Based on the MFA platform, Mercedes Benz India currently offers the A Class, B Class, CLA 45 AMG, GLA Class, and GLA 45 AMG. All these cars are currently imported as CBU, thus attracting a higher import duty from the government.
Starting this year, Mercedes Benz India will start the assembly of MFA cars at their plant in Pune. The first India-made MFA car to roll out the plant will be the new CLA Class, which is scheduled for launch on 22nd January 2015. Thereafter, Mercedes Benz will add other cars to their list for production in India. This includes the A Class, B Class, and GLA Class. The AMG variants will continue to be imported as CBUs. Currently, models locally produced include C Class, E Class, S Class, M Class and GL Class.
Speaking about the new CLA Class, it is one of the most important car for Mercedes Benz India. To be offered in a choice of petrol and diesel engine options, the CLA 200 will be powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine offering peak power of 181 bhp at 5,000 rpm and 300 Nm torque at 1,200-1,400 rpm. This engine will be mated to a 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Mercedes claims that the engine can accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 235 kmph.
Mercedes CLA 200 CDI will be powered by 2.2 liter four cylinder diesel engine offering 134 bhp power at 3,600 to 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm peak torque at 1,600 to 3,000 rpm. This engine is mated to a 7 speed gearbox. Acceleration from 0 to 100 kmph is achieved in 9.8 seconds while top speed stands at 220 kmph. Both engines offer fuel efficiency of 15.04 kmpl and 17.9 kmpl respectively.
Mercedes Benz CLA sedan is the third front wheel drive Mercedes Benz car in the country after the A Class and B Class. It will sport quality interiors with scratch resistant material used on interior panels while the car itself is equipped with an advanced infotainment system and features that include Bluetooth connectivity for hands free calling, music streaming from music or phone devices. Safety features include 6-airbags, ABS, EBD and ASR, Collision Prevention Assist and Attention Assist. Also on offer is an optional voice controlled COMAND system with HDD Navigation and 3D maps.
To compete head on with the Audi A3 sedan in India, Mercedes Benz dealers in the country have commenced bookings with the Mercedes Benz CLA which is slated to come in at about INR 30 lakhs.
