NewZNew (Chandigarh): Mercedes-Benz India continued its product offensive with rigour by launching its ninth product in 2014, the new GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC in India. Combination of powerful-distinctive design, exclusive appointments as well as superior engine power and driving performance, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC makes a strong statement in the growing luxury SUV segment. With the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world, the new GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC high-performance SUV also shines with low emission and fuel consumption figures. GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, the newest member of the AMG Performance Brand was launched in India by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India at Mumbai, today.
Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is into a league of its own and provides an overwhelming driving experience. With its powerful-distinctive design, exclusive appointments as well as unrivalled engine power and performance – the new GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is a true all-rounder. The unique product characteristics and the individualization options allow us to attract new target groups. With the launch of this high-performance SUV, Mercedes-Benz makes a strong statement in the fast growing performance SUV segment in India.”
“Mercedes-Benz won it’s first-ever World Constructor’s Championship in Formula One demonstrating the technical prowess of AMG in developing the most powerful and most efficient Hybrid Power Unit. Every AMG car inherits this technical superiority, be it the F1 race car or the series production car meant for the customers. The AMG brand is now a popular name in India and represents the AMG pledge of ‘driving performance’ like never before. With the launch of the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, we bring AMG’s superior performance tenets to India and further reinforce the robust AMG portfolio. The fourth AMG product to be launched in 2014, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is a perfect fit for the performance SUV enthusiasts who wants a fresh perspective in terms of performance, combined with styling, design and luxury. With the latest and fascinating AMG product line-up, strongly supported by the expanding AMG Performance Centres; we are well poised for the next phase of expansion for the AMG brand in India.” Mr. Kern further added.
Driving Performance:
The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC will be for 4×4 enthusiasts, who love extreme performance. The power output peaks at 132.5 kW per litre of displacement. This is higher power density per cylinder than any other car in the world. A maximum output of 265 kW and up to 450 Nm of torque are unmatched by any other mass-produced turbocharged four-cylinder engine worldwide. The high output and torque coupled with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive fitted as standard lead to an adrenalin rush when driving the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC. The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7- speed sports transmission in the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC features three distinct transmission modes, a double-declutching function dependent on the transmission mode and a RACE START function for optimum acceleration. The strengths of the dual-clutch transmission include spontaneous gear shifts without loss of tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy based on the AMG SPEEDSHIFT functions, extremely smooth gear shifts, and a high level of efficiency.
The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC comes with variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. In developing this all-wheel-drive system, the focus was firmly on performance and dynamic spirit. The all-wheel-drive system provides an ideal transfer of engine power to the road to provide perfect traction – regardless of the weather conditions. It also elevates driving dynamics to the highest level. The 4MATIC control unit evaluates all the data required for driving dynamics and traction to calculate the ideal torque distribution.
The AMG Performance 4MATIC comes with 4ETS for driving safety and agility. The 4ETS dynamic handling control system improves start-off and acceleration on road surfaces offering varying grip on slippery roads. 4ETS prevents one-sided wheel spin when moving off or accelerating.
Exterior styling and design:
The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC boasts the expressive AMG design, which lends the sporty GLA-Class an athletic touch and reinforces the dynamic impression. The design of the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC exudes fascination on account of its powerful and distinctive character. As the powerful AMG top-of-the-line model of the GLA class, the high-performance SUV combines the hallmark sensual clarity of Mercedes-Benz as an expression of modern luxury with muscular elements exclusive to AMG.
The AMG front apron with front splitter and the AMG “twin blade” radiator grille provide athletic highlights – both are painted matt titanium grey. Completely new: the distinctive AMG lettering at the side between the louvres of the radiator grille. This will make all new AMG models easy to recognize in future. An impressive front face is ensured by the headlamps and standard LED daytime running lamps.
The AMG-specific rear end design elements include AMG rear apron in diffuser look with matt titanium grey trim, AMG Performance exhaust system with two chrome-plated tailpipe trim elements featuring a twin-pipe design integrated into the bumper and ‘4MATIC’ along with ‘GLA 45 AMG’. The large roof spoiler in bucket tooth design is another eye catching feature. It accommodates the third brake light and gives the exterior of the GLA 45 AMG an even sportier touch from the rear. When viewed from the side, the distinctive 48.26 cm R19 AMG light-alloy wheels catch the eye. The side sill panels with matt titanium grey inserts, the ‘TURBO AMG’ lettering on the front wings and the aluminium roof rails lend the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC a special touch.
Sporty interiors:
As in all AMG high-performance vehicles, the interior of the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC delights with its high-quality appeal combined with sporty flair and exclusive equipment features. The 3-spoke nappa leather multifunction AMG Performance steering wheel with red contrasting topstitching and AMG aluminum steering-wheel shift paddles allows for perfect vehicle control. The AMG instrument cluster with 2-tube design and free-standing 17.8 cm Central Media Display, AMG main menu and the RACETIMER which enables lap times to be measured and stored so as to provide information to the driver. AMG Performance seats with red contrasting topstitching and red designo safety belts are on board, as is the AMG DRIVE UNIT. On opening the door, the driver is greeted by the AMG start-up screen in central display. The trim of the instrument panel is of brushed aluminium and, in tandem with the brushed stainless-steel AMG front door sills, emphasizing the high-grade, exclusive ambiance inside the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC.
With its large glazed areas, the Panoramic Sunroof ensures a particularly bright and welcoming ambience in the interior of the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC making especially the rear more spacious. Features like illuminated door sill panels with ‘AMG’ lettering and Ambient lighting make the interior classier and lends the it an even more luxurious atmosphere. The windscreen wipers with rain sensor enhance comfort and optimum visibility.
