Mercedes-AMG has expanded its compact car
lineup with the unveiling of the new generation GLA 45, ahead of its world
debut set for the 2020 Geneva Motor Show on March 3. Based on the
second-generation GLA small crossover, the range-topper of the series is
powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four as the A45 and CLA 45,
with identical output and torque.
The engine produces 382 HP and 480 Nm, and is paired to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control that
distributes the power between the front and rear wheels, as well as between the
left and right rear wheel selectively. The high-performance crossover needs 4.3
seconds to go from 0-96 km/h and tops out at 250 km/h.
America will only get the base GLA 45,
starting towards the end of the year, but in other parts of the world, it will
also offer the GLA 45 S. The more powerful model will arrive with 415 HP and 500 Nm)of torque. Performance specs have yet to be
announced, but it will probably max out at 270 km/h, like the A45 S
hot hatch, and should slash a couple of tenths of a second from the 0-60 mph
time.
With the new suspension that has been
adapted to this model, the new GLA 45 promises higher maximum lateral
acceleration and easy vehicle control at high speeds. It features a McPherson
strut design at the front, aluminum wishbones, 4-link rear suspension, three
transverse control arms and one trailing arm. The AMG Ride Control adaptive
damping system is on deck, with three control modes.
The standard brakes include 4-piston front
and 1-piston rear calipers, finished in grey and displaying the white ‘AMG’
logo, as well as ventilated and perforated discs. Part of the AMG Dynamic Plus
package, the optional brakes add larger discs and 6-piston calipers at the
front, with a red look and black ‘AMG’ lettering. Users can shift between the
Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual driving modes, as well as Race
that’s included in the aforementioned package. The car also features a 3-stage
ESP.
On the outside, the 2021 GLA 45 follows
the recipe of its low-riding brethren, with similarly-shaped front and rear
bumpers, a roof-mounted spoiler, prominent quad exhaust pipes and a large
‘Panamericana’ style grille with vertical slats. The model-specific wheels,
glossy black accents and unique badging complete the looks.
The AMG 45
features the MBUX infotainment system and digital dials. Special graphics in
the instrument cluster and voice control are included, whereas the AMG Track
Pace, which helps those racing at the track by monitoring different data and
displaying things such as lap and sector times, is optional. The GLA 45 has
standard sports seats wrapped in black MB-Tex and Dinamica, red contrast
stitching, red seatbelts and carbon fiber trim. For an extra cost, you could
get the AMG Performance seats, MB-Tex Neva Grey and Black upholstery, and
aluminum trim, as well as four different leather options.
Aside from the GLA 45, Mercedes will also
offer the base GLA 250 with a 221 HP 2.0-liter turbo four arriving in
U.S. dealerships this summer in both FWD and 4Matic all-wheel drive flavors,
and from late 2020, the AMG GLA 35 with a 302 HP 2.0L turbo and standard
all-wheel drive.