IAB Report - Mercedes GLA 45 AMG lands in India for homologation

19/05/2014 - 15:39 Mercedes GLA, Mercedes-Benz Shrawan Raja

The Mercedes GLA 45 AMG in RHD specification has been imported into India for testing and homologation purpose, hinting that Mercedes India is targeting a festive season launch.

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG at 2014 NAIAS — The GLA 45 AMG debuted at the Detroit Auto Show in January this year.

On the sidelines of the ML63 AMG launch last week, Mercedes India's CEO Eberhard Kern said that there would be 6 further launches this year. Besides the new S-Class, the company has brought in two AMG models in 2014 - ML63 AMG and GL63 AMG - and the third AMG model, the CLA45 AMG, was showcased at the Auto Expo and confirmed to launch later this year.

Mercedes India said the CLA 45 AMG's launch would strengthen the AMG range and build up the compact car segment where it has two products already, the A- and B-Class. The same would hold true for the GLA 45 AMG.

The GLA 45 AMG was displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year in a near-production concept, and was revealed in production specification at the Detroit Auto Show this year.

Mercedes GLA 45 AMG at 2014 NAIAS rear quarter — The GLA 45 AMG uses the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production.

The GLA 45 AMG uses a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 360 hp and 450 Nm. Power is transfered to all four wheels via the 4MATIC system (AWD) through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed dual clutch gearbox.

The GLA can reach 100 kph in 4.8 seconds and onwards to an electronically gated top speed of 250 kph.

Compared to the everyday GLA, the AMG variant receives a beefed-up body kit, quad exhaust, bigger wheels, gaping vents, muscular side skirting and aggressive bumpers. Customers can configure their GLA 45 AMG with red brake calipers, carbon fiber package, interior carbon fiber trim and performance seats.