Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class SUV: All You Need to Know

Mercedes-Benz is the oldest luxury car manufacturer in India and has weathered many a storms over the years to establish the authority it commands today. Though Mercedes is one of the most preeminent car makers in the country, it is yet to surmount the rat race of affordable cars. The Indian customer's appetite for affordability is as prevalent as its penchant for luxury, a segment where Audi and BMW have already laid their claim with the Q3 and X1, respectively.

Both, the Audi Q3 and BMW X1, ensured that luxury isn't far out of reach anymore and consequently, raked in massive numbers for the two Germans. That leaves us with Mercedes-Benz, who finally has a suitable product in place, i.e. the GLA-Class.

Also Read: Mercedes GLA vs BMW X1 vs Audi Q3

The Mercedes-Benz GLA crossover made its India debut at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and even though the company has been coy about the details about the GLA's arrival here, we are sure it is just round the corner. In the meanwhile, here's all you need to know about the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class:

a. The GLA-Class crossover SUV is based on Mercedes-Benz's front/all-wheel drive MFA platform, the same as the one used for the Mercedes-Benz A- and B-Class. However, it isn't just the platform it shares with the two hatchbacks; the GLA also looks pretty similar to them.

b. It gets a large two-slat grille with chrome accents, a rather low greenhouse and large wheel arches. The rear gets large tail-lamps and an inwardly tapered C-pillar. Moving on to the side profile, it is hard to miss the line that flows all the way from the head-lamp to the rear wheel arch. Mercedes tops off the SUV's appeal with a large roof spoiler. The GLA in India will get 17" wheels as a standard provision.

c. It will be offered with two engine options, i.e. a 1.6-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, petrol engine and a 2.1-litre, 4-cylinder, turbocharged, diesel mill. While the petrol offers a performance worth 154bhp and 250Nm of maximum torque, the diesel churns out 134bhp and develops 300 torques.

d. The 1.6-litre petrol motor can go from 0-100km/h in about 8.9 seconds, while the 2.1-litre achieves the same feat in 10 seconds. Furthermore, both the engines get an electronically-limited top-speed of 205Km/h.

e. Both the engines will come mated to a 7G-DCT automatic transmission.

f. Mercedes will also offer the GLA with an AMG body kit, which will include differently tuned engines and different set of alloy wheels.

h. We expect the GLA-Class to be priced between Rs 30 lakh - 40 lakh.