Locally Assembled Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan and GLA SUV Launched In Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is strengthening its presence in the country by expanding its locally produced products. The latest models to be assembled in its facility in Pekan, Pahang are the refreshed A-Class Sedan and GLA SUV. They will each have a tamer Progressive Line variant and a sportier AMG Line, making that a total of four to choose from, depending on your preference for body style and performance.

The New Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan

Power and Performance

The new A-Class Sedan comes in the form of an A 200 Progressive Line and an A 250 AMG Line. The A 200 Progressive Line is fitted with an efficient and powerful 1.33 litre four-cylinder turbo engine generating 163hp and 250Nm. On the other hand, the A 250 AMG Line has a larger 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine that generates 224hp and 350Nm. Both engines are paired with a 7G-DCT which is a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

In terms of performance, the former has a 0-100km/h sprint time of 8.1 seconds and top speed of 230km/h, while the latter is faster at 6.3 seconds and 250km/h. Both cars sit on a lowered comfort suspension set-up and 18 inch wheels with the AMG Line variant getting AMG style wheels.

Exterior Styling

The A-Class maintains the Sensual Purity design style, emphasising clean surfaces with reduced lines and precise gaps. The A-Class Sedan has the proportions of a dynamic and compact sedan car with short front and rear overhangs.

The styling is complemented by a set of LED High Performance headlamps and the respective trim of the variant whether it be Progressive or AMG.

Interior Design

The respective variant trim continues on the inside. The interior of the new A-Class Sedan maintains its modern, avant-garde look. Mercedes-Benz has taken a new approach by revolutionising the compact class from the inside with a feeling of spaciousness. The unique interior architecture is shaped by the avantgarde design of the dashboard which does away with the cowl for the instrument display. As a result, the wing-shaped main body of the dashboard extends from one front door to the other with no visual discontinuity. The air vents in a sporty turbine look are another highlight.

Setting the two variants’ interior apart are carbon-fibre look trim for the A 200, and light linear-grain aluminium trim for the A 250. Other differentiating factors include leather for the former’s multifunction sports steering wheel and nappa leather for the latter, as well as electrical adjustment and memory function for both front seats of the A 250, instead of just for the driver in the A 200. The A 250 also gets door sill panels with illuminated “Mercedes-Benz” lettering.

Despite its compact size, the A-Class Sedan offers great utility that includes above-average shoulder, elbow and headroom plus easy access to the rear. It is at the top of its segment with regard to rear headroom (944mm). Moreover, the boot capacity has a 420 litres and is designed with a large opening for practical usability, and allows for comfortable loading and unloading of larger items.

Price and Colours

The A 200 Progressive Line is priced at RM219,888 and the A 250 AMG Line at RM249,888 on the road without insurance. With the sales tax exemption, the prices reduce to RM210,902.57 and RM239,857.88 respectively. The A-Class Sedan is available in Polar White, Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Iridium Silver and Denim Blue.

The New Mercedes-Benz GLA

Power and Performance

The GLA variants also use the same 1.33 litre and 2.0 litre turbo engines as the sedans. Sporting similar power figures as the corresponding sedans, their 0-100km/h sprint times however, are a little slower at 8.7 seconds and 6.9 seconds respectively. Top speeds are 210km/h and 240km/h respectively.

The difference to the sedans is the use of a comfort suspension set-up for the GLA 200 Progressive Line (the GLA 250 AMG Line has the lowered comfort set-up). Additionally, the GLA 250 is fitted with an 8-speed 8G-DCT rather than the 7-speed used in the other three vehicles. Further, the GLA 250 also sports larger 19 inch wheels.

Exterior Styling

Both SUVs feature powerful overall proportions with short overhangs in the front and rear. The front section flows over the A-pillar into the visually compact greenhouse. The clear contours, with reduced lines and accentuated planes, convey serene sportiness and modernity. Typical of the GLA are the powerful shoulders of the bodywork and the coupé-like lines of the side windows.

Both variants get the exterior Mirror package and are fitted with LED High Performance headlamps and aluminium roof rails.

Interior Design

The new GLA offers a spacious interior, particularly benefiting the legroom in the rear and luggage compartment. The seating position for both the driver and the front passenger is higher and more upright than in the predecessor model, and thus more typical of an SUV. Both front seats are electrically adjustable and come with a memory function.

Utility value was also one of the key points of development. The rear seat back rest can be split 40:20:40, with each section folding down individually. Furthermore, the height-adjustable load floor offers considerable flexibility. When the rear seat backrests are folded down and the load floor is in the upper position, an almost flat loading area extending to the front seats can be created.

The GLA 200 Progressive Line has spiral look trim elements while the GLA 250 AMG line Light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim. The latter also has galvanised paddle shifters.

Additionally, the A-Class Sedans and GLA SUVs utilise the MBUX multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Price and Colours

The GLA 200 is priced at RM242,888, and the GLA 250 at RM278,888 (on the road without insurance). With the sales tax exemption, the prices are RM232,379.06 and RM266,164.84 respectively. Colour options are the same as the sedans.

Step Up Agility Financing Plan by Mercedes-Benz Financial

The Step Up Agility Financing Plan provides unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus* programme and most importantly, a guarantee of the future value of your vehicle no matter what happens.

The Step Up Agility Financing Plan starts from RM1,688** per month for the A 200 Progressive Line, RM2,088** per month for the A 250 AMG Line, RM1,888** for the GLA 200 progressive Line, and RM2,288** for the GLA 250 AMG Line.

For more details drop a note to: http://mb4.me/StepUpAgility or speak to a Finance and Insurance Executive at your nearest Mercedes-Benz Autohaus.

* A guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car when yours is sent for service and maintenance or warranty claims, for 48 hours or more.
** Monthly instalment above is calculated based on a 5 years tenure and downpayment of
approximately 10%.