The GLA 45 AMG is the punk kid of the Mercedes-Benz
family and it doesn't care who knows it. Subtle revisions to all 2018 GLAs
shown this year at the Detroit Auto Show include LED headlights, tweaked bumpers
and (mercifully) improved interior quality don't change the impression the
AMG-ed version gives off: it's just here to have fun.
0-60 mph in 4.3
seconds, courtesy of a 2.0-liter turbo that's been
boosted to give off 375 horsepower now, as if the old engine weren't outrageous
enough. Shown here, there are bright yellow accents everywhere courtesy of
the optional AMG Performance Studio Package.
Its more of a
hatchback than anything else, which makes for an interesting comparison with
the A 45 AMG. The interior is fine, but quality is nothing particularly
special, even after the refresh. The larger 8-inch screen in the center stack
still looks like an afterthought in what is at the very least a handsome
interior.
The GLA 45 doesn't care, and
neither will the person who falls for this crazy kid. If you fall for it, you
don't need to explain.
