Photo: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is charting new waters this week with the launch of the GLA-Class crossover on the Chinese market. The Germans have announced availability of only three flavors which will be imported into the country rather than being locally assembled like most other cars.
The company also announced that local production of the GLA will start around the middle of 2015 at which point prices are expected to drop significantly. Beijing-Benz will take care of assembly next year, but until then, all models will have the "Made in Europe" stamp on them.
GLA 200 from 289,8000 yuan
The base model GLA in China is the 200, which starts at 289,800 yuan ($47,400 or €37,300). Just like European models, power comes from a 1.6-liter turbo engine that produces 156 horsepower, sent to the front wheels. This model is front-wheel drive only and is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
For the record, the Audi Q3 is much more competitively priced in China, starting from 249,000 yuan ($40,700 or €32,000). However, it's standard powertrain is 1.4-liter turbo engine making 150 horsepower, which it delivers to the front wheels though a 6-speed manual. As for the BMW X1, it costs anywhere from 259,000 yuan ($42,350 or €33,350) and comes as standard with a rear-drive manual setup and a 156 horsepower 2-liter engine.
The third model in the range is the hardcore GLA45 AMG. Pricing information isn't available at the moment.
GLA 200 from 289,8000 yuan
The base model GLA in China is the 200, which starts at 289,800 yuan ($47,400 or €37,300). Just like European models, power comes from a 1.6-liter turbo engine that produces 156 horsepower, sent to the front wheels. This model is front-wheel drive only and is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
GLA 260 4Matic has a new name
For whatever reason, Mercedes has had to change the name of the GLA 250 to 260. This model comes with standard all-wheel drive, a 2-liter turbo making 211 horsepower and is priced from 398,000 yuan ($65,100 or €51,250).For the record, the Audi Q3 is much more competitively priced in China, starting from 249,000 yuan ($40,700 or €32,000). However, it's standard powertrain is 1.4-liter turbo engine making 150 horsepower, which it delivers to the front wheels though a 6-speed manual. As for the BMW X1, it costs anywhere from 259,000 yuan ($42,350 or €33,350) and comes as standard with a rear-drive manual setup and a 156 horsepower 2-liter engine.
The third model in the range is the hardcore GLA45 AMG. Pricing information isn't available at the moment.
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