The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S is one of the most compelling compact crossovers of its kind and has been made all the more noteworthy thanks to a series of upgrades from German tuner VATH. Quite often, tuning companies get their hands on a performance vehicle like the GLA 45 S and set about making such significant changes to it that it barely resembles its former self. That’s not the case here. In fact, VATH has kept the upgrades relatively minor, ensuring that it hasn’t ruined what is already a very impressive vehicle.
The tuner first turned its attention to
the GLA 45 S’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which, ordinarily, churns
out 422 hp and 500 Nm of torque. Thanks to a software update to the
ECU, as well as the fitment of a new stainless steel downpipe and rear
silencer, these figures have been lifted to 490 hp and 600 Nm. The
intercooler has also been enlarged. Elsewhere, VATH has fitted the Mercedes with
solid steel braided brake lines to optimize pedal feel and ensure the SUV is up
for a track day or a blast up and down a mountain road. Complementing the brake
upgrades are a set of new sport springs that also slightly drop the ride
height.
Rounding out the upgrades made are the
fitment of 20×9-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped in 255mm section tires at
all four corners. Given that the wheels are the only part of the SUV’s exterior
that has been changed, one could be fooled into thinking this was a regular GLA
45 S if they saw it on the street. Little would they know that it’s essentially
a Black Series in disguise.
