Mercedes-Benz to launch the GLA-Class on September 30

Mercedes-Benz will launch the eagerly awaited luxury crossover, the GLA-Class, on September 30.Based on the company’s new Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform, the GLA is a new product like the recently launched CLA 45 AMG.

The GLAis expected to be offered with a choice of two engines – a 1.6-litre petrol and a 2.1-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine has an output of 156bhp and 250Nm of torque, the diesel millproduces 135bhp and 300Nm of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox with paddle shifters will be mated to both these engines. 

The GLA internationally comes equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, auto-on wipers, front and rear parking sensors with active parking assist. It gets nine airbags, satnav, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, dual-zone climate control, reversing camera, a six-speaker audio system. Expect these features to be carried forward tothe Indian model as well.

The GLA is a niche product and it will set a new benchmark for entry-level crossovers in India. Although we aren’t sure of its pricing, we expect it to start from Rs 30 lakh and go upto Rs 40 lakh depending on engine option and variants. It competes with the likes of the BMW X1 and the Audi Q3. The German carmaker will also launch a hot AMG variant of the crossover, the GLA45 AMG in 2015.