Mercedes-Benz launches locally assembled CLA and GLA

Mercedes-Benz has commenced assembly of the CLA sedan and the petrol version of the GLA crossover in India. The locally produced cars attract lower duty and the CLA lineup now starts at Rs 30.70 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The price of the GLA petrol has also been dropped by about Rs 2 lakh and now retails at Rs 33.90 lakh.

India is the first country outside Europe to assemble the CLA and GLA. The localisation of these cars has been timed to meet the increased demand around the festive season and also control the waiting period. These are one of the first models to be rolled out from the new assembly lines at the Mercedes facility in Chakan. 

All the three variants of the CLA sedan will be produced in India, the top-end Sports petrol and diesel variants have been priced at Rs 32.90 lakh and Rs 33.90 lakh respectively. On the other hand, only the GLA petrol will be built here, while the diesel will continue to be brought in as CBU. Locally assembled cars will continue to get all the features including panoramic sunroof, Telematics Generation 5 infotainment system and electrically assisted driver and co-driver seat with lumbar support.

Commenting on the update, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director & CEO, Eberhard Kern said, “The CLA with its stunning design, technological innovations and multiple segment first attributes, is already a winning product in our portfolio. It has been rapidly acquiring new customers to the brand and replicating its global success in India as well. We are extremely satisfied with our CLA strategy, which has contributed majorly to our New Generation Cars growth and redefined the segment completely. We are confident that the local production will make the CLA even more attractive for the discerning buyers with additional value propositions and increased availability.”