Mercedes-Benz GLA Archives - Indiandrives.com

September 30, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA Launched In India For Rs 32.75 Lakh Ex-Showroom Delhi

Mercedes-Benz launched GLA in India for Rs 32.75 lakh, while the range concludes at Rs 36.9 lakh (prices ex-showroom Delhi). With this product, German automaker has taken on the compact SUV segment to the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3, Volvo V40 Cross Country and some others.

To brief its significance over the rest, GLA is the only model to have a petrol variant presently while the rests are doing with diesels.

As based on the same MFA front-wheel drive platform of A and B Class, the GLA’s AWD variant is said to join the league in future.

Under the bonnet, there rests petrol engine (GLA 200) of 2.0L 4-cylinder worth of 181bhp and 330Nm with 0-100 in 7.6 seconds having a top whack of 205kmph. The diesel engine (GLA 200 CDI) that’s of bigger or similar in size than the rest of competitors powers the least output of 135bhp and 300Nm of torque with the sprint from none to a ton in 9.9 seconds. Both come mated to a seven-speed dual clutch (DCT) gearbox with the paddle shifters as standard.

Nothing new can be deemed in seeing this Mercedes as it draws the same line to that of A and B Class. The car thrives AMG styling on inside similar to its hatchback with air-con vents and all those gimmicks placed in same order. Large panoramic sunroof, rear-view camera, sat-nav, tyre pressure sensors and Harman system are some of them if suggested to name.

For the safety to knockout the rest, Benz’s compact SUV comes equipped with 7-airbags, ABS with brake assist and anti-skid regulation (ASR) as standard fitments. At par delivered to the SUV needs of a city, Mercedes is also shaping the performance version GLA 45AMG launch over the next month.

For ARAI on our well-versed our road condition, it delivered fuel-efficiency of 13.8kmpl for petrol and 17.9kmpl on diesel. Alongside, the ground clearance is also raised by 30mm than the international spec.

Price of Mercedes-Benz GLA in India:

September 17, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3 vs Volvo V40 Cross Country: Specifications Comparison

Mercedes-Benz GLA has franked all over the brouhaha with an image of a poster-boy for festive season. Soon to be packed in kits rivaling a major yet very lucrative segment in the luxury market – compact SUVs; GLA isn’t meant catered to the SUV repertoire at all. At least it could be said on the aesthetic appearance. Under the sheets, it is a crossover based on the hatchback’s A-Class platform raised in height by a mere investment for maximum output.

Here, in this comparison, Mercedes-Benz GLA is pegged against the BMW X1, Volvo V40 Cross Country and Audi Q3. At the time of writing this post, all the rest were available in diesel variant only, with no petrol model at all. The Benz’s offering is only the one to admire gasoline buyers that may remain its USP over a certain extent.

Engine options under the hoods GLA will have are, 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel.

The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged motor develops 181bhp and 300Nm of torque. The diesel version lifted from C and E Class delivers 134bhp and 300Nm. Here, the company hadn’t intended of bringing an AWD version, instead will be doing only over front-wheel traction for a long time at least.

The Audi Q3 dwells out bullishness underneath a four-cylinder 1968cc turbocharged motor. The baby Four-Ringed is tuned in two states, a 138bhp and 320Nm for the base version married to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 174bhp with 380Nm coupled to 7-speed automatic having a Quattro permanent four-wheel drive system as standard. The lower-spec is rolled-out recently to get over the reign of low-cost luxury segment lying unfed for significantly long.

BMW X1 motivated by a four-cylinder, 1995cc turbocharged diesel engine of 181bhp and 380Nm of torque mated to eight-speed automatic. Here, no all-wheel drive option available, the force is driven only to rear wheels.

Swedish with V40 Cross Country has laid out the aspirated SUV with a 1984cc “five-cylinder” turbocharged diesel engine producing 150bhp and 350Nm of torque. A 6-speed manual gearbox is mated to the front-wheel drive system.

If the sizing matters, it’s BMW that wins over the rest with a daunting wheelbase of 2760mm. The Merc just fell shorter by a nip measuring at 2699mm. Volvo remains quite decent to have distance of 2646mm in that gap, whereas Audi is believed to be more of a coupe structure in compilation to SUV – so its stretch between the wheels is admirable at 2603mm.

