The stylish and luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class makes its grand India debut: Set to reinterpret the luxury SUV segment

• 600+ pre-launch bookings in mere 18 days: GLA-Class reiterates Mercedes-Benz’s focus on the fast growing SUV segment in India
• Fusion of style and luxury: Striking design elements with characteristic SUV features
• GLA-Class is an all-rounder with the typical Mercedes SUV genes – with outstanding characteristics and handsome off-road proportions
• Advanced driver assistance and uncompromised safety features
• India specific high ground clearance of 183mm: Good for any terrain
• Unprecedented social media buzz around GLA’s India debut
• GLA-Class wins multiple global accolades including the ‘Most Beautiful Car Award’
• Bunch of segment firsts: 7 airbags, the only petrol and the most frugal diesel engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, highest ground clearance, reversing camera, memory seat for driver & front passenger, multifunction steering with paddle shifts, extended warranty for 3rd Year under Star Care Programme
• GLA 200 CDI diesel in two lines: Sport and Style; GLA 200 petrol only in Sport

Reinterpreting the luxury SUV segment in India, Mercedes-Benz today introduced its latest SUV and the global style icon, the GLA-Class. With the launch of the GLA-Class luxury SUV, Mercedes-Benz now further bolsters its dominant position in the Indian luxury SUV market, offering the widest product range for its customers. The stylish and luxurious GLA-Class was launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in New Delhi.

Progressive in design, serene in day-to-day motoring and with good off road capability: the Mercedes-Benz GLA reinterprets the luxury SUV segment in a very convincing style. The GLA-Class exudes self-confidence and revels in its sporty dynamic design, cutting edge drive systems and unparalleled standard of luxury as well as safety which is unique in the segment. The GLA-Class will be available with two engine options; the 2.0 litre petrol and the most frugal 2.2 litre diesel.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said: “With the launch of GLA-Class, we are fulfilling the requirements of our new generation customers who wants to drive an emotionally appealing luxury SUV which features typical qualities of a Mercedes-Benz: innovation, efficiency, safety and excellent value retention. The GLA-Class is an important element of our product strategy globally as well in India, and it will join our existing volume drivers. The GLA-Class combines the key design values of Progression and Tradition, and is the SUV of the future and undoubtedly is the next milestone of our growth strategy.”

Mr. Kern further added, “With its striking features the GLA embodies our progressive thinking and enthralls with its off-road proportions. It is an all-rounder with hallmark Mercedes-Benz SUV genes, comprising many segment firsts that will appeal to our new generation of customers, who wanted a stylish and dynamic luxury SUV having practicality of everyday use, blended in it. Witnessing the unprecedented response to the GLA-Class even before its India market debut, we are very confident that the SUV will redefine the segment and make an important contribution to the product offensive of Mercedes-Benz in India.”

Engines & Transmissions:

The GLA’s modern four-cylinder engines with turbocharging and direct injection are 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 2 litre petrol engine produces 135kW@5500 rpm with a maximum torque of 300Nm @ 1200-1400 rpm. 0-100 kmph reaches in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 225 kmph. The 2.2 litre 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 kmph in 9.9 seconds with a top speed of 205 kmph. The GLA 200 CDI is the most fuel efficient SUV in the segment with a fuel efficiency of 17.9 kmpl. One of the various functions through which the class leading fuel efficiency is reached, is the unique-in-class ECO Start Stop function, featured as standard.

With the GLA, yet another model series is set to become the leader in its segment with respect to aerodynamic efficiency. It has a Cd value of 0.29. The good air flow characteristics, which are a major contributory factor to the vehicle’s low fuel consumption in everyday conditions, result from numerous aerodynamic optimization measures.

Expressive and highly stylish Exterior

Complementing the power and performance, the GLA’s raised vehicle body and large wheel arches give the SUV a great appeal. The prominent and self-assured upright front end with a central star lends a muscular and superior impression to the GLA. Power domes grace the hood as sporty highlights, and the bold twin-louver grille painted in high-gloss silver, with its two massive chrome inserts, accentuates 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 GLA’s front bumper features diamond-pattern grilles in front of the cooling air intakes. The headlamps and standard LED daytime running lamps makes the front face of the GLA immensely attractive.

The side view of the GLA likewise conveys power and serenity. Following the design philosophy, the “dropping line” emerges at the headlamp and extends to the rear wheel arch. The line of the beltline trim gradually rises from the rear door to the C-pillar. The light-catching contour on the curvature and the counter-line to the dropping line at side sill height, create an interplay of lines that lends the car the flowing dynamism and a subtle drama.

