2013 Frankfurt Motor Show: India bound Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class makes public debut

The S-Class Coupe may have been the show stopper for Mercedes at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, but the GLA-Class compact crossover did not go unnoticed either. As a matter of fact, ever since it’s unveiling a few days ago, the car’s entry into the compact luxury SUV/crossover segment has been highly anticipated.

The GLA shares its platform with the A-Class and CLA-Class, and shares a number of design elements from its siblings, like the angular headlights, the broadened C-pillar, the front fenders and the overall interiors layout.

The powertrains on offer are also expected to be identical to the other models on the platform, and Mercedes-Benz has announced that the first set of production units to be rolled out will be powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine that makes 210PS power and 350Nm torque. Power transmission will be carried out by a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and will drive and will drive all four wheels thanks to the company’s 4Matic system.

The GLA-Class is one model that will make an impact in India if and when Mercedes decides to locally assemble the units aiding to keep prices in check. If that is the case than, the Audi Q3S, the BMW X1 and the Volvo V40 will all have their work cut out.