Mercedes-Benz commenced production of the new GLA crossover at their Rastatt plant in Germany yesterday. This plant also makes the A Class and B Class and exports them to India via the CBU (Completely Built up Unit) route.
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September this year, Mercedes opened bookings for the A Class-based crossover on November 29th. However, the first cars will reach German dealerships only in March next year.
Mercedes has announced two petrol engines and a single diesel engine in two states of tune. The GLA 200 CDI and GLA 220 CDI are powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, but where the 200 CDI outputs 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque, the 220 CDI produces 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque.
The GLA 200 petrol is powered by a 1.6-liter motor producing 156 PS and 250 Nm of torque, while the more powerful GLA 250 gets a 2.0-liter 211 PS engine churning 350 Nm of torque. Mercedes will offer the crossover with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive 4MATIC systems.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said -
There is a very strong demand from our customers for SUVs and compact vehicles. The GLA allows us to combine these two segments and appeal to new customers: it is the next milestone in our Mercedes-Benz 2020 growth strategy.
We hear that Mercedes India will showcase the GLA at the 2014 Auto Expo.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Class Production Start - Press Release
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