Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class to be launched tomorrow

The first launch of 2015, for Mercedes-Benz, will be the new CLA-Class that will be launched tomorrow in New Delhi. This car will be the German manufacturer's entry-level luxury sedan for the Indian market and will be made available in both petrol and diesel engine options.

The beautifully designed four-door sedan shares the same underpinnings as the A-, B- and GLA-Class, that is, the MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform. The coupe-like appearance and frameless doors are some of the highlights of the CLA-Class. The interior of the sedan is more or less similar to the A-Class and B-Class, but it still gives a more premium and luxurious feel.

Unlike its siblings that were initially offered only as petrol variants, the CLA-Class will be made available in both petrol and diesel variants from the beginning. The petrol version of the CLA will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that churns out 181bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. The oil-burner will be a 2.1-litre four-cylinder mill that produces 135bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. Both the variants will be mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with power sent to the front wheels only.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class will be assembled in India at the automaker's facility in Chakan in Pune. This Audi A3 competitor is expected to be priced at around Rs 30 lakh to Rs 35 lakh, which will be a very competitive pricing in the entry-level luxury sedan segment.

First Drive: Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class