The car offers intuitive equipment operation with COMAND Online which is equipped with a hard-disc navigation system featuring a map display along with a DVD player, radio and 10GB memory for compressed audio files and Speed Limit Assist to display speed limits in the instrument cluster. The ease of operation is further enhanced with Active Parking Assist which makes it easier when searching for a parking space and when entering or leaving parallel or end-on parking spaces. The system automatically steers the vehicle into parking spaces, taking the steering and braking work off the driver.
The wealth of Safety features:
Keeping in line with the Mercedes-Benz tradition of safest cars, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is available with numerous high-quality assistance and safety systems which support drivers and reduce their workload. Typically for AMG, the Electronic Stability Program is configured as a three-stage ESP®. The three modes ‘ESP ON’, ‘SPORT Handling Mode’ and ‘ESP OFF’ enable the driver to vary dynamic performance according to individual requirements at the push of a button. As a result, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC steers precisely and under control at all times. ATTENTION ASSIST can detect typical symptoms of drowsiness on the basis of driver behaviour and alert the driver to increasing fatigue and inattention. This system can improve driving safety, especially on long journeys and at night. PRE-SAFE system is able to recognize critical driving situations as they develop, and initiate preventive occupant protection measures if an accident threatens. These include reversible belt tensioning or automatic closing of open side windows, complete closure of the panoramic sunroof and bringing the front driver and passenger seats into a more favourable position before crash. The car also comes with seven airbags as standard.
The AMG DNA:
One of the keys to agile handling is the axle technology: for enhanced driving dynamics, the McPherson front axle on the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is fitted with stiffer steering knuckles and new elastokinematics. The AMG sports suspension with specially tuned spring/damper units and bigger anti-roll bars provides high lateral acceleration and reduced body roll in fast double bends. The hallmark Mercedes comfort on long journeys is ensured all the time. The AMG high-performance braking system with internally ventilated and perforated disc brake offers excellent deceleration performance and precision brake control. The AMG Performance exhaust system also features a large pipe diameter for minimized exhaust gas back pressure and optimized performance. When adopting a sporty style of driving drivers of the GLA 45 AMG will experience an emotional sound, which will give them a true race track feeling.
In addition to the CLA 45 AMG, the GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is the second vehicle with four-cylinder turbo engine to appeal to a young target group. The trend-oriented customers set great store by styling, dynamics and independence – traits that are perfectly embodied in the new high-performance SUV. Meeting a wide variety of customer desires has always been one of the strengths of Mercedes-AMG. The GLA 45 AMG now expands the extensive SUV line-up to five models (GLA 45 AMG, ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, and G 63 AMG). Mercedes-AMG thus offers the widest range of SUVs among all high-performance premium brands.
The GLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is priced at Rs. 69.60 lakhs ex-showroom Mumbai and will be available for sale at all Mercedes-Benz India dealerships across India.
About Mercedes-Benz India:
Established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. pioneered the luxury car market in India and boasts of more than 128 years of cutting edge innovation in the luxury automobile industry globally. With a world class production facility spread over 100 acres in Chakan, near Pune, set up in 2009 and an independent assembly facility for passenger cars; the facility is among the fastest green-field operations ever to be created and is rated among the top most CKD plants of Mercedes-Benz, globally. Mercedes-Benz India product portfolio comprises the locally produced S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, GL-Class and the M-Class. Completely Built Imported cars include the A-Class, CLS-Class, SLK-Class and the luxury tourer B-Class etc. The product portfolio also comprises offering the iconic off-roader G 63 AMG as well as a wide range of other AMG performance cars like the CLA 45 AMG, C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG, GL 63 AMG and ML 63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz India’s strong focus on its four pillars of Products, Network, Cost of Ownership and Brand experiences has led the company’s growth story with a total of 64 outlets located in 36 Indian cities, making it the brand with the densest network in the luxury segment.
The year 2014 is Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Year of Excellence’ across the brand, product and services spectrum. Mercedes-Benz grew by 25% in H1, 2014 amidst challenging market dynamics and also grew by 47% in FY2013-14 selling 9500+ cars in India. In line with ‘The Year of Excellence’ Mercedes-Benz launched its flagship model the new S-Class in January 2014 in India and followed with the launch of S500 CKD and the S 350 CDI in March 2014 and June 2014 respectively. Mercedes-Benz India celebrated 50000th car roll out with the C-Class GRAND EDITION. At the 12th Auto Expo, Mercedes-Benz launched the M-Guard- special protection SUV for the Indian market and also showcased the CLA 45 AMG and the much awaited GLA-Class. The company also launched GL 63 AMG and the ML 63 AMG to present the most powerful SUVs in its segment. Mercedes-AMG also inaugurated three AMG Performance Centers (APC) in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai making it the fastest roll-out of APC’s ever. Mercedes-Benz also launched the CLA 45 AMG in July at the Buddh International Circuit as AMG is synonymous with the race track owing to its superlative performance and next generation research and development. Mercedes-Benz India has also recently enriched its E-Class portfolio and added a powerful 6 cylinder engine as an option with the introduction of E 350 CDI. The performance aspect of AMG brand is highlighted at its best on the Formula 1 track. With 13 wins, 35 podium finishes, 16 pole positions and 14 fastest laps from the 16 races, Mercedes-Benz won its first ever FIA Formula 1 World Constructors Championship title. 60 years have passed since the three-pointed star took victory in its first ever Formula One Grand Prix in Reims, and 80 years since the Silver Arrows were born at the 1934 Eifelrennen.
Mercedes-Benz India also emerged as the most awarded luxury automotive brands in 2013, receiving as many as 16 coveted awards from various prestigious automotive media introducing exciting products for the Indian customers. As part of its qualitative network expansion strategy, Mercedes-Benz has already inaugurated 4 new outlets in 2014 at Bhubaneshwar, Raipur, Bhopal and Mohali.