Sporty look: The SUV displays its peak performance in sport mode.

At Rp 745 million (US$52,895), the all new Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG is suitable for those who like an off-road driving style while wishing to look elegant in a crossover fashion.

A compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) in its retro-classical style is the first impression of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG Line with its midsize dimensions.

The first Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 AMG line was launched in Indonesia in 2014. This time the car is 30 millimeters taller with off-road suspension. Its bumper has been modified and has 19-inch AMG 5-spoke alloy wheel rims. The bi-xenon headlights previously used have been replaced by high-performance LED lights.

Moving to the interior, the steering chamber gives a sense of close similarity to this car’s other A-series models and the soft panels, typical of Mercedes, are also felt inside.

Its elegant interior design, predominantly black and chrome lined with leather and suede, is a bit too luxurious for an SUV that will mostly be soiled, while suede is rather difficult to clean.

The flat-bottom design of the steering shaft makes it look sporty, with a shift paddle behind it for manual shifting modes. Red threading is exposed on the steering wheel, door trims and upholstery.

The semi-bucket seats are quite comfortable, enabling one’s back to snuggle in softly in a relaxed
position.

However, the driver’s position lacks comfort and the seat has to be raised because the dashboard and engine hood are too high for driving.

The compact steering chamber means a limited range of vision that would hamper driving maneuvers.

Yet this car sufficiently provides the driver with an informative speedometer design and a fine infotainment screen, although it does not yet apply touch-screen technology.

The air conditioning panel gives a more retro vibe because it is all analog. The panel is easy to operate and what is more important is that it functions very well.

The rear seats are not adjustable for reclining, so rear passengers will not feel as comfortable as those in front.

This car is also equipped with a sunroof that can be opened to relieve any feeling of being overcrowded at the back. The trunk with its powered back door is not so spacious but still big enough to carry suitcases.

In terms of performance, this car is generally steady to handle but one should not expect it to offer a soft drive because, with its crossover basis, the suspension is certainly hard and still tough even in comfort mode, let alone sport mode. This is just how an SUV generally fares.

Interestingly, though, despite its high ground clearance the car runs most stably without wobbling, displaying its peak performance in sport mode.

Its gas pedal is firmly fixed with no turbo lag or response delay when pressed.

The dual clutch of its automatic seven-speed transmission makes the gear shift system work faster and more aggressively, but this car is not meant for racing.

With a straight-four 1,595-cc turbo engine it can produce 15 HP at the 5,500 rpm and 250 Nm torque at the 1,250-4,000 rpm.

Combining the engine with the transmission and front-wheel propeller steering system allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in around 10 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 220 km per hour, as seen during a recent test-drive on the Bintaro — Serpong toll road.

An interesting feature is the attention assistant that can detect sleepiness by noticing the driver’s behavior, and give a warning of any micro-sleep that may be experienced. This was proven after being caught in a jam for around 2 hours during the drive, when loud beeps were heard along with a yellow image of a cup of coffee in the middle of the speedometer, which only disappeared after the car stopped in a rest area.

— Photos by JP/R. Berto Wedhatama

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