Lengthwise, X1 fares one again the best with 4454mm, while the GLA stands next to it with 4417mm, followed by Q3 at 4385mm and Volvo V40 with 4370mm.

In the width, BMW has fallen to the ground straight from top. The 1798mm height has fiercely lashed it out by Volvo V40 who sits widest at 1857mm. Second to it is Audi Q3 with 1831mm and GLA on third at 1804mm.

In the height, it’s where the Audi at least manage to score the best out of all at 1608mm. Hereto, the BMW X1 follows at 1545mm, and while the GLA saved its grace to be ducked down measuring 1494 mm from ground to roof. Volvo pigments at bottom of pinnacle at 1473mm.

Though, the drive reports of other compact SUVs are out in the market, but GLA is still meant to be experienced. Hopefully, on paper, not that true SUV in the sense with front-wheel drive layout and low power output from a comparatively bigger engine. Mercedes shall think over before bringing it to the market. For sure, the purists may not adore, instead the family-driven audience would opt because of its better aesthetics and latest yet chic design appeal of Benz.

June 5, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA Spied for First Time in India

It was already seen a thousand times at the Delhi Auto Expo 2014, now for the first time in the spy-shots, Mercedes-Benz GLA is spotted in India at Pune in Maharashtra, being carried on a trailer.

However, there is still time for the launch to happen during the festive season, the dealers are reported of accepting the bookings for Rs 1 lakh.

The spotted vehicles is the 220 CDI spec, yes the diesel trim, which is engulfed with the 2143 cc engine producing 167 hp and 350 Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox underpinned by the MFA platform of the A and B-Class.

Initially, the GLA will be imported in India as CBU (completely built unit) which then will be followed by the local production in Pune manufacturing facility.

Of rumors, the deliveries are slated to happen sometime in September or October.

Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo V40 Cross Country will be its stiff rivals in the segment.

Inside the cabin, it would be more or less similar to the A-Class hatchback with the black theme running pasted all over, SLS inspired AC vents, and the COMAND screen mounted in the center portraying the sportscar feel of the best for money asked.

Meanwhile, on outers, the body cladding, skid plates and roof rails, with a higher ground clearance are the tweaks to differentiate it from the hatchback A-Class. For the most of patches it resembles the A-Class itself, and even the engine specifications are also going to pump output near to that. So, questions rising in our mind popped up, what the use of Merc bringing this vehicle in India when had the A-Class? We are totally confused; readers can post their comments if they had a perception to it.

Image Courtesy: Indian Autos Blog

May 13, 2014

Mercedes-Benz GLA Lands in India for Homologation

Mercedes-Benz GLA is the next Merc for masses on Indian shores in the coming months. About to share the space with BMW X1, Audi Q3 and their likes, the GLA is based on the same A-Class platform, but just a hint of crossover appeal had made it to turn into a GLA.

The newest thing in floor of GLA for India is that, the vehicle has landed on our shores for the homologation test.

Two models of GLA are imported from Germany, claims a report on internet.

GLA 200 CDI and the GLA 200 Sport are already discharged at the Nhava Sheva Sea Port, added the report.

GLA 200 CDI features a 2.2-liter four-cylinder diesel engine making 134 hp and 300 Nm of torque, after mated either to a 7-speed AT or a 6-speed manual gearbox (which is not on offer on India-spec A- and B-Class at the moment). Laid out all the traction on front-wheels for both the models, the GLA 200 CDI is able to hit 0-100 kph in 9.9 sec and a top speed of 205 kph.

On the other side, for the petrol buyers, GLA 200 Sport is engulfed with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol unit, which is good enough to churn out 154 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Same gearboxes options as applied to this engine as well. It can get 0-100 kph in 8.8 sec can attain a top speed of 215 kph.

August 14, 2013

Mercedes Benz GLA revealed ahead of Frankfurt debut via leaked images

Mercedes Benz GLA which was caught a number of time testing from Dubai to the Death Valley, has now revealed itself before the Frankfurt debut vie leaked images. It looks more similar to that of A Class, but the addition of some clues on it making it to look slightly different.

