Ever since the 1st generation GLA was unveiled, Mercedes Benz Malaysia (MBM) managed to sell quite a number of these vehicles even if it’s fully imported. The main reason that the GLA sells so well, is because most modern day car buyers have a huge appetite for SUVs. In order to fulfill the market needs, MBM decided to start locally assembling the GLA 200, GLA 250, and the GLA 35 AMG here on our local soil. This time round, I’ll be reviewing the locally assembled GLA 250, and see how good Mercedes Benz’s baby SUV is.
In order to make the latest generation GLA more pleasing to the eyes, many of the sharp lines on the previous generation model have been rounded off. The new GLA not only looked more mature than before, it also looked more feminine compared to its predecessor. For the GLA 250, it gets the signature 3D front grille that looks futuristic even if it has been around for quite awhile. In terms of illumination, the GLA gets full LED lights all round to keep the vehicle looking modern. Lastly, the GLA 250 is fitted with a set of 19-inch rims wrapped in 235/50 R19 tyres. The rims may be considered on the larger side, the body of the GLA somehow still manages to make the rims look small. 
Just like the GLB, the GLA carries the similar interior design as any Mercedes Benz vehicle built on the A-class platform. In front of the driver, there is a wide screen display that stretches all the way to the center of the dashboard. These displays are being used as the instrument cluster and the infotainment screen, and it comes standard with Android Auto and Apple Carplay. While getting comfortable behind the wheel is easy, I do hope that the front seats could go a little lower just to give the driver a more sporty driving position. 
In the back seats, the GLA has no problem allowing 2 occupants to get comfortable even on long journeys. The headroom and legroom space are plenty, but shoulder room for 3 adults can be a tight squeeze. Behind the rear seats, the GLA gets a decently sized boot that measures in at 435L. The boot is rather flexible as the boot floor can be lowered to load taller items, and the 2nd row seats can also be folded down to create a flat floor for an even better carrying capabilities. 
Being the GLA 250, it will be powered by the same 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder engine that was also powering the GLB 250. But in the GLA 250, power is only being sent to the front wheels through the same 8-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This engine has the ability to produce 224 hp at 5,500 rpm of power and a peak torque of 350 Nm at 1,800 rpm. According to Mercedes Benz, this powertrain can push the GLA 250 to a top speed of 240km/h and hitting the 100km/h from standstill in just 6.9 seconds. 
With the removal of the 4Matic all wheel drive drivetrain, the engine response in the GLA does feel lighter when compared to the GLB. Even so, the overall driving experience between both vehicles feels very similar. This is also the same for the characteristic of the DCT, where it has a smooth gear change, but it’s not as snappy as those found on Volkswagens. On the move, the DCT constantly gives me the feeling that it wants me to drive faster, but I guess this is just one of the characteristics of a DCT.
In terms of the ride, the previous generation GLA was famous for having a rather stiff suspension. But for the latest generation model, the suspension did soften a little, even though the suspension is still on the firmer side. Handling wise, the GLA do feel confident when it’s being driven fast through the corners. The steering wheel feels sharp, and the grip from the Eco tyres are quite decent to keep the car stable in the corners. Then again, the body roll is still there especially when the GLA comes with a tall center of gravity. 
In order to slow the GLA down, the all wheel disc brakes do provide good stopping performance. On top of that, the brake pedal on the GLA is easy to modulate, which helps the driver to slow the vehicle down smoothly. As for safety and driver assistance systems, the GLA comes with a pretty similar list of safety and driver assistance systems as the GLB. The GLA 250 comes standard with 7 Airbags, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, Exit Warning Assist, Tyre pressure monitoring system, and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
With a price tag of RM 283,888.00, the GLA 250 is a great product from Mercedes Benz. It’s a very safe choice of vehicle for people who are looking for a small premium SUV. This is because the GLA is one of those vehicles that has the ability to adapt to the needs of the different buyers. While the GLA 250 is a good vehicle, I feel that it lacks the wow factor that a vehicle at this price point should have. This is not the fault of the GLA, but modern day cars in general tend to drive very similarly to its siblings, especially when they’re built on the same platform.
See full photo album here. 
