What you see here is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Limousine. It effectively replaces the CLA in India. Although the latter was a beauty to behold, the newcomer has all the design traits to turn heads in awe. The three-pointed star has introduced its most affordable offering in three variants – A 200, A 200d (both in Progressive Line) and the A35 AMG. Their prices are Rs 39.9 lakh, Rs 40.9 lakh and Rs 56.24 lakh, respectively. Those numbers are introductory in nature. One noteworthy development is that the A35 becomes the second locally-assembled AMG model for Mercedes-Benz India.

The A200 packs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine which pumps out 161bhp/250Nm. With the help of a 7-speed automatic transmission, the A200 can hit 100kmph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds and reach 225kmph at full stretch. Get the A 200d, and under the bonnet will be a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel unit producing 148bhp/320Nm, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The setup is enough for a 0-100kmph sprint time of 8.2 seconds and a top speed of 227kmph.

Those wanting to own and drive a Mercedes-AMG without breaking their bank accounts will settle for the A35. That packs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 302bhp/400Nm on tap. Coupled to the powerplant are a 7-speed automatic transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. The A35 can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.8 seconds and sail all the way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250kmph. Although the power and torque figures don’t lead you to believe so, the A35 AMG can actually give the recently-launched Audi S5 Sportback a run for its money.

The list of features will vary depending on which variant you opt for. Some of the creature comforts on offer include cruise control, electrically-adjustable seats with memory function, two-zone automatic climate control, wireless mobile charger, keyless go and a Burmester sound system. The car will also pack stuff like two 10.25-inch displays (one each for the instrument cluster and infotainment purposes), the latest MBUX, panoramic sunroof, LED-powered headlamps, a rear-view camera and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system.

Mercedes-Benz has chosen five colour options for the A-Class Limousine – black, blue, silver, grey and white. As for the upholstery, the A200 and A200d are available with black or macchiato beige man-made leather interiors coupled to brown open-pore walnut wood trim. The A35, on the other hand, comes with a cabin draped in black Dinamica microfibre mated to aluminium elements. And here’s a big plus – the engine and transmission carry an 8-year warranty.

The A-Class Limousine is a direct rival for the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, also available in petrol and diesel guises. If you had to pick one, which would it be?