The third AMG model that will be locally assembled, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC has carved its own niche in the Indian car market by offering a well-rounded package and impressive pricing
Earlier this year, Mercedes-Benz launched the A-Class Limousine in India. Along with the entry-level sedan came the Mercedes-AMG A 35. This time around, Mercedes-Benz has launched the crossover-SUV based on the same platform, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA. And just like the sedan, the GLA has undergone tweaks and changes from the engineers from Affalterbach which has resulted in a more sporty, yet utilitarian Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic.
Following are the top 5 highlights of the new sporty crossover-SUV that has debuted in the Indian market:
Pricing
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 has been priced at Rs 57.30 lakh (ex-showroom), however, this is an introductory price and valid till June 30, 2021. This sticker price of the GLA 35 is marginally higher than that of the A 35 sport sedan which is priced at Rs 56.24 lakh (ex-showroom). The extra Rs 1.06 lakh gets a crossover-SUV that sits higher off the ground and lets you drive it a little carefree over broken pieces of roads. Mercedes-Benz has managed to price the GLA 35 competitively as it is locally assembled and benefits from tax exemptions.
Engine & Drivetrain
The power unit of this sporty crossover-SUV is the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol inline-four mill we have experienced in the A 35 sedan. Mercedes-AMG has even tuned the engine to deliver the same power figures, 301bhp at 5,800rpm and a peak torque of 400nm between 3,000-4,000rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission though is coupled with Mercedes’ ‘4MATIC’ all-wheel-drive system. The GLA 35 has a claimed 0-100km/hr timing of 5.1seconds and along with a claimed top speed of 250km/hr.
Cosmetics
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 gets a few styling tweaks to distinguish it from the standard Mercedes-Benz GLA model in the line-up. The changes include Mercedes-AMG’s Pan America grill up front., housed on a sporty AMG-specific bumper kit. The fenders get a sporty mold as well. The rear bumper gets a different design as well and houses a diffuser with twin chrome exhaust tips. The (lighter) alloy-wheels on the GLA 35 are 19-inch in size – 1-inch larger than the standard model – and get a Tantalite Grey finish.
Features
The standard GLA comes equipped with features such as a three-user memory seat function, wireless charger, and panoramic sunroof. The cabin features two 10.25-inch screens equipped with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), along with Mercedes Me Connect for smartphone connectivity. In addition to that, the AMG GLA 35 gets a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather. The list continues with sporty seats in the front row and a Burmester surround sound system. The GLA 35 also gets active brake assist and adaptive headlights that add to the safety feature list.
Rivalry
While the Mercedes-Benz GLA rivals the likes of Volvo XC90 and the BMW X1. That said, the sporty Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC has carved its own niche into the market by offering a powerful engine in a crossover-SUV body style with a competitive sticker price. The only rivalry there could be is the one between the sporty crossover-SUV against the sport sedan from the same stable.
Also Read:
Mercedes-Benz GLA vs BMW X1 vs Volvo XC40: Spec Comparison
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