Mercedes Benz could launch GLA 45 AMG high performance crossover alongside regular GLA

Mercedes Benz India is laying it thick and fast. The German luxury car giant is on a massive comeback march in India and an aggressive new car launch strategy is central to Mercedes Benz’s plans of topping Audi from its top perch here. The next big launch for Mercedes Benz is the GLA crossover, which will challenge the Audi Q3, the BMW X1 and the Volvo V40.

Alongside the GLA crossover’s launch, Mercedes Benz could also launch the GLA 45 AMG high performance variant, the likes of which has been imported into the country for homologation. Therefore, it was always a question of when rather than if Mercedes Benz was bringing in the high performance crossover to India.

Based on Mercedes Benz’s Modular Front Architecture, the GLA 45 AMG shares its engine and transmission with the CLA 45 AMG, which has already been launched in India. The car houses a 2 liter, twin turbo petrol engine that makes 360 Bhp-450 Nm, which is the most power and torque that has been wrung out from a series produced 2 liter motor.

A 7 speed dual clutch automatic gearbox and a 4MATIC all wheel drive system help transmit torque to all four wheels of the crossover. Performance figures of the GLA 45 AMG, not surprisingly, are sportscar shaming. The 0-100 Kph sprint is achieved in 4.8 seconds with top speed rated at an electronically limited 250 Kph.

AMG tuned suspension, multiple drive modes and revised body work help differentiate the GLA 45 AMG from the regular variants of the GLA crossover. The GLA 45 AMG will arrive into India, straight from Germany as a completely built unit (CBU). The high performance crossover is expected to be priced close to the CLA 45 AMG, at about 70 lakh rupees.

The GLA crossover will be launched on the 30th of September, 2014, and the GLA 45 AMG could also be launched on the same day. Plans are afoot to assemble the GLA crossover at Mercedes Benz India’s Chakan factory through the CKD kit route. However, the GLA 45 AMG will continue to be a full import.

Via MotoringWorld