Mercedes Benz Finally Play Catch-up with Audi & BMW in India – A Look at GLA Class
There is considerable confusion over whether this model is a smaller brother of the German maker’s SUV lineup or simply a beefed-up variant of the baser A-class. Mercedes-Benz seems to prefer seeing a bit of both in this new crossover. With this impressively innovative new vehicle, Mercedes-Benz seems to finally play catch-up with its counterparts, Audi and BMW, in India. Having witnessed the GLA first at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier on in 2013, Mercedes seems set to take the Q3 and X1 head on.
Borrowed exterior from A-Class
In this department the GLA appears more like a hatchback (courtesy the A-class) than a true blue member of the SUV lineup. This can be attributed to the fact that numerous features like the headlights, C pillars and even the front fenders are borrowed directly from the A-class design. Adding further weight to this claim is the fact that despite having a ground clearance of up to 185 mm, the vehicle exudes a feel and look of a fairly large hatchback, than that of a conventional 4×4. That’s not to say that we dislike it, in fact, we likey very much!
The brilliantly unique look stand testament to the new designing language being implemented by Mercedes-Benz in all its forthcoming products and models.
Advanced Touchscreen, Embedded GPS and Climate Control
Pictures released by the company indicate the presence of numerous uniquely designed and innovative features. There is generous usage of leather and chrome materials inside the cabin – lending a stylishly premium and distinguished feel inside as well. Moreover, the seats and steering wheel have been treated with a dosage of premium leather upholstery, further enhancing the premium feel in this crossover.
Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the GLA with a string of advanced gadgets and equipments like an advanced touchscreen combined with an embedded GPS navigation system, an advanced climate control unit and more. In order to provide the driver a smoother driving experience, the company has also provided call related Bluetooth and audio control buttons on the steering wheel as well.
Performance
The petrol variant, the GLA 200 CGi, with 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder direct injection engine capable of producing a peak power output of 156 PS at 3500 rpm and 250 Nm of max Torque between 1250-4000 rpm. The GLA 200 CGi claims to achieve 0-100kmph in 8.9seconds and a max speed of 205 km/h with this Euro 6 compliant engine.
On the other hand, the diesel variant is equipped with a new 2.1L turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine, is expected to be leading the demand for this vehicle. Under the badge of the GLA 200 CDi, the variant is capable of producing about 136PS of max power between 3400 and 4000 rpm and a max torque output of 300 Nm in the range of 1400 – 3000 rpm. It too attains a top speed of 205 km/h while managing to achieve 100kmph from 0 in 10 seconds – thereby, making it slower than the petrol variant. Both these engines shall be married with the proven Mercedes-Benz 7G-DCT automatic transmission with a dual clutch setup.
Benz GLA in India, this September!
Mercedes-Benz aims to launch this beauty in a price range of INR 25 – 30 Lakh in the coming month of September. While Mercedes appears to take the segment and market by storm with the help of this latest entrant, it also appears to ensure that this launch is an out-and-out success with the subsequent launch of the 4Matic [4-wheel drive] version and the AMG powered GLA45 version too! If you’re still not convinced, I’d recommend you to buy it – if only for the beautifully wide and new sun-roof in place as well!
