Top 3 things you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG GLA

Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG enthusiasts will remember a time when the German brands only produced two models with the letter G in their nomenclature, the GL and G-ranges. That all changed when new crossover and compact SUV models were introduced throughout the model ranges. Since then if you were looking for a compact vehicle with a raised ride height, you could look to the GLA model or if you needed something a little larger, the GLC might just be the answer.

 

Related: Mercedes-Benz SUV (2021) First drive - It's all in the G-Family

 

Since the introduction of the first GLA, it was not long before Mercedes-AMG took hold of it and added more power under the bonnet and styling changes on the exterior and interior to create the GLA45. While Mercedes-AMG continued with this recipe on the new GLA model, they have created three variants, the GLA35, GLA45 and the more powerful GLA45 S. Let us take a look at the top three things you need to know about the Mercedes-AMG GLA range.

 

1. Exterior

While the GLA remains easily distinguishable, Mercedes-AMG has added a few styling changes which make it unique to its range of offerings. First noticeable upfront is the AMG-specific grille with its verticle slats. The performance theme is further carried through by the silver chrome or optional gloss black trim on the louvres of the outer air inlets and the front splitter.

On the GLA35 and GLA45, a variety of wheel options exist in both 19-, 20- and 21-inch specification with a five-spoke 19-inch design fitted as standard on the 35 model and a 10-spoke design featuring as standard equipment on the 45. The GLA45 S sees the incorporation of 20-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels as standard. At the rear, GLA35 derivatives offer two tailpipes, one at each end of the bumper with a diffuser insert between. Furthermore, Mercedes-AMG incorporates a roof spoiler to round off the package.

On GLA45 models, the German firm fit two round twin tailpipes, 82 mm in diameter, to the wide rear apron, while the 45 S model gets larger 90 mm oval units. The GLA45 S model also sees a more aggressive roof spoiler fitted to compliment the four-slat diffuser at the bottom.

 

2. Interior

While both GLA35 and GLA45 drivers gain access to a multifunction sports steering wheel clad with Nappa leather and a perforated grip area, GLA45 S models get the AMG Performance steering wheel as standard. The latter wheel offers drivers the ability to access AMG drive programs and other AMG functions directly from the steering wheel.

All three GLA derivatives come installed with the latest MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument cluster which takes shape as two large screens under one long glass panel. The instrument cluster can be customized to display the vehicle information in "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport" layouts.

While the GLA35 and 45 models both see red topstitching and seatbelts incorporated into the cabin, GLA45 S model rather get a historically significant yellow hue installed.

 

3. Powertrains

The new 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder motor fitted to the GLA45 S is currently the most powerful, series production, 4-cylinder motor produced in the world. But let us do a quick comparison between the three new models.

	Mercedes-AMG GLA35	Mercedes-AMG GLA45	Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S
Engine	2.0-litre, twin-scroll, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, twin-scroll, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol	2.0-litre, twin-scroll, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol
Transmission	8-speed, dual-clutch (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G)	8-speed, dual-clutch (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G)	8-speed, dual-clutch (AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G)
Power	225 kW	285 kW	310 kW
Torque	400 Nm	480 Nm	500 Nm
0-100 km/h	5.1s	4.4s	4.3s
Top speed	250 km/h	250 km/h	270 km/h

 

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