Engine, transmission and performance
The GLA-Class upon its launch will be available with a choice of two power-plants – a 1991cc petrol motor with 181 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque and a 2143cc turbo diesel with 135 bhp of max power and 300 Nm of peak torque. As evident from those specs, it’s the petrol engine which is the performance enthusiast’s pick of the two units on offer. The GLA also happens to be the only compact crossover in its segment which offers a petrol option; rival products from BMW and Audi are offered only with a diesel engine. Both engines are mated to the 7G-DCT dual clutch 7-speed transmission.
Mercedes-Benz are promoting the GLA200 (petrol) as the performance oriented machine, and the GLA 200 CDI as an option for those who are looking at practicality and efficiency. The petrol GLA delivers a claimed efficiency of 13.8 kmpl, while the diesel powered variant boasts 17.9 kmpl, which is quite high for the segment. The trade-off for the high efficiency comes in the form of lesser power, but more on that later.
Let’s talk a few more numbers before talking about how the two engines feel from behind the wheel. The Petrol powered GLA is claimed to complete the 0-100km/h dash in an impressive 7.6 seconds, and goes all the way to a claimed top speed of 225 km/h. The diesel propelled GLA, on the other hand takes a shade less than 10.0 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and has its top speed rated officially at 205 km/h.
From behind the wheel, the GLA 200 feels more alive, responsive and eager for action. Not only is the petrol powered GLA perceptibly faster, the throttle response feel nippier and the car overall feels lighter and nimbler of the two. The 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission also feels more at home with this unit, managing to swap ratios with relatively more readiness. The shifts are not as seamless and smooth as we have come to expect from the good old 7-G Tronic, though the quickness has improved a wee bit. The DCT unit still has some way to go before it matches its rival twin clutch peers in terms of speed and swiftness.
Red-lined at 6250 rpm, the petrol unit offers great shove with every dab of foot on the right pedal. The low to mid range performance is very strong, which made the GLA shine during our ascent on the Chandigarh Shimla highway. It isn’t overly happy being taken to its 6250 rpm redline, but doesn’t protest either. Nevertheless, seldom would you ever need to rev it that hard for all practical intents and purposes. We loved the petrol engine for its fuss-free, practical, yet reasonably performance oriented demeanour – the GLA 200, indeed turned out to be an engaging car to drive by the time we finished our drive in Shimla.
The 2.2 liter diesel GLA, on the other hand doesn’t have strong performance on its side. With peak power rated at 135bhp, it is at a substantial disadvantage as compared to diesel powered adversaries in the segment. What it has on its side, however, is good fuel efficiency and the 300NM of generous torque to propel its over 1.5 ton weight with ease, without the engine having to break a sweat.
The throttle response from the diesel unit, as compared to the petrol is rather sluggish, and the transmission takes a small moment before thrusting the car forward. This diesel motor isn’t particularly fond of being revved hard either and is happy moving forward using its generous torque band in the mid-revs. The oil burning engine doesn’t particularly like being rushed and emanates an unhappy sound as you push it to the limit. There is also a perceptible languidness as regards the intent of the transmission to swap ratios in conjunction with this one.
That said, however, the fuel efficiency of this unit is quite high and its rated top speed of 200 km/h is swift enough to let you travel very quickly for any road conditions in India. If, however, performance is very high on your agenda, then the petrol variant is the way to go.
Both engines also offer three drive modes to choose from – Eco, Sport and Manual. There is also a dedicated button to engage the Eco mode. M-B is providing steering mounted pedals for manual shifts, which is another highlight for the segment.
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