Mercedes-Benz GLA launched in India at Rs. 32.75 lakh

German carmaker, Mercedes-Benz has launched the GLA crossover in India at prices starting from Rs. 32.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The car is pitted against compact SUVs such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

The GLA shares its platform with the A-Class hatchback. A raised stance and large wheel arches gives it a muscular look. At the front it has a two slat grille with the Mercedes-Benz star in the centre, bi-xenon headlamps with LED day-time running lights and a front bumper featuring diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. On the sides, the GLA features curving shoulder and character lines while at the rear there are wraparound tail lamps and a bumper with black grain trim and matt silver chrome skid plates and twin chrome plated exhausts. The car rides on the 18-inch, 5-twin-spoke alloy wheels, and gets aluminium roof rails.

On the inside, the GLA gets a cabin similar to the A-Class. There is a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel and the dashboard has five round air vents with galvanized bezels. The seats are upholstered in leather with the ones at the front being electrically adjustable and the rear one getting a 60:40 split function. Equipment includes an infotainment system with a 14.7 cm screen, Harman Kardon audio system, satellite navigation, rear-view camera, CD and MP3 compatibility and USB and Bluetooth connectivity.

Safety features such as airbags hill start assist, ESP, ASR, BAS are standard on the GLA. The car has earned an NCAP rating of 5 stars.

The GLA is available with a choice of two 4-cylinder engines - one petrol one diesel. The petrol unit is a 1991 cc motor that develops 181 bhp @ 5500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque @ 1200-4000 rpm. The diesel engine has a displacement of 2143 cc and produces 134 bhp @ 3600-4400 rpm and 300 Nm of torque @ 1600-3000 rpm. Both engines are mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.Mercedes claims fuel efficiency figures of 13.7 kpl and 17.9 kpl for the petrol and diesel engines respectively.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

• GLA 200 CDI Style: Rs. 32.75 lakh
• GLA 200 Sport: Rs. 36 lakh
• GLA 200 CDI Sport: Rs. 36.9 lakh