The A Class was of the long hatchback segment, leaked version had been changed slightly from the model that was previewed at Shanghai this year. Though, Mercedes seems to change the SUV image of it and bestow it with the crossover one, that’s why it had kept on telling the media about the upcoming vehicle to compete Volvo V40 crossover, instead of BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

Based on the Mercedes Benz’s A Class MFA platform, it will derive the same engine specifications like that of the niche hatchback. Bits like taillights, skid plate, roof rails and side running boards, are also cued from that cheapest Merc. Not many of the tweaks designers seem to have worked upon in the backend, but hopefully to name a model plate for the most lucrative segment of niche in the upcoming markets, Mercedes got a one that way itself.

Official revelation of the GLA will be concluded at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, we expect it to soon rolling out in the market after the official turn-up.

And lastly, the interiors which one can see with this post do seem to be made of the wood-grained material. Let’s don’t get carried away by the appearance, it is lifted from the A Class.

June 13, 2013

India Bound Mercedes Benz GLA Class Spotted Testing in Dubai

Mercedes Benz seems very serious about the markets of China and India, and is also very keen to bring the globally acclaimed products to these particular territories. Hence we received A Class very recently, and now it is time for other badges of same brand to barge in the Indian shores. Debuted this year at Shanghai Auto Show, GLA Class is said to roll out in the various upcoming markets of globe.

GLA boasts boldly chromed slats on front with a three pointed star logo impounded in between. Wildly swaying lines on side, as well as other cosmetics, inclines us that GLA is surely going to wear the badge of compact SUV in production spec, and will come as a trimmed down version of the elder GL Class siblings.

The spotted test mules are wearing heavy camouflage, so full review cannot be done on them. Hopefully we can say that GL had also taken cues from A Class hatchback that can be concluded while looking at its overall layout.

May debut in India by next year or so, GLA will face neck to neck competition with Audi Q3, BMW X1, and the upcoming Volvo V40 Cross Country.

Image Courtesy – indianautosblog.com

May 15, 2013

Mercedes Benz May Launch GLA Concept in India Against BMW X1 and Audi Q3

Mercedes Benz GLA Concept had been unveiled at 2013 Shanghai Auto Show recently, and since then it is on the verge of hype due to the lacking of product in that particular segment, which is now booming at in incredible rate in India as well abroad. The niche compact SUV range is majorly occupied by BMW since 2010 due to the launch of X1, then followed by Audi particularly Q3 in the same horizon. Only name left is Mercedes Benz that we seem may soon launch a one at near future. The GLA Concept of Shanghai fits perfectly in the trapezium of bespoken range. Moreover, we are not the only one who are saying this type of accolades but the top brass of Daimler’s child Eberhard H. Kern, MD and CEO of Mercedes Benz India echoed, “The GLA concept which was revealed at the Shanghai auto show recently can come to India to compete in this (entry-level) segment,” at the opening ceremony of a new showroom in Noida. There aren’t of the much concrete reports on the upcoming GLA but we hope this statement may help us a lot in coming days.

Well, these days, the soon going to launch A-Class is creating good amount of hype in India as being targeted to youths. Automaker too is having more expectation for this newbie, and even a contest is also run on Facebook and Twitter for the louder sounding promotional activities. Adding more to it, Kern said, “The youth as well as the women in India today are independent and are making decisions on their own. The A Class will surely satisfy their needs,” which means women are also in the list of its soft targets.

Taking a look at the A Class, one can say that it is a new segment in the industry and Mercedes Benz is an initial auto brand to crack down the dilemma of hatchback in a pricey manner. We think now the compact SUVs had taken over the league from hatchbacks, and MB seems to be a late entrant in the fight where some of the market shares are also in the favor of BMW’s MINI, as had been in India for quite long time and is also proving worth to the money value as well exclusivity.

Lest, the wait and watch mantra will keep momentum going and would also let us know what the future had stored in for us.

April 18, 2013

Mercedes-Benz reveals its GLA compact SUV ahead of the Shanghai Motor Show

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.