Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class launched for Rs 31.5 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has launched the CLA-Class in India for Rs 31.5 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The beautifully designed four-door sedan is the German manufacturer's entry-level luxury sedan in the Indian market.

The coupe-like profile and frameless doors are the main highlights of the car. The MFA (Mercedes Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform that underpins all the front-wheel drive products from the brand's portfolio available in the country is also seen on this vehicle. Even though the sedan shares the same underpinnings as the A-, B- and GLA-Class, the India-spec CLA has a greater ground clearance, a change the manufacturer has brought in for Indian road conditions.

The new CLA sedan's fascia sports the floating dots grille, massively sculpted air intakes and the chin spoiler that gives it an aggressive look. The clean sculpted lines on the sides add to the styling of the five-door car. At the back, the immaculate design is completed by the nicely carved bumper with a sharp looking boot lid.

The CLA is the sedan derivative of the A-Class and so the cabin of the CLA is identical to its smaller sibling. And even if the interior of the sedan is more or less similar to the A-Class and B-Class, it still gives a more premium and luxurious feel. The main highlight of the CLA is the car's drag co-efficient of 0.23, which is the lowest among any series production car.

Unlike its siblings that were initially offered only as petrol variants, the CLA-Class has been made available in both petrol and diesel variants right from the start. The petrol version of the CLA is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that churns out 181bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. The oil-burner is a 2.1-litre four-cylinder mill that produces 135bhp of power and 300Nm of torque. Both the variants come mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with power sent to the front wheels only.

After Mercedes-Benz launched the CLA 45 AMG in India on July 22 last year, the German automaker had announced that they will launch the regular model of the CLA and it’s finally here. The new CLA is positioned between the B-Class and GLA and will soon be assembled in India at the automaker's facility at Chakan, in Pune. The three-pointed star sedan competes with the Audi A3 sedan in the entry-level luxury sedan segment.

Prices of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (ex-showroom New Delhi)

CLA 200 CDI Style: Rs 31.50 lakh

CLA 200 Petrol Sport: Rs 35 lakh

CLA 200 CDI Sport: Rs 35.9 lakh