficient distance to the vehicle in front and if required, delivers situation-appropriate braking. If the system detects that the driver is reacting too late, it initiates autonomous braking in order to prevent the collision or minimise the consequences. The GLA also has the "Attention Assist” as standard: it can detect typical signs of drowsiness via the steering behaviour and warn the driver about an impending microsleep.

Comfortable, sporty, efficient or completely individual suspension settings can be dialled-in with the Dynamic Select button in the upper control panel. The selection of a particular transmission mode changes parameters such as the characteristics of the engine, transmission, steering and suspension. A choice of 5 different transmission modes to suit personal preference — Comfort, Sport, Eco, Individual and additionally Off-road in conjunction with 4MATIC (for GLA 250 4MATIC).

The agile and dynamic power transfer is assisted by the 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission. Thanks to the shorter ratios selected in gears three to seven the driver senses an even more emotively appealing acceleration experience in all speed ranges. Together with optimised response and shift times, the closer ratio spread ensures better transitions when upshifting.

The new GLA 200 Urban Line.

Mercedes-AMG is continuing its model initiative with full steam ahead and is enhancing the GLA 45 4MATIC both visually and technically. The front apron was given an even more dynamic shape, new air intake grilles, a front splitter insert in silver chrome plus flics in high-gloss black. These guide the cooling air flows to the vehicle radiators even more effectively. LED High Performance headlamps are part of the standard host of equipment including a multi-spoke 20-inch light-alloy wheel.

With a maximum output of 280 kW (381 hp) and 475 Nm maximum torque the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC is among the most powerful cars in its segment. A speed of 100 km/h is achieved from standstill after just 4.4 seconds. The extremely agile 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine blends its thrilling performance and the exemplary efficiency with a further best: the power-to-swept-volume ratio of 141 kW (191 hp) marks a record for a series engine with four cylinders — it raises the AMG engine to the level of thoroughbred super sports cars.

One of the high-tech components of the four-cylinder turbo engine is the spray-guided direct petrol injection. Piezo injectors centrally located in the four combustion chambers inject the fuel at a pressure of up to 200 bar. The combination of multiple fuel injection and multi-spark ignition improves fuel economy and significantly increases thermodynamic efficiency, leading to low exhaust emissions. The twin-scroll turbocharger and maximum dethrottling of the exhaust system improve the charge pressure build-up, and therefore the engine’s response to the accelerator.

On the road the turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine thrills with extremely fast responses to accelerator movements, high torque, enormous flexibility and an emotional engine note. The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. The intensity of the engine note changes according to the currently active AMG Dynamic Select driving mode.

With the AMG performance exhaust system the sound is even sportier through the modified structure of the muffler system and it thus intensifies the emotively appealing sound experience. It can be regulated via selection of the drive programme or via a switch. In the interior the impressive sound can be experienced even more intensely at the touch of a button through the more powerful intake noise of the engine.

For optimum traction even in poor road surface conditions the standard all-wheel drive AMG performance 4MATIC transfers the drive power to all wheels. The torque is steplessly variably distributed to the front and rear axle. This configuration results in an optimum ratio of dynamism, efficiency and traction to match the driving situation. A multiple-disc clutch integrated in the rear axle differential with AMG-specific control passes on the engine torque to the rear wheels in a flash should the front wheels lose traction. The spectrum ranges from purely front-wheel drive to the ratio of 50 to 50 per cent to the front and rear wheels. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined).  

— By YS Khong