Spied - IAB reader snaps the Mercedes GLA crossover for the first time in India

04/06/2014 - 16:26 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

Ahead of a festive season launch, the Mercedes GLA was spotted in Pune by Indian Autos Blog reader, Mr. Snatak Mundade. Dealers of Mercedes-Benz India have started accepting bookings for the GLA, with the booking amount being INR 1 lakh. The first customer deliveries are expected in September or October.

Mercedes GLA spied in India rear
Bookings for the Mercedes GLA are now open.

Based on the MFA (Mercedes Front wheel Architecture) platform that underpins the A Class, the GLA is Mercedes's answer to the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo V40 Cross Country. The GLA sports marginally higher ground clearance than the A Class, while features such as body cladding, skid plates and roof rails, lend it a slightly tough appearance.

Inside, the GLA's cabin is similar looking to the A Class with the three-spoke steering wheel, the SLS-inspired AC vents, and the COMAND screen mounted in the center. Initially, Mercedes is expected to import the GLA as a CBU (Completely Built-up Unit), while local assembly could take place at their Pune plant in the future.

Mercedes GLA spied in India rear quarters
The Mercedes GLA will launch during the festive season in India.

The GLA for India would be available in the 220 CDI spec, which gets power from a 2,143 cc engine producing 167 hp and 350 Nm of torque, matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It remains to be seen if Mercedes launches the 4MATIC all-wheel drive version of the GLA.

Mercedes GLA - Spy Image Gallery

You might also like