The most affordable SUV from Mercedes-Benz, the GLA has been launched in the market after facing some delays owing to the second wave of Covid 19. Along with the GLA, the AMG or performance version of the car, the GLA 35 has also been introduced in India. The good thing is that both these cars will be assembled locally at the Mercedes-Benz plant at Chakan, near Pune. While the GLA range starts at Rs 42.10 lakh (ex-showroom) the AMG GLA 45 will set you back by Rs 57.3 lakh. The German car maker has also clarified that these are only introductory prices and starting July 1, 2021 they will go up by Rs 1.5 lakh.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLA
When compared to the previous generation, the new GLA has larger dimensions. The car has been launched in progressive line and AMG line versions with the most notable differentiating factor between the two being the single horizontal slat grille which is flanked by a new generation of headlamps. Inside too while the progressive line gets beige/black upholstery and a multi-functional steering wheel, and the AMG line gets Artico dynamica combination along with a flat-bottomed steering wheel. Mercedes says the new GLA gets a segment best wheelbase of 2,729 mm and more headroom than before.
The GLA now gets the Mercedes-Benz user experience MBUX system which makes it a connected car. The “Hey Mercedes” voice command powered by AI makes life easy for the occupants in many ways. There are 43 features in all and along with a new generation navigation system, the Mercedes me connect gets over the air updates. Some notable features are live traffic Information, remote engine start and Alexa and Google voice integration.
Some other features in the car include easy Pack tail gate, panoramic Sunroof, ambient Light with 64 colours, 2-zone automatic climate control, charcoal and HEPA filter, wireless charging and smartphone Integration (Apple Car Play and Android Auto). The car also gets energising seat kinetics which support orthopaedic changes in the seating posture.
The SUV gets both Petrol and Diesel engine options. The GLA 200 Petrol runs on a 1,332 cc, 4-cylinder mill that churns out 163 horsepower along with 250 Nm of torque. The 220 D Diesel which runs on a 1,950 cc, 4-cylinder engine is much more powerful at 190 horsepower and delivers a peak torque of 400 Nm. While the former gets a 7-speed DCT gearbox the latter is mated to an 8G-tronic Automatic. THE AMG line, offered with the Diesel is the only trim that gets a 4-wheel drive system. Depending on the variant the top speed ranges between 210 kmph to 222 kmph.
Safety features on the car includes 7 Airbags including a knee airbag, pre-safe, active brake assist pedestrian safety and attention assist. While the Progressive line is available in 5 colours with 2 upholstery offerings, the AMG Line is being offered in 5 colours with black dinamica microfiber upholstery and aluminium trim.Mercedes is offering an 8-yearengine and transmission warranty with the new GLA and a a service package for the SUV starts at Rs 61,200 for 2 years.
MERCEDES-AMG
GLA 35
There is a lot that differentiates this more more powerful version of the car when compared to the regular GLA. The AMG grille with vertical chrome plated lamalle and the AMG front bumper with flics on the air intakes really stand out while you also get bigger 19-inch AMG spoke wheels. The rear adaptive LED tail-lamps are new too and are complimented by rear spoiler, two twin diffusers for better aerodynamics and chrome laden twin round exhausts. AMG GLA 35 is being offered in 5 colours plus “on special request” Patagonia Red. All the cars would be with Black Dinamica Microfiber upholstery along with Aluminium trim. Also on offer are a Burmester surround sound system and AMG Suspension.
The 4-cylinder 1,991 cc Petrol engine on the car makes a whopping 306 horsepower along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 5.1 seconds which is much faster than other GLA variants. Along with an 8-speed DCT gearbox, the car also gets the Mercedes 4-wheel drive system called 4Matic. A fuel consumption figure of 13.47 kmpl is being claimed here. The 8-year engine and transmission warranty has been offered with this AMG as well and the service package for 2 years starts at Rs 63,600.
The writer is Senior Editor at carandbike.com
