Mercedes GLA launched at Rs 32.75 lakh

Mercedes-Benz India has launched its compact luxury crossover, the GLA, at a starting price of Rs 32.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Bookings for the GLA have been open, and the car has already garnered over 600 bookings in 18 days since the company started taking orders. 

The Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover is based on the same front-wheel-drive MFA architecture as the A-class hatchback.

The GLA 200 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine good for 181bhp and 30.59kg of torque, while the Mercedes GLA 200 CDI draws power from a 2.2-litre diesel motor that delivers 135bhp and 30.5kgm of torque. Both units come coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Mercedes GLA is quite the looker.

On the outside, it gets a dual-slat grille with the large three-pointed star, xenon headlamps, wraparound tail-lamps, bumpers with matte aluminium finish and 18-inch wheels. On the inside, it carries over the plush A-class cabin, with some subtle tweaks.

Available in one trim for the petrol and two for the diesel variants, the GLA gets a raft of features that include a panoramic sunroof, sat-nav, rear-view camera, a Harman Kardon sound system, tyre pressure sensors and bi-Xenon headlamps, among others. On the safety front, it gets seven airbags, anti-skid regulation (ASR), anti-lock brakes (ABS) and brake assist system (BAS), all as standard fitments.

The Mercedes GLA takes on the likes of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1 in the compact luxury SUV segment. Later this year, Mercedes is expected to bring in the performance-focused GLA 45 AMG.