With Mercedes-Benz witnessing a growth of over 30 per cent in India in 2013, the German auto giant seems to be all set to make it big in 2014 too. And the most recent name to join its list of models available in India is the GLA Class compact SUV. Based on the same platform as the A, B and CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz has fashioned this new SUV in such a manner that it feels comfortable even though it lacks in terms of space. And quite like its smaller siblings, the GLA Class is as stylish as it gets, and has the A-Class style face, low A pillar, pinched window line and muscular rear end to thank for it.
A front-wheel drive soft-roader, this compact SUV is expected to be offered with both, petrol and diesel options. Interestingly, the diesel mill will be the more potent variation of the 2.2-litre engine that does its duty in the A and B Class. In terms of transmission, the engines will be mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic. And even though the company offers the GLA's AMG version in international markets, they seem to have no plans to bring that SUV to Indian shores.
While the GLA Class is set to make its entry in India in late 2014, the company is is keeping its pricing details under the wraps for now. But considering the fact that the GLA will arrive in India via the CBU route, expect its price tag to be at par with the likes of domestically-assembled rivals like the BMW X1.
German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz seems to be utilising the stage of the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo pretty well as it recently unveiled the CLA45 AMG sports car at the ongoing event. The new Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG is powered by a 2.0 L four cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers a peak power of about 350 bhp and a torque of 450 Nm. Mated to a 4MATIC all wheel drive system via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, the car can accelerate from to 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds and offers a top speed of 250 kmph.
The AMG sister of the the CLA sedan possesses a much sportier stance with an aggressive appeal. The other typical AMG design elements include a matte grey twin blade grille along with a larger front splitter, side air cooled ducts and large air intakes and the 'Turbo AMG' flanking its front panels.
Though the car is yet to be officially launched in the Indian market, the CLA found its way to dealerships in the US less than six months ago. This is indicative of Mercedes-Benz's growing commitment to the Indian market. Ola Kallenius, Member Division Board, Mercedes-Benz, said, "By 2020 we will have 13 new models which do not have predecessors, and probably most of them will come to India." The German auto major witnessed a growth of over 30 per cent growth in India in 2013. Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes Benz India, also indicated that January sales figures for the company had grown by more than the aforementioned figure.
