Mercedes Benz GLA, growned-up baby Mercedes
After a Maybach GLS Mercedes Benz launched its second generation GLA compact suv in India, the older generation feels like coupe but this new generation corrects all that
with more space and bigger proportions. This GLA gets three versions- 200, 220d, 220d 4MATIC. Basically there are only two variants but that third variants gets 4MATIC system otherwise left two variants are
FWD, under the hood we get two engine options-1) 1.3L M282 turbocharged petrol engine that produces 161bhp of power with 5500Rpm and 250NM of torque with 1600Rpm. 2) 2.0L OM654 turbocharged diesel engine that produces 188bhp of power with 3800Rpm and 400NM of torque with 1600Rpm.
We are reviewing the 220d 4MATIC which is top of the line variant, this diesel engine gives somewhere around to between 12 to 15 KMPL average fuel economy which is totally depends on your driving style.
That 8 speed dual clutch unit pulls it 0 to 100 Kmph in just 7.3 seconds which is really quick, the length of GLA is almost 4.4 metres and width is 2020 mm and height is 1611 mm,
wheelbase is 2729 mm. Because of its bigger stance this GLA looks more aggressive than older. At front we get Mercedes Benz pinned grill with a big Mercedes logo,
we didn’t get any camera and sensors but get led high performance headlights. That Mercedes Benz
logo on hood attracts you at your first look, side profile gets black body cladding running throughout the body.
To get muscular appeal we get 19 inch 5 twin spoke AMG alloys, the biggest glaring ovation is that door handles didn’t get keyless entry which is really disappointing at this price point.
At rear we get led taillights and turn indicators, there are also wiper washer and a high mounted stop lamps. To reduce the overall visual bulk bumper
finished in black and gets chrome finished fake exhaust and chrome line running throughout all bumper. The boot space in this GLA is 435 litres but because the position of spare wheel we didn’t get much space.
Inside the GLA we get all black interior with red stitching to gets sporty treatment, the dashboard gets silver finish and 12.3 inch MBUX touchscreen infotainment system with android
auto and apple car play, this infotainment system gets radio, media, navigation, vehicle settings, driving data, phone, ambient lighting and voice commands. We see that infotainment unit in lots of Mercedes cars with also that 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, this instrument cluster gets themes,
phone, style, media and more. To operate that instrument cluster we get control on steering wheel. That steering wheel gets volume controls, phone controls, paddle shifters and also cruise control.
Like new generation MB cars we get gear selector on that stock, below infotainment screen we get regular turbines like AC vents with its controls. The centre console gets the gloss black finish and there is also small compartment
to charge your phone with USB’s or charging pad. To operate that MBUX there is touch pad controller with driving modes selector and lots of controls.
Below the front centre armrest there are two usb and some space. The rear seats comes with
ample amount legroom and headroom, to get lights inside MB gives us two sunroof but only one can be opened. Rear seats gets magazine holders, AC vents, centre cup holders and a parcels shelf also.
In GLA we get 64 colours ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats with 4 ways lumbar support and
memory seats function, auto dimming inside irvm, wireless charging pad, automatic headlamps and automatic wipers,
electric parking brake, dual sunroof, automatic climate control, nappa leather in cabin, driving modes (sports, comfort, eco, off-road and individual),
cruise control and also electromagnetic tailgate opening and closing. GLA also gets the Mercedes me connect which is connected
services by MB free for 3 years, this me connect gets voice command, navigation, remote engine start stop, real time traffic information, remote door lock and unlock, service information, Mercedes Benz emergency call system,
vehicle settings and information, speed alerts and parking slots locater also. In safety it get 7 airbags, ABS and EBD, brake assist, ESP,
hill hold control, traction control, hill decent control, TPMS, isofix child seat anchor point, seat belt warning, reverse parking camera, speed sensing auto door lock,
active brake assist, active bonnet and also knee bag to protect your knee if any mishaps happened. In GLA there are three
upholstery and two trim options, also with 5 colours options.
1) Mountain Grey Metallic
2) Iridium Silver Metallic
3) Cosmos Black Metallic
4) Denim Blue Metallic
5) Polar White
This GLA costs from 43.60 L to 47.70 L (Ex-showroom). This is a good price range, at this price point GLA rival to BMW X1 , Mercedes Benz GLC, Audi Q2, Mercedes Benz A-class limousine, Volvo XC40. Looking from its rival GLA missed some features behind like ventilated seats, keyless entry,
front parking camera and parking sensors, rear sun blind. But overall this GLA is good urban compact suv and also now gets more features and drivability.
Ratings from TEAM IGNITION
