All-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC introduced at Rs 38.51 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
What good is an SUV if it can’t go off-road and kick up some dust? That’s why Mercedes-Benz India has launched a diesel 4×4 version of its smallest SUV offering, christened GLA 220 d 4MATIC ‘Activity Edition’. This is the first all-wheel-drive diesel GLA introduced in India by Mercedes-Benz.
As the name suggest the GLA 220 d comes powered with a 2,143-cc inline-four diesel engine producing 170 PS and and 350 Nm, which is 34 PS and 50 Nm more than the standard Mercedes-Benz GLA 200 d. The surplus power helps the GLA 220 d sprint from 0-100 km in a claimed 7.7 seconds.
Visually the only difference in the all-wheel-drive variant are black decals on the door accompanied by a set of chrome strips, and new 18-inch alloy wheels. In terms of features the GLA 220 d also gets an off-road package as standard which make it ready to take on more adventurous routes. The feature list includes a new 8-inch media display with Smartphone Integration package and Keyless Go starting function. Also on offer are rain-sensing wipers, stowage package and load compartment package with multiple storage facilities equipped, along with a 12V socket in the boot.
Mercedes-Benz India has been on an aggressive expansion spree of late and the GLA 220 d 4MATIC ‘Activity Edition’ is the German auto major’s sixth SUV launch and the ninth car model in our country in 2016. Speaking about the 4×4 version of the GLA Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes Benz India said, “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. The GLA 220 d will now be available with the 4MATIC and off-road package as standard; which will ensure our discerning customers can make the best of every ground with this fully-capable SUV.”
Mercedes-Benz is hoping to increase its market share with the new GLA 220 d 4MATIC Active Edition which will compete with the likes of the Audi Q3 35 TDI quattro and BMW X1 xDrive 20d.
