Mercedes-Benz will launch the 2017 GLA for the Indian market tomorrow i.e 5 July, 2017. The updated crossover vehicle will host cosmetic and interior updates however the mechanicals are expected to be carried forward as they are in the current GLA.

The new GLA was unveiled internationally at the Detroit motor show back in January 2017. The new GLA takes its styling bits from the Mercedes-Benz family design. The new car wears a tweaked bumper, a restyled grille and the headlamps get the LED treatment as standard - which was an optional feature in the previous generation model. The side profile carries the similar silhouette however the new car gets gloss black touches on the B-pillar and the wing mirrors. The 2017 GLA sits on newly designed alloy wheels. The rear of the car gets a restyled bumper and a refresh wrap around tail lamp design.

Inside the cabin the new car houses a restyled instrument cluster however the steering wheel is a carryover from the previous model with tweaks in the steering mounted controls. Like its predecessor, the 2017 GLA carries the same eight-inch infotainment system and the dashboard gets an aluminium finish with the iconic Jet-Turbine ducts right below the screen.

The updated GLA will be sourcing its power from same engines as the pre-facelift model, 2.1-litre turbocharged diesel and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel. The former produces 136bhp and the latter produces 183bhp. The pre-facelift GLA gets the German manufacturer’s ‘4matic’ all-wheel drive layout in the variant dubbed as the ‘Activity-Edition’ however the ‘4matic’ is expected to be on offer in the top trims in the 2017 GLA. The new GLA sits 30mm higher and offers more ground clearance than the pre-facelift model.

The AMG treated GLA 45 which is on offer in the Indian market right now is also anticipated to get the fresh styling bits, though the GLA 45 AMG is expected to be unveiled sometime later.

We believe the prices will range from Rs. 31 lakhs to Rs. 35 lakhs and post its launch tomorrow, the German crossover will continue to compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and the Mini Clubman.

-carwale