Mercedes to expand SUV line-up with GLA

• Mercedes-Benz is all set to expand its SUV portfolio in India. Currently, the carmaker has no SUV on offer below the ML 250 CDI in its line-up here. To plug this gap, Mercedes will launch the GLA compact luxury SUV in India on September 30, 2014. The Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV is based on Mercedes’ front-wheel-drive MFA platform.

• The Indian version of the Mercedes GLA SUV will come in petrol guise, equipped with a 2.0-litre petrol motor good for 181bhp. There will also be a GLA 200 CDI variant equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine. Both engines will be paired to a seven-speed gearbox.
• Both variants are expected to come with front-wheel-drive only. The Mercedes GLA is expected to compete with the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Volvo V40 Cross Country.
• We expect the Mercedes GLA 200 to be priced around Rs 30-32 lakh (ex-showroom). Bookings for the Mercedes GLA have been underway for some months already with deliveries expected soon after official launch.