Mercedes-Benz GLA compact SUV launched for Rs 42.1 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has launched its new GLA compact SUV, with introductory prices starting at Rs 42.1 lakh. There are a total of four variants of the GLA on sale in India right now with both petrol and diesel engines, including a more powerful GLA 35 AMG variant. The GLA rivals the likes of the BMW X1, Volvo XC40, Mini Countryman and while Audi doesn’t have the Q3 on sale, the Q2 will surely be in its crosshairs.

Styling and dimensions

The new GLA is an all-new generation car, and has nothing to do with the one it replaces. It is much bigger than it was before — it is taller and wider and with a 30mm longer wheelbase, it has more room on the inside as well. Styling elements are drawn more from Merc’s SUV family rather than the A-Class, and it looks more grown up for this generation.
The regular GLA will be sold in two distinct trim lines — the 200 and the 220d come with the Progressive Line trim. The 220d 4Matic gets the AMG Line trim, with a different grille, flared bumpers, larger 19-inch wheels and a different interior trim. The GLA 35 looks even more aggressive with the Panamericana grille, spoiler and twin exhaust tips. It also gets Multibeam LED headlamps, which the other variants miss out on.

Engines

The GLA is available with both petrol and diesel engines, though only the diesel variants get the option of all-wheel drive. The petrol variant is badged GLA 200 and it gets a 1.3-litre, four cylinder turbo-petrol motor that puts out 161bhp and 250Nm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DCT and drive is transferred to the front wheels. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100kmph time of 8.7 seconds for the GLA 200, and a top speed of 210kmph. The GLA 220d gets a bigger 2-litre turbo-diesel engine that puts out 187bhp and makes a punchy 400Nm of torque. Both FWD and AWD variants get the 8-speed automatic transmission. The FWD variants have a slightly lower 0-100kmph acceleration time (7.4 sec) and slightly higher top speed (222kmph) compared to the AWD variant (7.3sec, 219kmph).

The GLA 35 AMG obviously has the most powerful engine in the range. The 2-litre petrol makes 302bhp and 400Nm, with a naught to 100kmph time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 250kmph. This engine gets an 8-speed automatic as well, and gets all-wheel drive as standard.

Features

The interior of the GLA is rather similar to the A-Class Limousine that was launched a few months ago. The dashboard is dominated by the twin 10.25-inch screens — one acting as the instrument cluster and the other acting as the infotainment screen. The GLA gets the new MBUX interface, with inbuilt navigation, the Mercedes me system that allows you to connect to the car with a smartphone and also get OTA updates. There’s wireless charging for phones as well. To up the luxury quotient, there’s a panoramic sunroof, 64 colour ambient lighting, wood trim (in Progressive Line variants), 2-zone climate control and memory seats. In terms of safety, the GLA gets 7 airbags as standard, active brake assist, an active bonnet for pedestrian safety, ESP and ABS with EBD. It is worth mentioning that the GLA 35 gets a different suspension set up that is likely stiffer, and also gets a Burmester audio system.

The GLA 200 is the entry level variant that costs Rs 42.1 lakh. The GLA 220d costs Rs 43.7 lakh, the 220d 4Matic with AWD and the AMG Line body kit costs Rs 46.7 lakh while the GLA 35 AMG tops the range at Rs 57.3 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). It is worth mentioning that the G:A 35 is locally assembled and is the third AMG model to be assembled in India. Mercedes-Benz has made clear that these are only introductory prices that will remain in place till June 1. Then onwards, the prices will be hiked by approximately Rs 1.5 lakh.