The country’s largest luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz inched further towards its target of bringing 12 new cars to India this year by launching the GLA 220 d 4MATIC ‘Activity Edition’ for a price of Rs 38.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune) on Monday. With this, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive has also made its debut on the GLA in the country, according to a press release.
This is the German carmaker’s sixth SUV launch in India and its ninth new product for 2016. On the occasion, Roland Forger, managing director and CEO of the company’s Indian arm, pointed at the widening fan base for SUVs in India as the reason behind the company’s latest move.
“The GLA was a key addition to our SUV portfolio as it not only generated volumes for us, but also opened the SUV segment to a much younger customer base. We have sold over 3500 units of the GLA since its market introduction and with the launch of the GLA 220 d 4MATIC Activity Edition, we expect the volumes to scale even further and add more value to the consumer,” he said.
He also revealed that the GLA 220 d will now be available with the 4MATIC and off-road package as standard. Power will be supplied to the AWD via the 2143cc, in-line, four-cylinder diesel mill, which is good for 170PS and 350Nm, when mated to a 7G-DCT transmission. This set-up propels the car to 100kmph from a dead halt within 7.7 seconds.
On the outside, the additions to the latest version of the GLA include black decals on the door, longitudinal chrome elements and 18-inch alloys, apart from the ‘Activity Edition’ badging. The car will also be offered in a new colour option – Mountain Grey – added the release.
A new eight-inch media display with Smartphone Integration package, the keyless GO starting function, Easy Pack Tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, stowage package and load compartment package with multiple storage facilities, along with a 12 V socket in the boot are among other notable features on the car.
