Mercedes CLA sedan launching in India on January 22 - IAB Report

Second 4-door coupe model for Mercedes.

Mercedes-Benz India will launch its entry-level CLA sedan on January 22, the company informed Indian Autos Blog. Based on the same MFA series platform as the A Class, the company already sells the performance-oriented CLA 45 AMG in India.

The CLA will come with a petrol and a diesel engine, the latter being a 2.2-liter four-cylinder unit. Like in the GLA crossover, this engine would produce 134 hp and 300 Nm of torque while using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The petrol engine too could be borrowed from the GLA, which uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developing 181 hp and 300 Nm of torque, matched to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Both engine options will be front wheel drive variants, unlike the CLA 45 AMG which is all wheel drive.

The CLA will be a key rival to the Audi A3 Sedan, while being positioned in between the A Class and the C Class in Mercedes-Benz India's lineup. The CLA is also the second four-door coupe model for the German car maker, the first being the CLS Class which was recently refreshed.

Also read: Mercedes E400 Cabriolet to launch in India early next year

The CLA shares its interior layout with the A Class, so expect features like power folding wing mirrors, Mercedes's COMAND infotainment system, climate control, a sunroof, leather seats and 7 airbags.

Competitors: Audi A3
Expected price: INR 25-30 lakh, ex-Showroom
Launch date: January 22 2015