The GLA features a typical breadth-emphasizing SUV rear-end design, with typical SUV rear bumper with black grain trim and simulated under guard in matt silver chrome. This makes both a powerful as well as a harmonious impression. The muscular shoulders over the rear axle are emphasized even further by the inward taper of the C-pillars. In combination with the divided tail lights and the twin tailpipe with rectangular chrome trim, the width of the GLA’s rear end gets emphasized.

The awe inspiring design does not limit to the B-pillar only. The large roof spoiler in bucket tooth design is another attractive feature. It shares the structure of the rear roof trim and accommodates the third brake light. It gives the exterior of the GLA a sportier touch even from the rear.

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. To house these big wheels the GLA features a large wheel house accentuated with a black grained wheel arch liner.

Luxurious and sporty Interior

The muscular and imposing appearance of the exterior is systematically continued into the interior. The interior has an especially high-quality feel that is achieved by the contours, choice and combinations of high-grade materials. As a serene day-to-day companion the GLA has a flexible and variable interior.

Five round air vents are integrated into the dashboard. As an exclusive GLA 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.

The rear seats are styled as individual seats with armrest and load through function. Upholstery colour options in ARTICO leather are available in beige or black for the Sport version. The long wheelbase of 2699mm offers passengers (especially in the rear) more legroom and therefore assures a more comfortable ride for all. With its large glazed areas, this roof system ensures a particularly bright and welcoming ambience in the interior, making the rear more spacious and roomy. The panoramic glass rear section brings light and even additional head room to the passengers in the rear. Varied opening positions allow fresh air ventilation of the interior as required.

Reverse parking and manoeuvring is made much easier and safer by the reversing camera. It is switched on automatically when the driver selects reverse gear, and shows the driver the area behind the vehicle with dynamic guide lines on the CENTRAL MEDIA DISPLAY. The large, free-standing display has a high-gloss facing in piano-black and a flush-fitting surround in silver-shadow. This gives the display an especially high-quality look.

 The rear seat backrests can be folded down 40:60 and also feature a load through function making it easy to transport long objects. The large luggage compartment (421-1235 litres) is well laid-out and can be loaded without difficulty thanks to the low loading sill and the wide tailgate, which opens and closes automatically as an option.

A 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys and a galvanised chrome clasp feature as standard. The wide choice of seat upholsteries in material and colour combinations allows plenty of scope for individualisation.

The GLA-Class features Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system as standard offering the best audio experience. It offers 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 SUV’s multimedia system combines entertainment, information and communication and comprises radio with dual tuner, CD drive, telephone keypad and CENTRAL MEDIA DISPLAY that enables networking with mobile devices via Bluetooth®.

The GLA’s infotainment system features a CENTRAL MEDIA DISPLAY with 14.7 cm screen, a controller on the centre console, dual tuner, CD player, MP3/WMA/AAC-compatible. There is function buttons on head unit and also USB port in the centre armrest for external audio devices

Driver Assistance Systems and safety:

Various Driver Assistance Systems, such as Hill start assist, ESP, ASR, BAS are standard on the GLA-Class. They support the driver by stabilizing the car on difficult, wet and slippery terrain. Additionally these assistance systems will monitor and optimize traction just as required.

In line with Mercedes-Benz tradition of making safest cars, the new Mercedes-Benz GLA achieved the maximum 5 stars in Euro NCAP’s latest safety ratings. The GLA offers a maximum of seven airbags in the segment.

The GLA is available with numerous other high-quality assistance and safety systems which support drivers and reduce their workload. One such system is ATTENTION ASSIST, which can detect typical symptoms of drowsiness on the basis of driver behaviour and alert the driver to increasing fatigue and inattention.

The GLA-Class has already received special awards for its styling. The luxury SUV has won the ‘Most Beautiful Car of the Year’ award at the prestigious ‘autonis Design Award’ of the German ‘auto motor und sport’ magazine. More than 17,000 readers of the magazine voted for the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Mercedes-Benz India also launched a major digital campaign which created a lot of buzz around the debut of the GLA-Class. Through our communications on all relevant digital platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram etc., Mercedes-Benz reached out to more than 13 million netizens. Mercedes-Benz India collaborated with NH7 (the famous music fest) to promote its digital Live Restless campaign. The winners of the campaign not only gets to drive the GLA-Class for three months, but also gets an exclusive access to the NH7 music fest across the country and also experience the luxurious Mercedes-Benz lounge specially created at all NH7 venues. The GLA-Class had already become a favorite and vibrant conversation topic for young Indians who eagerly anticipate the launch of the SUV in India.

