A brisk lap of the race circuit or a weekend trip to the mountains with your sports gear stowed in the back: the new GLA 45 4MATIC+
(combined fuel consumption 9,2-9,1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 211-209 g/km) and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ (combined fuel consumption 9,3-9,2 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions 212-210 g/km) are the assured masters of a multitude of disciplines. When required, these compact all-rounders can unleash a level of dynamic handling to impress even sports car owners. The 2.0-litre engine is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo engine in the world and is available in two output and torque versions. Even the base model delivering 285 kW (387 hp) is more powerful than the previous model. The S-variant rated at 310 kW (421 hp) jostles with considerably higher vehicle classes. The active, fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive distributes the power to the rear axle wheel-selectively by AMG TORQUE CONTROL, so providing the basis for top traction in any driving conditions. This is made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multi-disc clutches – one for each rear wheel. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual clutch transmission apportions the power within a split second to suit the specific driving situation.
The exterior of the new GLA 45 also packs plenty of emotional appeal: the long bonnet with its powerdomes, the compact greenhouse and the muscular shoulders over the wheel arches clearly reveal the vehicle’s sports car genes. The AMG-specific radiator grille with the vertical slats identifies the newcomer as a member of the AMG Performance family. LED High Performance headlamps are provided as standard to illuminate the road ahead. The car’s strong presence is also enhanced by the flared wheel arches of its front wings and by the large air intakes with silver chrome inserts in the fins. The front splitter in silver chrome serves to optimise the airflow and thus aerodynamic performance.
In side view, the aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design (S-Model 20-inch wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design) and the door panels with inserts in silver chrome or high-gloss black (optional) are particularly striking. As an option, this compact Performance SUV can also be fitted with 21-inch light-alloy wheels.
The rear view is characterised by two round twin tailpipes (82 mm diameter) and the wide rear apron. The S-Model is distinguished by its larger, oval exhaust tailpipes with a diameter of 90 mm, which feature internal fluting and AMG lettering. The impression of width at the rear is emphasised further by the slim two-piece rear light clusters. The diffuser with four vertical fins contributes to the enhanced aerodynamic performance. The airflow break-away edge in the body colour on the roof spoiler rounds off the profile to the rear.
With its sporty appointments and the MBUX infotainment system, the high-quality interior creates a close, personal alliance between man and machine. The driver and front passenger are seated in an active position on contoured sport seats with firm lateral support. AMG Performance seats may be ordered as an option. The standard upholstery in a combination of black ARTICO man-made leather and DINAMICA microfibre is timeless, and creates typical AMG highlights with double topstitching in red. The red designo seat belts are coordinated to match, as is the AMG carbon fibre-look trim element in the dashboard support. The chromed air vents are likewise upgraded with a red ring. As an alternative an upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather in neva grey/black with mid-grey double topstitching and light-longitudinal-grain aluminium trim is available. There is also an optional choice of four different leather upholsteries.
Yellow highlights feature throughout the interior on the S-Model, emphasizing the motor racing character of the more powerful models. Also included in the standard equipment are the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, a yellow 12 o’clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG logo, plus ambient lighting.
In all models, the centre console in piano-lacquer look with a touchpad as standard has a further control array with additional switches for controlling the 3-stage ESP®, the manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping system AMG RIDE CONTROL and the optional AMG Real Performance Sound.
The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Emotively appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.
The customer can choose between the three AMG display styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Supersport” for the instrument cluster. The “Supersport” mode is particularly striking with a central, round rev counter and additional information presented in the form of bars to the left and right of the rev counter: with a three-dimensional perspective, they reach far into the background to an artificial horizon. Via the AMG menu, the driver can call up various special displays such as gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-up, G-Meter, RACETIMER and Engine Data. With individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the driving modes or telemetry data, the touchscreen multimedia display likewise underlines the dynamic configuration.
And needless to say, the trailblazing voice control activated with the words “Hey Mercedes” is also on board. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly.
The AMG exhaust system confirms the sporty yet day-to-day character of the new model. Depending on the choice of drive program, the sound signature ranges from harmonious and discreet (in the programs Slippery, Comfort and Sport) to emotive and sporty (in Sport+ and RACE). The sound characteristics are controlled by an exhaust gas flap, depending on engine speed and load. AMG Real Performance Sound is available as an option. With this technology, the sound designers at AMG have been able to capture the actual engine sound, using a specially developed sensor, and to channel this into the interior in order to be able to offer an even more thrilling audio experience.
Only GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ will be available in the UK. Due to go on sale in April
