DESTINED TO OUTSHINE
From day to night, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC offers a lesson in how a vehicle so expressive in design can, too, achieve the most impressive acceleration experience.
Shades on, windows down, hands on the wheel—I thought I knew what I was in for with the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC, but as I learned over the weekend I spent cruising in this dynamic vehicle, the German marque’s new-generation compact SUV truly redefined how I understood the cliché expression, “more than meets the eye”. While Mercedes-Benz rightfully has the reputation for quality and excellence, and BAZAAR has certainly leaped into the driving seat countless times to take a whirl of its newest offerings, it wasn’t until the GLA 45 that I realised an SUV could be this beautiful and agile at the same time. Case in point: only 4.4 seconds are needed to take this aerodynamic GLA from total standstill to 100km/h. And this great power was clear as day: when first in line at a stop light, all geared up to push the 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the best of my ability once the light turned green ... The AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sport transmission had every car trailing in the GLA’s dust as soon as I hit the pedal in Sports mode. And while it was unintentional when it first happened, I soon found myself loving the way the AMG Performance exhaust system would seductively rumble with each shift of the gear paddle. Feeling adventurous? The Race mode is at the ready. As flexible as the GLA 45 is in changing its engine note intensity, my time with it ended just as soon. Taking one final glance into the illuminated vanity mirror, I stepped out into the night, leaving the chiselled lines and taut curves of this matte titanium grey beauty behind, ending the GLA 45 experience on a high. Priced at RM408,888 on-the-road, without insurance. J www.mercedes-benz.com.my
DO YOU HAVE DRIVE ...
THE WOMAN: Always in the front seat of life, you step on the accelerator when challenged, heels on. THE CAR: The all-new Mercedes-Benz SLC 200, the sexy roadster that takes you from cruise to charge with its five Dynamic Select drive options. THE EXPERIENCE: When a marque uses the words “expressive, emotion, ecstasy” to describe this baby, you know you’re in for a driving experience like no other. Drive it top-down for those nighttime spins under the stars—this bullet goes from zero to hero in 6.9 seconds. THE STYLING: The diamond radiator grille in black with louvre in iridium silver and chrome trim makes this quite the luxury acquisition. Perfect match for your Saint Laurent metallic booties. Priced at RM398,888 on-the-road, without insurance
… ARE YOU DRIVEN?
THE WOMAN: The C-Suite success, who effortlessly strategises business and pleasure from the backseat of her limo. THE CAR: The MercedesBenz S400h AMG truly personifies the best of the best, with its blue-chip design, luxurious interior comforts, and superior drive. THE EXPERIENCE: S is for Stealth, and this class act takes you from boardroom to evening balls with sensual elegance. But more than a luxurious ride, Mercedes-Benz’s Intelligent Drive philosophy and exclusive AMG performance features make this a powerful vehicle that speaks deep substance. THE STYLING: A synergistic expression of AMG sports styling meets fine craftsmanship. Expect all the limo luxuries within the leather and wood interiors, presented in an ultra-dynamic machine. You’ve invested well, now sit back and enjoy the ride. Priced at RM598,888 on-the-road, without insurance