Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class: Style & Luxury that is set to redefine the luxury SUV segment
New Delhi: Last week Mercedes-Benz introduced its latest SUV and the global style icon, the GLA-Class. Progressive in terms of design, with good day-to-day motoring and off road capability, the GLA-Class is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes that brings together style & luxury with cutting edge drive systems and safety features unique in its segment. Available with two engine options; the 2.0 litre petrol and the most frugal 2.2 litre diesel, it will be priced between INR.32.75 lacs and INR.36.9 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi).
Engines & Transmissions:
A four-cylinder engine with turbocharging and direct injection is mated to a 7G-DCT 7 speed dual clutch transmission. The dual clutch transmission combines the comfort of a 7-speed automatic transmission with the driving dynamics of a manual transmission. This leads to fast, smooth gear changing without any interruptions in tractive power and results in improved acceleration. The shift characteristics can be preset from fuel-saving to sporty via the “Economy”, “Sport” and “Manual” transmission modes. The 2L petrol engine produces 135kW@5500 rpm with a maximum torque of 300Nm @ 1200-1400 rpm. 0-100 km/h reaches in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 225 kmph. The 2.2L diesel engine produces a maximum output of 100kW@3600–4400 rpm with a maximum torque of 300Nm@1600-3000 rpm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds with a top speed of 205 km/h. The GLA 200 CDI is the most fuel efficient SUV in the segment with a fuel efficiency of 17.9 km/l, achieved with the unique-in-class ECO Start Stop function, which is featured as standard.
Expressive and stylish Exterior:
The raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the SUV a prominent and self-assured stance. Upright front end with a central star lends muscle, while power domes grace the hood as sporty highlights. The bold twin-louver grille painted in high-gloss silver, with its two massive chrome inserts accentuate the vehicle’s width. An impressive front aspect is ensured by the headlamps and LED daytime running lamps. This iconic Mercedes-Benz design feature has been developed further using trifunctional fibre-optics, and gives the vehicle its characteristic light signature. The front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The headlamps and standard LED daytime running lamps make the front face quite attractive.
The GLA features a typical breadth-emphasizing rear-end design, with rear bumper with black grain trim and simulated under guard in matt silver chrome. The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are emphasized further by the inward taper of the C-pillars. The large roof spoiler in bucket tooth design shares the structure of the rear roof trim and accommodates the third brake light. It gives the exterior a sportier touch. Bold 18-inch 5-twin spoke light alloy wheels which are unique in the segment add to the characteristic lines of the new generation of vehicles.
The side view of the GLA features ‘dropping line’ that emerge at the headlamp and extends to the rear wheel arch. The light-catching contour on the curvature lends the car the flowing dynamism and a subtle drama.
Luxe Sporty Interiors:
The interior has a high-quality feel that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive feature, the galvanized bezels around these circular vents echo the SUV-look of the skid plate and side sill panels. All trim surfaces feature a silver wave-look, resulting in a metallic finish with a “cool-touch” effect. The luxury seats with accentuated shoulder area afford a high degree of safety and also a high level of comfort when going on longer drives. Both front seats are electrically adjustable with memory function and feature 4-way lumbar support. Upholstery color options in ARTICO leather are available in beige or black for the Sport version. The long wheelbase of 2699mm offers passengers more legroom and a comfortable ride. The roof system makes the rear more spacious and roomy and the panoramic glass rear section brings light and additional head room to the passengers in the rear. Varied opening positions allow fresh air ventilation of the interior as required. Reverse parking and maneuvering is easier and safer by the reversing camera. The large, free-standing central media display has a high-gloss facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow.
The rear seat backrests can be folded down 40:60 and feature a load through function with a luggage compartment of 421-1235 ltrs that is well laid-out. A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanized chrome clasp feature as standard. The choice of seat upholsteries in material and colour combinations allows ample customization. The GLA-Class features Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system as standard; for a perfect audio experience in stereo, DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 with twelve loudspeakers, including a bass speaker.
Infotainment System:
The GLA uses next generation telematics for effortless connectivity for all gadgets and devices. The multimedia system combines entertainment, information and communication and comprises radio with dual tuner, CD drive, telephone keypad and a 14.7 cm screen central media display that enables networking with mobile devices via Bluetooth®.
Driver Assistance Systems and safety:
Various Driver Assistance Systems, such as hill start assist, ESP, ASR, BAS are standard on the GLA-Class. The vehicle has also achieved the maximum 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s latest safety ratings and offers a maximum of seven airbags in the segment. The ATTENTION ASSIST function detects typical symptoms of drowsiness on the basis of driver behavior and alerts the driver to increasing fatigue and inattention.
The GLA-Class won the ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ award at the prestigious ‘autonis Design Award’ of the German ‘auto motor und sport’ magazine.
