Peter Lyon
January 19, 2024
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia teased an image of the new GLA 200 on social media on a Thursday, and on Friday, it had been launched in the country. However, according to one source, the facelifted model will only be offered in the GLA 200 specification and will be locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and cost RM258,888 on the road, eclipsing the outgoing model by some RM4k.
Revealed in March 2023, the car’s new exterior LED lighting is one of the highlights of the GLA. It adopts a minimalist light signature on both the front and rear, just like on the redesigned A-Class. The more commonplace Progressive Line package is still included in the GLA 200 lineup in Malaysia, but it has been modified with extra chrome bumper accents to give it a more upscale and robust look.
The new model boasts innovative “power domes” on the hood, just like the A-Class. To give the small crossover a sharper look, its rear bumper has also been revised with a faux diffuser feature. These compliment the redesigned 18-inch five-twin-spoke wheels in Tremolite Grey.
The only noticeable modifications to the otherwise modest interior updates include a revised steering wheel with touch-control panels, as well as the removal of the touch-control panel from the centre console, and the new three-pointed star pattern on the interior trims.
The dash is almost identical to its predecessor, but the MBUX infotainment system displayed on the twin 10.25-inch screens has been updated to accommodate wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Highlights of the interior equipment include the wireless charging pad, 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, 64-color ambient lighting, powered hands-free tailgate, and powered comfort seats covered in black Artico man-made leather.
The Malaysian-spec GLA 200 will employ the same 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as before but without any hybrid assistance. The engine still generates 163 hp and 250 Nm, but because of the increased weight, it now takes 0.2 seconds longer to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h (8.9 seconds) while its top speed remains at 210 km/h. Strangely, the ‘comfort’ suspension that was formerly included on the outgoing GLA 200 has been replaced with standard suspension.
The new 2024 model retains the same safety package as the previous one, with standard features including a tyre pressure monitoring system, adaptive high-beam assist, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, Parking Package with reverse camera, Active Parking Assist, and an exit warning aid.
The upgraded 2024 GLA 200 will be covered by a normal four-year unlimited-mileage warranty, just like all Mercedes-Benz Malaysia vehicles. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s new online store (connected here) and retail locations across the country are now stocking the new GLA 200.
OUR THOUGHTS
This GLA 200 is the perfect size for a family-oriented luxury SUV. And no matter how you look at this sporty SUV, it looks as good from the back as it does head-on. Sure the grille is massive yet functional to suck in huge amounts of radiator-cooling air, but that 3-pointed star on the grille is about as big a logo as we’ve ever seen—perhaps a little too monstrous. Overall this compact SUV will make a superb addition to Mercedes-Benz in Malaysia.
