New Mercedes-Benz GLA vs. Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz has a versatile product portfolio in India unlike any other. The German carmaker has a product to cater to each segment that exists and some more. The recently introduced GLA-Class keeps things fresh for the crossover. The CLA-Class sedan, which was updated late last year, is another three-pointed star available at a pricing similar to the GLA. It is also the entry-level sedan in the Stuttgart-based carmaker’s Indian line-up; correspondingly the GLA is also an entry-level crossover. Here’s how the Mercedes-Benz’s dynamic duo fares against each other.

Exterior and Styling
Both the Benzes carry the newest design language of Mercedes-Benz and sport all the signature elements that give them the family appearance. The mid-life update to the pair has lent them new LED-endowed headlights and new ‘stardust’ signature tail lights. The louvered grille on the GLA carries two horizontal slats with a dash of chrome. Meanwhile, the avant-garde grille on the CLA comes as a standard now. The high ground clearance is the GLA’s USP while the sloping roofline with frameless doors makes the CLA more coupe-like.
What separates them is the obvious – one is a high riding SUV design while the other is low slung and sporty in nature. The growing demand for the high-riding vehicles in the country makes the GLA a viable choice, but the CLA scores brownie points for its sportscar-esque countenance.

Interior and Features
The three-pointed pair being in the same price range comes with a similar level of equipment and features. Once inside, you’d be hard pressed to differentiate the dashboard between the two cars. The cabin is dominated by a clean and well laid out dashboard with a trio of centrally placed circular air-con vents. Atop them sits an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system which now comes with smart phone integration.
Standard equipment includes adaptive brakes with ABS and electronic stability program, dual adaptive airbags, panoramic sunroof, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, reversing camera et al, on both the cars.

Engine and Gearbox
Engine wise, both the vehicles gets the same petrol and diesel engine options. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 181bhp of power and 300Nm of torque in both the cars. The diesel, on the other hand, is a 2.2-litre turbocharged oil burner with a power output of 136bhp and 300Nm. The GLA220d, however, gets the same diesel engine in a different state of tune producing 168bhp and 350Nm sending power to all four sides via 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. Both the cars get a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission as standard.

Conclusion
The Mercedes-Benz duo is priced on par with each other. With local-assembly and Mercedes badge, both these cars are a good value for money. If you want a vehicle for a bit of off-road venture and one that affords you visibility from a greater height in the traffic, then the GLA is the one for you. But if a sporty entry-level sedan with gorgeous looks and spirited performance is your choice, then look no further than the CLA.