Within two months of its international reveal, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has got its first India showing at Auto Expo 2020. The latest version of Merc’s smallest SUV is due for launch in India in the third quarter of 2020.
With refreshed styling bringing it in line with Mercedes' latest design philosophy, the new GLA picks up where the previous model leaves off. Though the new model carries forward the familiar crossover silhouette, its smoother surfacing and new details, like sleeker headlights and tail-lamps, help uplift the overall design. The new model manages to look beefier than its predecessor, owing to the all-round body cladding, a higher 143mm ground clearance (that has gone up by 9mm) and larger wheel arches designed to accommodate wheels ranging from 17 to 20 inches.
Underpinned by Mercedes’ MFA-II front-wheel-drive platform, the 2020 GLA measures 4,410mm in length, 2,020mm in width, and 1,611mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,729mm. Though 14mm shorter and 2mm narrower than its predecessor, the new model has a wheelbase and a track width that have grown by 30mm and 46mm, respectively.
Click to take a look at all the highlights from Day 1 of the 2020 Auto Expo
The GLA’s cabin takes a giant leap forward in look and feel, with the key talking point of the well-appointed cabin being the single-panel digital display for the instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system. Also making its debut on the model is the Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, infotainment system that allows various functions of the displays to be controlled via voice commands or dedicated touchpads. The dashboard features a cleaner design, with better quality materials and new trims that make it look new-age and cool.
In terms of mechanicals, the GLA 220d gets 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that puts out 190hp and 400Nm of torque. The range could also see the addition of an entry-level, front-wheel drive GLA 200 that gets a163hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. India could also get the souped-up AMG GLA 35 with a 306hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit.
Bookings for the SUV have been officially opened, with customers who pre-book getting Rs 1 lakh off the sticker price. The new GLA will launch in October with prices starting approximately at Rs 43 lakh. It will go up against rivals like the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40 in the entry-level luxury SUV segment.
