Mercedes-Benz GLA: Launch

Mercedes-Benz GLA Class

Until recently, the cheapest Mercedes-Benz SUV you could buy was the ML 250 CDI priced at 54.8 lakhs. This meant that Mercedes lost out on a lot of sales in the entry level luxury SUV segment which had only BMW X1 and Audi Q3 fighting it out. So, they finally have released the much awaited and the much needed GLA Class. I attended the launch at Akshaya Motors, Bangalore to get a first look of the car.

Design:The new GLA class looks like a crossover. Mercedes has deliberately not made the SUV look butch and rugged. Instead it looks like a slightly raised A-class with a new grill. The car sits on 18 inch 5 twin spoke light alloy wheels. The car has a ground clearance of 183mm which is enough but not good for SUV standards. To highlight the crossover credentials of the car, the GLA does not come with the 4matic all-wheel drive system. Interiors are similar to the A-class. It comes with a dual tone dashboard with ARTICO leather upholstery. You get a 421 litres boot space which can be expanded to 1235 litres with the 60:40 rear seat folded. You also get a 50 litres fuel tank with an additional 6 litres reserve. The car has a drag coefficient of 0.29.

Drivetrain:

The GLA will be available with two engine choices- a 2143cc diesel and a 1991cc petrol. The diesel has a maximum power of 134bhp available between 3600-4400 rpm claiming an efficiency of 17.9kmpl. 0-100 is dealt with in 9.9 seconds and it has a top speed of 205kmph. The petrol on the other hand has a maximum power of 181bhp at 5500rpm claiming an efficiency of 13.78kmpl. 0-100 is dealt with in 7.6 seconds and it has a top speed of 225kmph. Both engines have a torque output of 300Nm and they are mated to a 7 speed dual clutch transmission.

Safety:

The car comes with 7 airbags including dual front airbags and window airbags. You also get ABS, ESP, hill start assist, tyre pressure warning system, acceleration skid control (ASR)which prevents individual wheels from spinning, BAS brake assist which increases brake pressure during emergency braking, reversing camera with wide angle view of 180 degrees, adaptive brake lights which flash during emergency braking and attention assist.

Equipment:

The GLA comes loaded with paddle shifters like you get on the A-class, panoramic sunroof, cushion angle adjustment for both front seats, a TFT colour display 14.7cm screen which includes integral telephone keypad, Bluetooth interface with hands free function, operated via a multi-function steering wheel, Aux-in, USB, 12 loudspeakers which include a bass speaker and a 9 channel DSP amp, an optional 450W Harman Kardon surround sound system and a rear seat entertainment package that includes 17.8 cm screens with USB, SD card slot and AV-IN for viewing pictures, movies and playing video games.

The new Mercedes-Benz GLA is available in four colours- Red, Brown, Silver and White. With prices starting from 32.75 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and a 3 year warranty, it seems to be a serious competition to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3 and a good package to increase Mercedes-Benz India sales significantly.