Mercedes Benz has started teasing their upcoming crossover GLA at their website and other social media. They have also officially confirmed its Indian launch date as September 30, 2014.
The GLA is the most interesting small crossover based on the company’s Modular Front Architecture (MFA) which it shares with its siblings A-Class and B-Class. First showcased in India at this Auto Expo in Delhi, the GLA is expected to be a big seller for the German luxury car manufacturer. The production GLA compact crossover was first showcased last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The GLA will initially be brought to India via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route, and then there are plans for it to be assembled in India via the Completely Knocked Down (CKD) route at Mercedes India’s Chakan assembly plant in Pune.
The GLA has been slotted below the GLK Class and is supposed to slug it out against the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 in India. The crossover is 4,417mm long, 1,804mm wide and 1,494mm high and will feature large 20 inch wheels. The fitted roof rails, the mud skid plates and black under body covering lend the Crossover a certain sporty charm.
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system will definitely boost its off-roading capabilities. While most of the vehicles of these categories seldom go out off the tarmac, they do not disappoint under some light off-roading.
The GLA has been worked on extensively by the designers at Mercedes and with a Cd value of 0.29, it is one of the most streamlined SUVs in the world. The huge sun roof also makes the car look even more attractive.
India will be getting two power trims:
- A 1.6L petrol which produces 156PS of power at 5300rpm and 250Nm at 1250-4000rpm
- A 2.2L diesel which churns out 170PS of power at 3400-4000rpm and 350Nm at 1400-3400rpm
India would not be getting the 6 speed manual that Mercedes sells internationally. Both the engines will be accompanied by a 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
This last minute squeeze during the festive season will certainly do wonders for Mercedes‘ sales volume, allowing the GLA sufficient time to attract attention during the festive rush. We expect the prices to be bang on or slightly under the Q3!
