Latest Car News in India

Mercedes Benz CL sedan coming in 2013, GLA crossover could launch in 2014

In order to gain volumes in the luxury car segment of the Indian market, Mercedes Benz India has planned two new car launches conceived on the MFA architecture. Out of these two cars, one will be launched in 2013 while the other one will be launched in 2014. With a total of four new cars based on the MFA platform and priced between Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh being developed for the young car buyers, Mercedes Benz India is confident that it will be able to generate volumes with these set of cars. Merc has been a favourite car brand of the middle aged customers; however the company has shifted gears from middle aged customers to young buyers.

These vehicles could be launched in front wheel drive option available as standard, this would help in making the cars frugal along with being lighter. The shared MFA platform implies that Mercedes Benz India would be able to price these cars lucratively. This means that the AMG models that the MFA based cars come in, are most likely be offered with an all wheel drive layout. This defines the versatility of the platform which could support both front wheel drive and all wheel drive layouts. The MFA based cars will come to Indian through CKD route and will be assembled at the company’s Chakan plant located in the suburbs of Pune.

Talking about the Mercedes Benz CLA Class sedan, this smoking hot sedan is based on the MFA platform and will be powered with the same range of engines which will be seen in the Mercedes Benz A Class and Mercedes Benz B Class. Therefore expect both the petrol and turbo diesel engines to be available for sale. Seven speed dual clutch automatic transmission will be offered as standard on the MFA range of cars however, the six speed manual gearbox will also be available. The sedan is anticipated to be unveiled in the global markets at the end of this year. The other model, Mercedes Benz GLA Class crossover which will take cues from Mercedes Benz A Class Sports hatchback. The SUV will collide head on with Audi Q3 and BMW X1 compact SUVs.

Therefore be ready to witness the debut of four new entry level cars from the German car maker, Mercedes Benz India which includes Mercedes Benz A Class Sports hatchback, Mercedes Benz B Class Sports tourer, Mercedes Benz CLA sedan and Mercedes Benz GLA crossover. Arch rivals of the luxury car maker, Audi and BMW are also expected to foray in the entry level car segment. Audi could come with Audi A3 sedan; on the other hand BMW could introduce 1-Series. With such entry level cars paving their way into the domestic market, it sure is going to be a treat for the Indian buyers who look forward to buying these cars.