Priced from RM 210k, 2021 CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan (V177) is launched in Malaysia

More than eight months after Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) announced plans of expanding its line-up of locally-assembled (CKD) models, the three-pointed star has unveiled the 2021 CKD Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan (V177) alongside the CKD Mercedes-Benz GLA at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPac).

The CKD A-Class Sedan is available with two variants, the A200 Progressive Line which is priced from RM 219,888 (RM 210,902, with SST exemption) and the A250 AMG Line which starts from RM 249,888 (RM 239,858, with SST exemption).

This makes the A-Class Sedan as the most affordably-priced Mercedes-Benz model in Malaysia.

That's up to RM 11k less than the CBU versions which were priced from RM 222,121 for the A200 and RM 259,255 for the A250.

Previously, the A-Class Sedan was either imported from Mexico or Germany with later models brought in from Germany's Rastatt plant. The CKD version, meanwhile, is assembled at MBM’s plant in Pekan, Pahang.

The A200 is powered by a Renault-sourced M282 turbocharged 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine (163 PS/250 Nm).

But if you need more power, that’s where the A250 comes in. It’s powered by a turbocharged M260 2.0-litre engine (224 PS/350 Nm). Both variants are paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels.

In terms of features, the CKD A-Class Sedan is more or less similarly equipped as its CBU counterpart. Both models come with LED headlights with auto high beam and fake exhaust tips, much to the chagrin to some of us in the office.

Also read: Review: Mercedes-Benz A250 AMG Line sedan - is it RM 48k better than the 218i GC?

The A250 comes with an AMG styling kit that adds on some sporty visual bits to the ‘Baby Benz’ including more aggressive bumpers, side skirts, and AMG-badged alloys.

However, cross drilled brakes are notably absent on the CKD A250.

Also read: The original Baby Benz – The history of the Mercedes-Benz W201

Inside, both variants share the same features too with the twin 10.25-inch MBUX instrument and infotainment displays being the main focus of the dash. This comes supported with a voice control system that allows users to operate key features like the air-cond and navigation by saying “Hi Proton” “Hey Mercedes”.

It’s the trims that differentiate between the two variants. The entry-level A200 gets a standard leather sports steering wheel, carbon-fibre look trim, and luxury seats up front.

Meanwhile the A250 gets a Nappa leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, light linear-grain aluminium trim, and front sports seats. The A250 also gets ambient lighting and illuminated door sill panels.

In terms of safety, both variants come with 7 airbags, Active Brake Assist AEB, and Active Parking Assist with a reverse camera. The A250 adds on Blind Spot Assist and Exit Warning Assist.

With the CKD A-Class now priced a little closer to the BMW 218i Gran Coupe (from RM 211,367), can the better-looking Baby Benz upstage the Baby Beemer?

Also read: Mercedes A-Class vs BMW 2 Series GC: Which is a genuine entrance to luxury?