I still couldn't understand why Mercedes made this AMG-ified version of a little crossover (GLA) out the tiny A-Class platform. More so, why is it launched in India too? Of course, the GLA45 has some potential here as a luxury crossover. The CLA45 too, as an entry-level sports sedan for the cream and its AMG version is meaningful and appealing for those who wants something shrill, fast, and rough. But who is gonna buy the GLA45 AMG? I mean, in many aspects, the qualities of a crossover and a performance-oriented car stand quite contrastingly. Those AMG traits aren't really qualities the average luxury crossover buyer is after. And it does little justice to the two realms. The car is ridiculously small for a luxury crossover after all.
What puzzles me that car making is a serious business case like any other consumer industry. How will Mercedes make a car and introduce it in developing markets like India when it is not sure who is going to buy or if they'll even buy it at all? Is the GLA45 AMG a kind of cow that doesn't think business case in mind?? I don't think so.
But I'm pretty sure that those guys at the Mercedes will sell them somehow. Luxury makers can afford to experiment such things with happy sales even when the whole car market was plunging sometime back. It is only those mass-car makers who should think twice before betting their buttocks! In fact, models like GLA45 AMG are not going to be made in the local manufacturing facilities and are to be imported, so it doesn't matter much if they hardly sell briskly.
The GLA45 AMG is powered by a 2.0-litre Inline-4 cylinder Turbo-charged petrol machine that powers all the smaller AMG models (“45” series) globally, and the one found in our CLA45 AMG. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch AMG transmission, it produces 360PS of power and 450Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100 kmph in less than 5 seconds.
The AMG visual differentiation also sets apart this car from the regular GLA. Tweaked bumpers with sporty-looking air intakes, lip spoilers, chunky 19-inch alloys, red AMG brake calipers, muscular diffuser and exhaust pipes bright the exterior styling. On the inside, the car gets sporty AMG gear selector and flat bottom steering wheel.
Whatever. I do love this car and may buy it if at all I have loads of riches. It is weirder, but will be unique. Especially the engine inside its hood, one of the most fantastic turbo four-bangers on the planet. And there is no go-fast versions available from any of its rivals from Audi or BMW. Thus, its obvious now why Mercedes created this car. They even made me fall to their trap!
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz's new naming Scheme for its cars
Photo Credit: www.indiancarsbikes.in, Mercedes-Benz India
Expecting Nissan automotive
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