Mercedes-Benz India adds new CKD model to line-up, introduces new GLA

In what is the first big automobile launch over the past month, Mercedes-Benz India has introduced the 2021 GLA in the country at prices starting from Rs 42.10 lakh, ex-showroom.

In addition, the German luxury carmaker has also introduced its 35 series in India which debuts on the new GLA in the form of the AMG GLA 35 4Matic, priced at Rs 57.3 lakh, ex-showroom. However, the company has mentioned that these are introductory prices, which will see a revision by up to Rs 150,000 from July 1.

This AMG model, which now is the company’s 13th offering from its value-effective CKD production portfolio will also be assembled at its plant in Chakan, near Pune.

Styling and features
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with thoroughly revised exterior styling which is aimed to attract the target customer – first-time luxury buyers, young professionals and entrepreneurs. Mercedes-Benz India says that the target group of customers also attach considerable importance to sporty driving performance and individuality, which are offered by the AMG trim.

Multi-beam headlamps, large 19-inch alloy wheels and twin exhausts at the rear are some of the design standouts of this performance-oriented AMG variant.

On the inside, the new GLA gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel, twin digital displays, artico or ‘Dinamica’ microfiber upholstery that particularly gets red stitching in the AMG trim. The car is also supposedly loaded with telematics and high-end infotainment, which are part of the standard package across the range.

The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment running its proprietary MBUX user interface offers 2D or 3D map displays, as well as understands the wake-up command – Hello Mercedes. Under its ‘me connect’ suite, the company also offers Alexa and Google Home integration as well as vehicle set-up smartphone app for the owner to seamlessly draw vehicle information remotely. 

The 2021 GLA also comes with top-notch safety kit including TCS, HSA, HDC and parking package with active park assist.

Muscle power
The new 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes powered by a Renault-sourced 1.3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit that develops 163bhp and 250Nm and transfers it to the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT in the regular GLA 200 Progressive Line option.

There’s a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel on offer too that produces 190bhp and 400Nm, and comes mated to an 8-speed DCT. This variant is available in two-wheel drive in the GLA 200d Progressive Line priced at Rs 43.7 lakh, as well as in four-wheel drive in the 220d 4Matic AMG Line that retails at Rs 46.70 lakh, ex-showroom.

The AMG GLA 35 4Matic, on the other hand, comes powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor producing 306bhp and 400Nm and gets a 7-speed DCT transmission to transfer power to all the four wheels.

The company is offering an 8-year engine and transmission warranty along with a comprehensive vehicle warranty of three years on the new 2021 GLA.