It kept us drooling why Mercedes-Benz needs a compact crossover/SUV when it has the hatchback A-Class in India based on the same platform. The GLA, rivaled against the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, is less toughened than them. Despite a late-entrant, Mercedes still confirmed to launch the GLA on 30th September 2014.
Under bonnet there will be options of 1.6-L turbo petrol motor making 155PS & 250Nm of torque. The 0-100kmph is reported to cross in 8.9-seconds, whereas the top speed to be clocking 205kmph.
The diesel option can be had with 2.2L 4-cylinder producing 135PS and 300Nm. It shies away the 0-100 time by a mere fraction of second that the gasoline version, respectively at 10 seconds, but the top-whack remains identical at 205kmph
A 7-speed automatic will be married to both.
At the initial stage, Mercedes will be bringing in the GLA to India via CBU route.
An effective pricing between Rs 25 and 30 lakh shall crack the deal better than the rest. Interesting to see, what the other Germans will resort to after the roll-out.