Mercedes-Benz has commenced the sales of their entry level crossover, GLA. The compact crossover was showcased in its concept avatar at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show, where its jaw dropping design was appreciated by the audience. The Stuttgart based carmaker later unveiled the production version of the Mercedes GLA at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, which retains most of its attractive styling elements seen on the concept version. It is based on the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform, shared amongst the Mercedes A-Class, CLA and B-Class.
On the commencement of Mercedes GLA’s sales, the company has released a special Edition 1 series of the crossover featuring sportier embellishments. The GLA Edition 1 is based on the Urban line trim, which gets the underguard and roofrails in chrome finish, 19-inch AMG spec gloss black alloy wheels, black radiator grille with chrome accents and black finished wing mirrors. The window frames and the B-pillar have a black shade as well, complementing the dark tinted glass. Then there is the ‘Edition 1’ badging all around the body to boast the presence of the special GLA.
The Mercedes GLA Edition 1 is being offered only with four colour options – white, brown, grey metallic and designo grey. The interiors also gets spruced up with desert dust colour scheme with special leather and stitching. The 3-spoke steering is finished in leather with perforated grip and flattened bottom to add to the sporty appeal. Also, there are brushed stainless steel finished pedals, aluminum trim, black roof liner and Light & Sight package. The GLA Edition 1 is available in two petrol and two diesel versions – GLA 200, GLA 250, GLA 200 CDI and GLA 220 CDI.
The Mercedes GLA Edition 1 will be available to order from the end of November. Deliveries will commence from March 2014, with the standard GLA models. The Indian market can expect Mercedes to roll out the GLA starting from the second half of 2014. The Mercedes GLA will compete with the likes of entry level offerings such as the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Mercedes is most likely to introduce the GLA crossover in India via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route for an aggressive price positioning.
