Mercedes-Benz India have revealed three new models at the 12th Auto Expo: the all-new GLA-Class, the segment-creating CLA-Class in its most powerful avatar and the mighty M-Guard.
The GLA-Class is the company’s take on the compact crossover SUV. With the likes of the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo V40 Cross Country already kicking tarmac and taking names, Mercedes figured they have to go on the offensive and capitalise on this growing segment. The GLA-Class is built on the same platform as the A- and B-Class and also shares powertrains. Considering the fact that Mercedes aren’t getting any current spec engines to India citing various reasons related to compatibility with our fuel quality, we can expect to see a GLA 180 CDI with the same 109PS 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel motor, paired to the 7-speed G-Tronic automatic transmission driving the front wheels. If we’re lucky, we could get the GLA 200 CDI 4matic, which makes 136 PS and 300 Nm of torque and runs Mercedes’ all-wheel drive system. Pricing will be in the range of Rs 30 lakh, we expect.
Next up, the M-Guard. The Guard line is basically the company’s armoured offerings. The ML500 Guard uses the 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 with 408 PS and 600 Nm; essential for the 2.8 tonnes it has to lug around. It also features AIRMATIC suspension with the Adaptive Damper System as standard, together with beefier torsion beams and axles. It meets the requirements of protection level ‘VR4’, according to testing guidelines, BRV 2009 for special-protection vehicles with bullet resistance (according to Bullet Resistant Vehicles 2009). The tag is Rs 2.49 crore (ex-showroom): a small price to pay for not getting a bullet through you head, if you’re that kind of person.
The CLA-Class, which is basically a more affordable baby-CLS, retains the four-door coupé look of its big sister. That Mercedes have decided to bring in its most powerful avatar brought a smile to our faces instantly. The CLA 45 AMG 4matic packs a turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-litre four-pot which dishes a class-best 360 PS and a hefty 450 Nm of torque; opening the doors to the Performance Compact Sedan segment. Needless to say, the 7G-DCT box sends the power to all four wheels. Mercedes haven’t confirmed the price of the car as yet, but for the firepower on offer, we expect it to be in the range of a top-end diesel C-Class for sure, maybe even more!
Story: Jim Gorde
Images: Mercedes-Benz Press
