MERCEDES-BENZ’S pitch at the compact luxury SUV market, the GLA-Class, will wear a sub-$50,000 pricetag when it launches here next month.
The front-wheel-drive GLA200 CDI, the entry-level model in the three-variant line-up, will start from $47,900 plus on-road costs, the German luxury car-maker has announced.
The range will also include the all-wheel-drive GLA250 4Matic featuring a new generation of the all-paw system priced from $57,900, and the firebrand GLA45 AMG – also sending drive to all four wheels – priced from $79,900.
The GLA200 CDI’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine delivers 100kW of power and 300Nm of torque while returning fuel consumption of 4.6L/100km on the official combined cycle.
The GLA250 4Matic will use a 155kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine using 7.0L/100km, while the GLA45 AMG will use the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine as the A45 AMG, producing 265kW and 450Nm of torque – enough to launch the small soft-roader from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Official Australian-market fuel economy figures are still to be provided for the AMG range-topper.
Standard equipment will run to 18-inch alloy wheels, satellite navigation, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, parking sensors and a reversing camera.
The GLA250 adds heated front seats with a memory function, adaptive headlights, 19-inch alloys and a sunroof.
The AMG-badged model steps up to 20-inch AMG-badged alloys, sports suspension, darkened body trim, bigger brakes, a more advanced satellite navigation system and a higher-grade surround-sound audio system.
Mercedes-Benz says the GLA-Class will include safety features such as low-speed collision avoidance, a blind-spot monitor, a fatigue monitor and a pedestrian-friendly bonnet that pops up to provide a bigger buffer zone.
The range-topping GLA45 AMG will add active cruise control and lane diversion monitor.
“Continuing the success of our range in the compact class, the GLA broadens our offering to a youthful, more dynamic target market.” Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific chief executive Horst von Sanden said.
“Its expressive design, practicality and versatility, and superb performance, will ensure that the GLA-Class is highly desired in our local market.”Mercedes-Benz also says the GLA-Class offers more than just a passing nod to off-road ability.
| 2014 Mercedes Benz GLA pricing*
200 CDI (a) | $47,900 |
250 4MATIC (a) | $57,900 |
45 AMG (a) | $79,900 |
*Excludes on-road costs.