Mercedes-Benz has revealed its GLA compact SUV just ahead of its official debut at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show on April 20th. This new compact SUV from the German automaker is based on its MFA platform and will be standing in direct competition against the likes of BMW X1 and Audi Q3.
The crossover has been spotted several times over the last few months while it was going through rigorous testing and is expected to be showcased as a production ready version during the Motor Show. The GLA will be powered by the same engine that powers the MFA based vehicles. That means that the vehicle will be inheriting the same 2.0 litre four cylinder petrol engine that will be able to produce power anywhere in the range of 122 bhp to 211 bhp and when we talk about the diesel version of the crossover it will be housing the engine with the same capacity that will be producing about 170 bhp of power. The power will be transferred to all the wheels via seven speed dual clutch gearbox. The vehicle will also be available with the 4matic four wheel drive system. The compact crossover will be sharing many of its features and components with the A Class hatchback, CLA sedan and B Class tourer. This all will allow the company to check the cost.
The GLA is a part of the German Automaker’s sub 25 lakh range of front wheel drive cars that automaker is planning to introduce in the Indian market in next couple of years. The first vehicle in the segment was the B Class tourer that was launched in the Indian market back in October 2012 and the next vehicle to follow the B Class is the A Class that will be hitting the Indian market in July this year.
The new vehicle will also allow Mercedes-Benz to expand its presence in the ever growing crossover/ compact SUV segment. With the launch of the sub 25 lakh products in the Indian market Mercedes-Benz is aiming to secure its position as the leader in the Indian luxury segment which is currently being held by BMW following closely by Audi.
More about the vehicle will be revealed once it is launched.