[Aditya]

Mercedes-Benz has launched the locally assembled CLA-Class sedan in India. The car is priced between Rs. 30.70 and Rs. 33.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).



The CLA measures 4,630 mm in length, 1,777 mm in width and 1,432 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,699 mm. It has a coupe-like appearance with a long bonnet, low and sloping roof, and a relatively short boot. The car also has a diamond radiator grille and frameless windows.



Coming to the interiors, the CLA gets features such as a panoramic sunroof and a new infotainment system with Mercedes Radio and Garmin Map Pilot navigation.



The CLA is equipped with safety features such as six airbags, ESP, ABS, attention assist, steer control, brake assist, hill-start assist and reversing camera among others. The car has a Euro NCAP rating of 5 stars.

The CLA is available with a choice of two engines:

• 1,991cc, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 181 BHP, 300 Nm
• 2,143cc, 4-cylinder, turbocharged diesel, 134 BHP, 300 Nm

Both engines are mated to a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

Mercedes-Benz has also announced the commencement of local production of the GLA 200 Sport.

The local assembly of cars has helped the company price its offerings more competitively.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

• CLA 200 Sport - Rs. 32.90 lakh (old price Rs. 35.00 lakh)
• CLA 200 CDI Style - Rs. 30.70 lakh (old price - Rs. 31.50 lakh)
• CLA 200 CDI Sport - Rs. 33.90 lakh (old price - Rs. 35.90 lakh)
• GLA 200 Sport - Rs. 33.90 lakh (old price - Rs. 36 lakh)

[karan561]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

• CLA 200 Sport - Rs. 32.90 lakh (old price Rs. 35.00 lakh)
• CLA 200 CDI Style - Rs. 30.70 lakh (old price - Rs. 31.50 lakh)

^ Do not confuse but that's a sarcastic clap with an angry face.

They managed to reduce only Rs 80,000 on the style variant after localization ?

[Nucliomaniac]

I hate Audi.

but A3, with the brilliant 1.8 tfsi motor starting 25.xx ex showroom.

BMW, Mercedes better up their game at the bottom end of the market.

- Nucliomaniac

[johannskaria]

Originally Posted by Aditya

The local assembly of cars has helped the company price its offerings more competitively.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi):

• CLA 200 Sport - Rs. 32.90 lakh (old price Rs. 35.00 lakh)
• CLA 200 CDI Style - Rs. 30.70 lakh (old price - Rs. 31.50 lakh)
• CLA 200 CDI Sport - Rs. 33.90 lakh (old price - Rs. 35.90 lakh)
• GLA 200 Sport - Rs. 33.90 lakh (old price - Rs. 36 lakh)

I was thinking the Honda CR-V was expensive, but not after this.
Would rather go in for the CR-V, where i find more value.
Localisation has done little to change my opinion that GLA is overpriced.

Hopefully it is selling in expected numbers!

[bharatbs]

Stupid question, but what is difference between SKD and local assembly? What is the difference in tax structure for the manufacturer?

I think Make In India is gaining traction, excellent vision and branding by BJP.

Coming to the cars, with the GLA the interiors are very good. Like someone said, driving a Mercedes is like living in a posh penthouse.

However the diesel engine is very noisy (very agrarian) when you put in sports mode as the revs are kept high for better performance.

Rear bench is short and lack under thigh support.

Given the limited power (134hp) and the fact that it uses front wheel drive the price is still very high (Bangalore on-road should be now 42L for GLA CDI Sports). The new X1 will increase competition further for the GLA.

[Saarth]

This is just their way of making the CLA a replacement of the C Class, and moving the latter up the scale. And even then, the C Class is selling in MUCH higher numbers than the CLA, GLA and A combined.

However, in cities like Mumbai where registration costs for CKD/SKD are lower than CBU, the eventual on-road price will reduce quite a bit from the previous CBU models.

[Turbanator]

what is difference between SKD and local assembly?

There are essentially 2 kind of Imports - CBU - Complete Built up units & then CKD Complete Knock Down Units . Custom Duty is highest probably in excess of 125 % for CBU & for CKD its about 10 % however some Years back(2010-2011 ) Government changed definition of CKD , so manufacturers can get goods cleared at 10 % only if kits does not include engines & transmissions in assembled form in which case these will be charged @ 30 % . That's the reason we see Engine plants from BMW / Mercedes either self owned or in tie-up .In addition to custom duty there is CVD - Countervailing Duty ( in lieu of Excise ) is extra depending on type of vehicle mostly 30 % .

Now Mercedes is getting CBU at low transfer prices to save on high CBU duties but looks their parent company does not transfer them CKD parts at costs

have a look at old article

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report...-at-30-1523501
http://articles.economictimes.indiat...price-hike-ckd

^ Do not confuse but that's a sarcastic clap with an angry face.

I am more than sure they must have reduced some features on Indian specced version .So if you want to buy a Mercedes - pick up the launch edition CBU