Mercedes-Benz is planning to strengthen the company SUV portfolio in India with the market launch of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA in the coming weeks. The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA made its debut at the 15th edition of the Auto Expo 2020 in Delhi and speculation were that the brand will launch the smallest SUV in its portfolio close to the festive season in 2020. But the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated lockdown caused the delay in the market launch of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Powertrain
Now a media report suggests that the 2021 GLA will come with a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that produces 163 Hp of power and 250 Nm of torque. The engine also does duty on the recently launched Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine (A200 Petrol) in India. Furthermore, the brand will also employ the OM654q 2.0-litre four-cylinder transverse-mounted diesel motor that produces 190 Hp of power and 400 Nm of torque. Both the petrol and diesel engines are likely to come with a front-wheel-drive architecture, with a 4Matic 4-wheel-drive option on the diesel AMG Line variant.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Performance
Reports suggest that the Mercedes-Benz GLA in the diesel guise will deliver a 0-100 kmph sprint in just 7.3 seconds and the SUV is capable of achieving a top speed of 210 kmph. The diesel motor also comes with a high-pressure injection system with a 2050 bar of pressure, forged crankshaft and pistons and a variable geometry turbocharger. The diesel model will also come with an 8-speed twin-clutch automatic gearbox. The Mercedes-Benz GLA is also likely to arrive in the performance-oriented Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 spec for India.
How big is the Mercedes-Benz GLA?
Underpinning the Mercedes-Benz GLA is the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) and in its second generation, the SUV measures 4410 mm in length, 2020 mm in width, 1611 mm in height and comes with a wheelbase of 2729 mm. Compared to the predecessor the new GLA is 14 mm shorter in overall length but the wheelbase is increased by 30 mm translating to shorter overhangs but roomier interiors.
What is the expected price of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA?
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA is likely to come with a starting price tag of around the INR 40 lakh ex-showroom mark.
