The crossover market is flourishing in India and as a customer, status symbol and road presence is now a crucial part of our lives. After a really long time, Mercedes-Benz GLA is back. And this time, it is all set to offer such convenience with an introductory price tag of Rs.42.10 Lakhs onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi). The German brand has already received massive success in India and the updated GLA is expected to be a best seller for them.
The carmaker has already started accepting bookings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA against a token amount of Rs.1 Lakh. Is the all-new crossover worth going for? We are here to answer that for you.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA
Exterior & Design
Starting with the design language, the all-new Mercedes Benz GLA comes with a muscular bonnet, revised LED headlamps, a reworked bumper and a fresh grille that we have already witnessed on the A-Class.
In terms of dimensions, the all-new crossover looks bulky. To begin with, the length remains unchanged. But as per the details, it is 104mm tall, 30mm wide and gets a similarly stretched wheelbase when compared to the older version.
The side profile of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA features large wheel arches and multiple spoke alloy wheels making it look more like an SUV. The rear section now comes with a pair of revised taillamps and a sculpted tailgate.
Interior & Safety
To begin with, the dashboard of the updated crossover features a large split-screen. To be precise, the one above the centre console is a 10.25-inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. Meanwhile, the other one is reserved for a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster.
The carmaker has also introduced several new features such as dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, wireless charger and panoramic sunroof among others.
For additional safety of the occupants, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA comes with seven airbags, hill start assist, ABS with EBD and a 360-degree camera just to name a few.
Engine & Performance
The updated GLA is now available with both petrol as well as diesel variants. For starters, the entry-level trims will get a 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol motor. Talking in numbers, it is capable of producing 163HP and 250Nm of torque while being mated to a 7-speed DCT gearbox.
Next is the diesel engine and to be precise, it is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo unit that churns out a massive 190HP and 400Nm of torque. Coming to the gearbox, this engine comes paired to an 8-speed DCT unit with FWD as well as AWD according to customer’s preferences.
Last but not least is the AMG GLA 35 4Matic trim. Currently, this is the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol motor that produces 306HP and 400Nm torque for the Indian market.
Introductory Price
| Variants | Introductory Price (ex-showroom, Delhi) |
| Progressive Line GLA 200 | Rs.42.10 Lakhs |
| Progressive Line GLA 220d | Rs.43.70 Lakhs |
| AMG Line GLA 220d (4Matic) | Rs.46.70 Lakhs |
| AMG GLA 35 (4Matic) | Rs.57.30 Lakhs |
Rivals
Instead of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLA, customers can also check out the BMW X1, Volvo XC40 and Audi Q3 among others. Want to know more about the BMW X1? Here are the details just for you.
BMW X1
The updated BMW X1 is one of the most refined SUVs in this entire lot. To begin with, currently, it is available with either a petrol or a diesel engine. Feature-wise, it comes fully loaded with features such as a panoramic sunroof, multiple drive modes, ambient lighting, etc. for a reasonable price tag. For now, the German carmaker has priced the X1 between Rs.37.20 Lakhs to Rs.42.90 Lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). For more details on BMW X1 click here.
Specifications
| BMW X1 | |
| Engine | 1995cc (Diesel)
1998cc (Petrol) |
| Power | 192HP (Diesel)
192HP (Petrol) |
| Torque | 400Nm (Diesel)
280Nm (Petrol) |
| Key Highlights |
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| Price (Ex-showroom, Delhi) | Rs.37.20 Lakhs to Rs.42.90 Lakhs |