Mercedes-Benz GLA: Zabardast Luxury SUV Under 60 Lakh?
Are you in the market for a compact luxury SUV that combines style, performance, and cutting-edge technology? Look no further than the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
This sleek and sophisticated vehicle has been turning heads since its launch, offering a perfect blend of urban agility and premium comfort. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the GLA stand out in the competitive luxury compact SUV segment.
Design and Exterior
The Mercedes-Benz GLA boasts a striking design that commands attention on the road. Its bold front fascia features a large cascading grille, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with distinctive daytime running lights. The side profile showcases a coupe-like silhouette, giving the GLA a sporty and dynamic appearance.
At the rear, you’ll find wraparound LED taillights and a neatly integrated boot lid. The GLA’s compact dimensions make it perfect for navigating through city traffic while still offering the presence of a luxury SUV. With a ground clearance of 183mm, it’s well-equipped to handle urban obstacles and light off-road terrain.
Available in a range of attractive colors, including Jupiter Red and Mountain Grey Metallic, the GLA allows you to choose a shade that matches your personality. The AMG Line variant adds extra sportiness with 19-inch alloy wheels and more aggressive styling elements.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Mercedes-Benz GLA, and you’re greeted by a cabin that exudes luxury and sophistication. The interior design is modern and driver-centric, with high-quality materials used throughout. The dashboard layout is intuitive, putting all controls within easy reach.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, making long journeys a breeze. The rear bench offers ample legroom and headroom, ensuring your passengers travel in comfort. The GLA’s 435-liter boot capacity (570 liters with the rear seats folded) is impressive for its segment, providing enough space for weekend getaways or shopping trips.
Some standout interior features include:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system
- MBUX infotainment system with voice control
- Wireless phone charger
- Panoramic sunroof
- 64-color ambient lighting
- Dual-zone climate control
Performance and Efficiency
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a choice of petrol and diesel engines to suit different driving preferences:
Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Mileage (ARAI) |
---|---|---|---|---|
1.3L Turbo Petrol | 163 bhp | 250 Nm | 7-speed DCT | 17.4 kmpl |
2.0L Diesel | 190 bhp | 400 Nm | 8-speed DCT | 18.9 kmpl |
The 1.3L turbo-petrol engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for daily city driving. If you’re looking for more power and torque, especially for highway cruising, the 2.0L diesel engine is an excellent choice. Both engines are paired with smooth-shifting automatic transmissions, ensuring a refined driving experience.
The GLA’s performance is impressive, with the petrol variant capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, while the diesel variant achieves the same feat in just 7.3 seconds. The top speed for both variants is electronically limited to 210 km/h.
Ride and Handling
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a comfortable ride quality, soaking up bumps and road imperfections with ease. The suspension is well-tuned for Indian road conditions, striking a good balance between comfort and stability. In city traffic, the light steering makes maneuvering a breeze, while it weighs up nicely at higher speeds for confident highway cruising.
The GLA’s compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it easy to park in tight spots. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, available on select variants, provides excellent traction and stability, especially in challenging weather conditions or light off-road use.
Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz has equipped the GLA with a comprehensive safety package, including:
- 7 airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Active Brake Assist
- Attention Assist
- Reversing camera with parking sensors
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tyre pressure monitoring system
Higher variants also offer features like a 360-degree camera and Active Parking Assist for added safety and convenience.
Variants and Pricing
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is available in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and requirements:
Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) |
---|---|
GLA 200 Progressive Line | ₹51.75 Lakh |
GLA 220d Progressive Line | ₹54.75 Lakh |
GLA 220d 4MATIC AMG Line | ₹58.15 Lakh |
The Progressive Line variants offer a good balance of features and value, while the AMG Line adds sportier styling and performance enhancements for enthusiasts.
Comparison with Rivals
The Mercedes-Benz GLA competes with other luxury compact SUVs like the BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Volvo XC40. Here’s how it stacks up against its rivals:
Parameter | Mercedes-Benz GLA | BMW X1 | Audi Q3 |
---|---|---|---|
Price Range | ₹51.75 – 58.15 Lakh | ₹49.50 – 52.50 Lakh | ₹44.25 – 54.65 Lakh |
Engine Options | 1.3L Petrol, 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol, 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol |
Max Power | 190 bhp (Diesel) | 195 bhp (Petrol) | 188 bhp |
ARAI Mileage | 18.9 kmpl (Diesel) | 20.37 kmpl (Diesel) | 15.41 kmpl |
While each competitor has its strengths, the Mercedes-Benz GLA offers a well-rounded package with a good balance of luxury, performance, and technology. Its stylish design and premium brand value make it a strong contender in the segment.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Q1. What is the mileage of Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA offers impressive fuel efficiency across its variants. The petrol version delivers 17.4 kmpl, while the diesel variant provides an excellent 18.9 kmpl (ARAI certified).
Q2. Does Mercedes-Benz GLA have a sunroof?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLA comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, adding to the premium feel of the cabin and allowing for an airy, open atmosphere inside the vehicle.
Q3. What is the ground clearance of Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA has a ground clearance of 183mm, which is adequate for most Indian road conditions. This allows the car to clear most speed bumps and minor obstacles without scraping the underbody.
Q4. How does Mercedes-Benz GLA compare to BMW X1?
Both SUVs offer similar levels of luxury and performance. The GLA has a more coupe-like design and a more premium interior, while the X1 offers slightly more spacious rear seats. Your choice may depend on personal preference for design and brand loyalty.
Q5. Is Mercedes-Benz GLA good for long drives?
Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is well-suited for long drives. It offers comfortable seats, a smooth ride quality, and powerful engines that make highway cruising effortless. The generous boot space also allows for ample luggage on road trips.
Wrapping Up
The Mercedes-Benz GLA emerges as a compelling option in the luxury compact SUV segment. With its striking design, feature-rich interior, and efficient powertrains, it caters to buyers seeking a premium urban SUV with a touch of versatility. While it faces stiff competition, the GLA’s blend of style, technology, and the prestigious Mercedes-Benz badge make it a strong contender for those looking to enter the world of luxury SUVs.
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