The GLA will be available in two equipment lines: the Style and Sport. The diesel GLA 200 CDI will be available in Style and Sport lines, and the petrol GLA 200 in Sport only. The Style equipment line adds individual highlights to lend the vehicle a robust, distinctive character. Expressive 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels as well as the radiator grille with two silver-coloured louvres, Bi-Xenon headlamps and roof rails painted in black high gloss help to ensure a stylishly dynamic appearance. The interior boasts comfort seats upholstered in ARTICO leather black, multifunction steering wheel, mirror package, Carbon structure trim, door sill panels with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, Reversing camera, rear center armrest cruise control etc.

The Sport equipment line offers selected exterior and interior features to further underscore the vehicle’s sporty character. The radiator grille with two silver-painted louvres and chrome inserts, the 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, Aluminium roof rails and the twin-pipe exhaust system with chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements set into the bumper add dynamic highlights from any angle. Further highlights include the load sill guard and beltline trim strip in chrome and underguard in matte silver chrome on front and rear bumpers. Interior details such as contrasting topstitching, ambient lighting, illuminated door sill plates and silver wave-look trim add the finishing touches to conjure up a classy look. The Sport variant also features Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system with 12 speakers including a bass speaker for unparalleled audio experience.

The GLA-Class 200 CDI Style is priced at Rs. 32.75 lacs, the 200 Sport is priced at Rs. 36 lacs and the 200 CDI Sport is priced at Rs.36.9 lacs. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

Technical Specifications:

About Mercedes-Benz India:

Established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. pioneered the luxury car market in India and boasts of more than 128 years of cutting edge innovation in the luxury automobile industry globally. With a world class production facility spread over 100 acres in Chakan, near Pune, set up in 2009, and an independent assembly facility for passenger cars; the facility is among the fastest green-field operations ever to be created and is rated among the top most CKD plants of Mercedes-Benz, globally. Mercedes-Benz India product portfolio comprises the locally produced S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, GL-Class and the M-Class. Completely Built Imported cars include the A-Class, CLS-Class, SLK-Class and the B-Class etc. The product portfolio also comprises the iconic off-roader G 63 AMG as well as a wide range AMG performance cars like the CLA 45 AMG, C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG, GL 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz India’s strong focus on its four pillars of Products, Network, Cost of Ownership and Brand experiences has led the company’s growth story with a total of 65 outlets located in 36 Indian cities, making brand with the densest network in the luxury segment.

The year 2014 is Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Year of Excellence’ across the brand, product and services spectrum. Mercedes-Benz India remains the fastest growing luxury brand in the country registering a 25% growth in H1, 2014 and also 47% growth in FY2013-14. In line with ‘The Year of Excellence’ Mercedes-Benz launched its flagship model the new S-Class in January 2014 in India and followed with the S500 CKD and the S 350 CDI in March 2014 and June 2014 respectively. Company celebrated 50000th car roll out with C-Class GRAND EDITION. At the 12th Auto Expo, Mercedes-Benz launched the M-Guard- special protection SUV and also showcased the CLA 45 AMG and the much awaited GLA-Class. The company also launched GL 63 AMG and the ML 63 AMG to present the most powerful SUVs in its segment. The latest Mercedes-AMG offering in India is the global heart throb, the CLA 45 AMG, launched in July 2014. Inauguration of three AMG Performance Centers(APC) in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai made it the fastest roll-out of APC’s, ever. Mercedes-AMG is also synonymous with race track owing to its superlative performance and next generation research and development. The performance aspect of AMG brand is highlighted at its best on the Formula 1 track. The MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 team has made a strong presence felt by achieving eleven wins including seven one-two finishes in the fourteen races of the 2014 season, leading strongly both in the constructors and drivers’ standings.

Mercedes-Benz India also emerged as the most awarded luxury automotive brands in 2013, receiving as many as 17 coveted awards from various prestigious automotive media introducing exciting products for the Indian customers. As part of its qualitative network expansion strategy, Mercedes-Benz has already inaugurated 5 new outlets in 2014 at Bhubaneshwar, Raipur, Bhopal, Mohali and Kochi.