The youngest off-roader from the German carmaker, Mercedes-Benz India has launched the GLA Activity Edition with all-wheel drive function in the country priced at Rs. 38.30 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 4MATIC brings the automaker's off-roading tech to its smallest SUV and also comes with an off-road package as standard to further bolster the capabilities of the SUV.
The new GLA Activity Edition also marks the auto giant's sixth SUV launch and ninth product launch for 2016, which we exclusively drove earlier this month. Talking about the new Activity Edition, Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and CEO, Roland Folger said, "Mercedes-Benz's SUV portfolio witnessed a strong demand since its introduction and grew over 100% in the last couple of years. The GLA was a key addition to our SUV portfolio as it not only generated volumes for us, but also opened the SUV segment to a much younger customer base."
Mercedes-Benz GLA 4Matic Cabin
Much like its name, the Mercedes GLA 220d 4MATIC Activity Edition gets special treatment to differentiate itself from the standard versions. The SUV gets treated with black decals on the door, chrome elements on the rocker panel; new 18-inch alloy wheel design as well as a new Mountain Grey paint scheme. Rounding off the exterior changes are the 'Activity Edition' badges on the SUV.
Things have improved greatly on the power front and the new Mercedes-Benz GLA 220d Activity Edition now gets power bumped to 170bhp, instead of 136 seen on the GLA 200d, while torque too has been hiked by 50Nm to 350Nm, which helps offset the extra weight brought in by the all-wheel drive unit. The 7-speed automatic transmission continues to serve purpose on the Activity Edition, albeit sending power to all four wheels. As a result, the GLA is now capable of doing the 0-100 km/h run in 7.7 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz GLA Activity Edition 4MATIC Rear Profile
Mechanically, a new off-road system is in place that is offered as standard and includes a raised off-road suspension (which is same as the standard GLA), while the interior now boasts of a 12V power socket in the boot, an electric tailgate and two-way adjustable rear seats that allow for different seating positions and also liberates 60-litres of additional boot space. Other features include an 8-inch media display, smartphone integration package, keyless go, rain sensing wipers, special Activity Edition floor mats, and much more.
Mercedes-Benz first introduced the GLA in the country back in 2014 and the model has been quite the popular offering for the company with 3500 units sold till date. The Activity Edition is expected to add to these numbers and will allow drivers to take on rough roads with far more confidence, compared to the front wheel drive versions.
