Mercedes-Benz has introduced
its latest SUV, the GLA-Class, in the luxury SUV segment in India. The
GLA-Class 200 CDI Style is priced at Rs. 32.75 lakh, the 200 Sport is priced at
Rs. 36 lakh and the 200 CDI Sport is priced at Rs.36.9 lakh. All prices are
ex-showroom Delhi
The SUV was launched by
Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in New Delhi.
The GLA-Class will be
available with two engine options--- the 2.0 litre petrol and the frugal 2.2
litre diesel. The GLA will be available in two equipment lines-- the Style and
Sport. The diesel GLA 200 CDI will be available in Style and Sport lines, and
the petrol GLA 200 in Sport only
The GLA’s four-cylinder
engines with turbocharging and direct injection are mated to a 7G-DCT 7 speed
dual clutch transmission. The dual clutch transmission combines the comfort of
a 7-speed automatic transmission with that of a manual transmission which leads
to fast, smooth gear changing. The shift characteristics can be preset from
fuel-saving to sporty via the "Economy", "Sport" and
"Manual" transmission modes.
The 2 litre petrol engine
produces 181bhp@5500 rpm with a maximum torque of 300Nm @ 1200-1400 rpm. Zero-100
kmph reaches in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 225 kmph. The 2.2 litre diesel
engine produces a maximum output of 134bhp@3600–4400 rpm with a maximum torque
of 300Nm@1600-3000 rpm. It accelerates from 0-100 kmph in 9.9 seconds with a
top speed of 205 kmph. The GLA 200 CDI gives a fuel efficiency of 17.9 kmpl. The
Eco Start Stop function is a standard feature in the vehicle.
Complementing the power and
performance, the GLA’s raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the SUV
a great appeal. Power domes grace the hood as sporty highlights, and the bold
twin-louver grille painted in high-gloss silver, with its two massive chrome
inserts, accentuates the vehicle's width. An impressive front aspect is ensured
by the headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz
design feature has been developed further using trifunctional fibre-optics, and
gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The GLA’s front bumper
features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The
headlamps and standard LED daytime running lamps makes the front face of the
GLA very attractive.
The vehicle comes with 18-inch
5-twin spoke light alloy wheels. To house these big wheels the GLA features a
large wheel house accentuated with a black grained wheel arch liner.
As for the interiors, the five
round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA feature,
the galvanized bezels around these circular vents echo the SUV-look of the skid
plate and side sill panels. All trim surfaces feature a silver wave-look,
resulting in a metallic finish with a "cool-touch" effect.
Both front seats are
electrically adjustable with memory function and feature 4-way lumbar support.
The rear seats are styled as
individual seats with armrest and load through function. Upholstery colour
options in Artico leather are available in beige or black for the Sport
version. The long wheelbase of 2699mm offers passengers (especially in the
rear) more legroom. The panoramic glass rear section brings light and even
additional head room to the passengers in the rear. Varied opening positions
allow fresh air ventilation of the interior as required.
Reverse parking and
manoeuvring is made much easier and safer by the reversing camera. It is
switched on automatically when the driver selects reverse gear.
The rear seat backrests can be folded down
40:60 and also feature a load through function making it easy to transport long
objects. It has a large luggage compartment (421-1235 litres).
A 3-spoke steering wheel with
12 function keys and a galvanised chrome clasp feature as standard. The
GLA-Class features Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system as standard
offering the best audio experience. It offers a perfect audio experience in
stereo, DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 with twelve loudspeakers, including a bass
speaker.
The GLA uses next generation
telematics for effortless connectivity for all gadgets and devices.The GLA’s
infotainment system features a Central Media Display with 14.7 cm screen, a
controller on the centre console, dual tuner, CD player,
MP3/WMA/AAC-compatible. There is function buttons on head unit and also USB
port in the centre armrest for external audio devices
Various Driver Assistance
Systems, such as Hill start assist, ESP, ASR, BAS are standard on the
GLA-Class. The Attention Assist feature can detect typical symptoms of
drowsiness on the basis of driver behaviour and alert the driver to increasing
fatigue and inattention.
Picture of Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, courtesy Mercedes-Benz