Mercedes-Benz India have launched the GLA-Class in 200 petrol and 200 CDI diesel guises. Fortunately for us, the diesel engine, a 2.2 with 136 PS and 300 Nm is on par with global specs, while the petrol is even better, with the 184-PS unit from the C- and E-Class, rather than a tuned-up 1.6 from the B offered overseas. That points to sprightly performance considering that both the A- and the B-Class don’t have outputs as high as these. The other major difference is the 183 millimetres of ground clearance. The higher ride height is a crucial aspect in India and Mercedes of India have said that their engineers specifically worked on raising the car’s suspension without affecting its dynamic performance.
You may think that it’s a jacked-up A-Class, but there is a bit more to the GLA. Yes, it’s only front-driven for now, and, yes, it houses familiar engines albeit with higher output figures and even a familiar interior, but the car does have some SUV-cred. We drove the car from Chandigarh to Chail and on to Shimla, and that meant some really challenging terrain, including a rough downhill section with slush and water, where even big brother G would smile.
First, however, let’s consider what we see before it turns what we drive. The GLA boasts of a beefier appearance as compared to the A or B. It’s higher, but about as long and wide as tits siblings and also runs the same wheelbase. The grille is wider and the projector headlamps look distinct with their LED signature. The sharp lines and curves along the side make you wonder if a skateboarder did a number on the car, before being followed up with everything from a spinnerooni dance solo on the roof to some animal with antlers going wild and creating some sparks. It looks fantastic, no doubt about that. And there’s a good amount of kit too, including big 18” wheels wrapped in 235/55 rubber.
The first thing I noticed in the GLA is the trim quality. It’s somewhere between Mercedes and AMG with black leather upholstery and contrast white stitching with wood on the dash and chrome under the door armrest – nice touches. The aircraft-style air vents have been seen before, but they still look just as exquisite in here. The steering is bulged in the right places and gives a good grip. Reach your fingers behind and they find a set of paddles too. The COMAND multimedia interface with its central LCD screen is standard. Look up and you notice the panoramic sunroof, an appreciated addition in a compact car such as this. Being part of the standard equipment is another thing we can appreciate.
