Auto Expo 2020 Brings You Your First Look At The Mercedes GLA SUV In India

• New BS6 engines are 2.0-litre petrol and diesel units.
• Trim bits and engines will be shared with the A-Class and CLA-Class sedans.
• Mercedes says it will launch the GLA in June 2020.
• The new GLA is expected to be priced from Rs 43 lakh.

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the GLA-Class compact luxury SUV in India. The new SUV is taller and wider than before (link to global unveiling story). The new exteriors are matched with all-new interiors and BS6 engines from the A-Class sedan and CLA-Class sedan. Prices are expected to start at Rs 43 lakh. The Audi Q3 and BMW X1 rival will be launched in October 2020. Meanwhile, Mercedes has opened bookings for the GLA and pre-bookers will get a Rs 1 lakh discount.

The GLA-Class has a sharper aesthetic on the outside with more angular headlamps flanking the redesigned trapezoidal grille. Mercedes has increased the wheelbase and decreased the overhangs to give the GLA more interior space -- 104mm has been added to the height and 30mm to the width. This means more headroom and rear legroom. So even though it is 14mm shorter in length, you won’t notice it.

On the inside, the GLA looks up-to-date with its two-part panoramic infotainment display, which doubles up as the driver’s instrument display. Turbine vents sit below the screen. The cabin now feels much more premium than before. 

The GLA will share its 2.0-litre BS6 petrol and engines with the CLA-Class and A-Class sedans. Both are expected to be paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

The new updates are likely to make the most affordable Mercedes SUV an even more enticing prospect. But does the GLA have an edge over its competition? We can't wait to find out.