JOIN USThe awesome, yet adorable Merc GLA crossover
The last couple of years have seen a huge upsurge in compact SUVs and crossovers which offered greater utility and durability. One of the most endearing crossovers in the category came to India only a few months ago.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class — the name inspires awe. The car that we got to drive was a GLA 200 petrol variant.
The bold baker’s-chocolate shaded car flaunts its superior styling on the exterior, and denotes character.
The car did stand out with its typical SUV stance, with an imposing front, its delicately crafted bi-xenon headlamps, and integrated day-time LED lighting. The rear of the car appears sleek, with a “dropping line” extending from the front. It stretches all the way from the headlamps along the sides of the rear axle, bringing in an artistic fluidic hue to an already attractive design.
At dimensions of 4,417 mm x 1,804 mm x 1,494 mm (length, width, and height), the GLA 200 has the robustness of a compact crossover, with the centrally positioned star (Merc logo) in the radiator grille completing the picture. It’s a Mercedes-Benz.
The early morning chill did not deter us from taking the GLA out on a date. Seatbelts strapped, engine on, we begin our maiden drive. The interiors of the GLA, though simple, reflect the sturdiness of German engineering.
The centre console is reminiscent of its cousins — A-Class and B-Class. The three circular air con vents, surrounded by galvanised bezels, echo a sense of subtle class. The AC supports dual-zone climate control.|
Below sits the heavily-knobbed infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and iPod controls. The rear armrest, integrated with cupholders and the show-stealer, a panoramic full sunroof, embody traditional workmanship and quality finish, gifting the interiors a sense of harmonious Zen.
Engine rumble a lullaby
The road we took was the over 100 km stretch of highway (NH4), from Bengaluru to Hassan. The car’s engine rumble was but a lullaby for us inside. Beneath the GLA 200 petrol variant’s bonnet, sits a 1,991 cc, 4-cylinder engine. The highway was dotted with a few vehicles.
The GLA 200 would silently emerge between them with finesse, and, as we could see in the rear view mirror, lose sight of them. The engine dishes out a max power of 181 bhp @ 5,500 rpm at a torque of 300 Nm @ 1,200 rpm. For a compact crossover on the Indian road, the GLA is superfast.
The GLA has an interesting feature — a multi-drive mode, which allows you to shift between its standard ECO mode, all the way to Sport.
It was in the latter mode that we got to see the real fun of driving this car which charges ahead at a slight nudge of the gas pedal, urged on by its 7-speed automatic gearbox. We experience 0-100 kmph acceleration at around 8.5 seconds.
Perfect highway setting
The highway is the perfect turf to test the car’s power.The GLA boasts a top speed of around 225 kmph, though we easily touched over 180 kmph.
The car’s superior braking system ensures a safe journey, flanked by a minimum turning radius of 5.9 m, and a wheelbase of 2,699 mm.
A few blemishes on the road were no match for the GLA, thanks to its ground clearance of 133 mm, and its FWD drivetrain. A steady fuel efficiency of over 12 kmpl is an added advantage.
We reached our destination quickly at a fairly fast clip. For a luxury crossover, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 comes with various safety features. Apart from its seven airbags, a few standard safety bits include ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Programme, Traction Control System, and Engine Immobiliser.
With all features, the Mercedes-Benz GLA Sport petrol retails at Rs 36,64,000 (ex-showroom Bengaluru), while GLA 200 CDI diesel variants start from Rs 33,33,222 (ex-showroom Bengaluru).