Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 2020 GLA last year in its latest generation and it has changed completely. The German marque has a lot of cars in the pipeline out of which some are ready to get launched in the Indian market soon. Mercedes showcased the 2020 GLA at the 2020 Auto Expo along with A-class Limo and a bunch of other new models. Let's see what this mini crossover has to offer and how will it fare against the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40.
Also read: Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe and GT R India Launch on 27th May
The 2020 GLA has each and every panel new. Unlike the first generation of the GLA with honed lines and creases, this one sports smooth and curvy lines all across. The front grille and multibeam LED headlights, both are inspired from the CLA and the AMG iteration gets the AMG-grille and sporty bumpers. The new GLA rides on 20-inch wheels but we can also see the small size of wheels as per Indian road conditions. The rear gets split LED taillights and dual exhaust tips in the AMG trim.
Moving to the interiors which are all new and follows the Mercedes' design theme. A pair of big 10.25-inch screens sit on the dashboard - one for the driver's display and the other one is touchscreen infotainment which comes with MBUX system. The latest MBUX system sports touch, touchpad and voice controls along with Android Auto, Apple Car Play, Mercedes Me and 3D navigation. The centre gets 3 AC vents whereas the AC controls are placed down below the central screen.
After the centre armrest is the MBUX touchpad controller and the GLA also sports wireless charging. Other features include electrically-operated driver and co-passenger seats, ambient lighting, big panoramic sunroof, multifunctional steering wheel with touchpads, cruise control etc.
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA get options of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines overseas but in India, we are expecting three engine options - 1.3-litre turbo petrol with 163 Hp, 2.0-litre diesel with 190 Hp and 400 Nm of torque and the last one is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol in the AMG 35 trim with 306 Hp 400 Nm of torque. You will be shocked to know that we will see the exact 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine in the BS6 Nissan Kicks with lesser power at 154 Hp.
Coming to launch timeline, rumours are suggesting the launch to happen near October and the price will start under 40 lakhs for the base trim. However, it is yet to be confined whether we will get the 4-Matic AWD trims in India or not as both the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 have done away with the AWD trims. Hence, this can be used as an advantage for the GLA if Mercedes launches it will 4-Matic.
