Mercedes-Benz India ups the ante, launches facelifted GLA, CLA

Mercedes-Benz India, which is leading the luxury car market in the country, has further upped the ante in terms of products. The company, which holds a 50 percent market share of the performance car segment in India, through the Mercedes-AMG brand, launched the facelifted CLA 45 4Matic Coupe and GLA 45 4Matic SUV at Rs 75.20 lakh and Rs 77.85 lakh (ex-showroom, India), respectively.

The refreshed CLA 45 and GLA 45’s prices are unchanged. However, the respective Aero Edition models are priced at Rs 77.69 lakh and Rs 80.67 lakh.

The range-topping GLA and CLA are powered by the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces 381hp and 475 Nm of peak torque. They also share the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic system.

The German luxury car brand will also introduce special-edition models under its 'designo' personalisation platform, called Aero Editions. The Aero Editions will feature a high level of customer customisation.

In terms of external changes compared to the previous model, the new CLA comes with revised front and rear aprons, new front and rear diffusers, LED headlamps and a tweaked lip spoiler. The GLA 45 also sports similar changes but also gets a boot-mounted spoiler. They both feature new 18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels.

The Aero Editions CLA and GLA facelifts will be available in a new black finish and feature decals on the doors and a sporty yellow strip running on the front and rear bumpers, the sides, on the outside rear view mirrors and the blacked-out alloy wheels. These changes can be seen on the Yellow Night edition that is launching in India for the first time.

The kit offered on the two performance-oriented models includes a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new instrument cluster and a 360-degree camera. The cabin will also feature similar yellow elements along with special-edition badges for the Aero Edition models.

Neither the CLA 45 AMG nor the GLA 45 AMG have any direct rivals in the Indian market. Including these two refreshed models, Mercedes-AMG has launched a total of seven cars this year, which are part of the total of 12 before the end of 2017.

Speaking at the launch in Chennai today, Roland Folger, MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, said: "With our AMG 45 range, we provide our customers a product that embodies the motorsport DNA while adding the practicality of everyday use. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 4Matic have been modified, keeping in mind the changing Indian market sentiments and to suit the young generation's requirements. We are confident that these new exciting products will create a stronger fan following for AMG in India."