Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Overview

The 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is a new addition to the local H247 GLA range, and just like so many of its siblings today, this exciting new model is assembled in Pekan, which gives this entry-level AMG model a highly tempting price of RM363,888.

There’s only one direct rival to the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC, and it is the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, which retails for a little under RM390k.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Exterior

Unlike the other two Mercedes-Benz GLAs available, this AMG GLA is distinct, thanks to the vertical louvres in its grille, and the AMG-only front apron that features splitters and horizontal louvres. At the rear is another AMG-only apron, with two apertures for its twin tailpipes. Only 1 rim option is available, and it is the 20-inch AMG 5-spoke finished in matte black.

Colour options for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC are Polar White, Cosmos Black, Iridium Silver, Mountain Grey, and Denim Blue.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Interior

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is a special place to be. Its superb sport seats can be specified in Artico leather or Dinamica microfiber, and both come with contrasting red stitching, as well as red seatbelts, for that sporty vibe. Complementing these great seats is the now-familiar AMG Performance steering wheel that is a wonder to use and feel with its design and Nappa-leather finish.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Features

As the range-topping GLA in this country, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC gets Multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, aluminium roof rails, and surround lighting with a projection of the iconic three-pointed Mercedes star.

Other significant features include rear seats that can be folded, Thermotronic climate control, Light and Sight Package that has 64 colours of interior ambient lighting, auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror and driver’s side mirror, a 360-degree camera system, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Lane Tracking Package, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Exit Warning Assist, and Active Brake Assist.

For convenience, there is the Keyless-Go Comfort package, Hands-free Access with Keyless-Go, Easy-pack Tailgate, and the Urban Guard vehicle protection system that comes with anti-theft and interior monitoring system that can be view on the Mercedes me smartphone application.

Finally, as the best in the GLA range, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC also receives the Burmester sound system and the latest communication module that can be used for the Mercedes me connect services.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Powertrain

This entry-level AMG SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes 306 PS between 5,800 and 6,100 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 2,250 and 5000 rpm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed AMG Speedshift 8G DCT, and power is shuffled to all 4 wheels, hence the 4MATIC in its name.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Driving Performance

0-100 km/h is polished off in an impressive 5.2 seconds, and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC will top out at 250 km/h.

The three-pointed star is trying to straddle the line between comfort and performance with this SUV, and in our opinion more focus has been placed on the latter, which is why the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC feels agile and quick almost everywhere. The steering is a tad light in Comfort mode (as it should be), and firms up beautifully when more spirited driving modes are selected. Direction changes are accomplished without much fuss, and when needed the brakes bring the 1.6-tonne vehicle to a stop with assurance.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Ride Comfort

The focus on performance, sadly, impairs ride comfort, especially for those who are seated in the rear – the setup of the suspension at the rear axle is simply too stiff. Given the technology available today, we simply can’t understand why, as cars like the FK8 Honda Civic Type R can be utterly comfortable at a moment, and with a flick of a switch firm up into a track-ready sports car. Mercedes-AMG has the technology surely, but it isn’t found on the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC.

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Fuel Economy

Remarkably, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC returned 10.1 l/100km in our own testing, which is a respectable figure and is in fact the best one in all our reviews of AMG models. 

Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC – Conclusion

Given its dearth of competition aside from the MINI John Cooper Works Country, there are not many choices available for a buyer who wants to ferry his family around expeditiously. What's more, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC is the more ‘sensible’ choice of the two, given the MINI’s quirkiness. Certain buyers may thumb their noses at the CKD designation, but more will be drawn by the attractive price, and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC really has very few flaws, the most significant of which is its too-stiff rear suspension setup.