Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 2021 obbor

You must be a little sorry for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. After all, it uses the same platform and engine as the A 45 S and CLA 45 S, but doesn't draw attention to itself.

Maybe it's because it's a small SUV, and by virtue of pure physics, it will never be as fast or fun as its two cousins.

But what it really offers is practicality thanks to a larger trunk and comfort thanks to increased suspension travel.

Wouldn't that make it a better buy?

We spend some time behind the wheel of the second generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S to see if he can really get his cake and eat it.

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 2021: GLA45 S 4Matic+
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	2.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.6l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$90,700

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

Priced at $107,035 before road expenses, the GLA 45 S not only tops the Mercedes-Benz GLA lineup, it is also the most expensive small SUV available in Australia.

For context, the second most expensive GLA - the GLA 35 - is $82,935, while the previous generation GLA 45 was $91,735, a jump of $15,300 for the new generation version.

The GLA 45 S uses the Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system.

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S also easily beats the Audi RS Q3 not only in price but also in performance (more on that below).

For the price you pay, you expect a long list of equipment, and Mercedes doesn't disappoint in that regard.

Highlights include an automatic tailgate, keyless entry, push button start, wireless smartphone charger, illuminated door sills, electronically adjustable and heated front seats, LED headlights and a panoramic glass sunroof. But at this price, you're also paying for an awesome engine and incredible performance.

Like many new Mercedes models, the GLA 45 S uses the Mercedes-Benz User Experience multimedia system, which is displayed on a 10.25-inch touch screen.

Features on this system include satellite navigation, digital radio, and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Users also have a variety of input options: from the center touchpad with haptic feedback, touch screen, capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel, or via voice commands.

The GLA 45 S is also equipped with plush sports seats.

Being an AMG, the GLA 45 S also features a unique steering wheel with yellow contrast stitching, leather upholstery, chic sports seats, and unique instrument readings such as engine oil temperature.

Our test car was also equipped with an optional "Innovation Package" including a head-up display and a great augmented reality overlay that shows the streets in real time on the media screen.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

The most obvious indication that the GLA 45 S is something special is the Panamericana front grille, an ode to the 1952 Mercedes 300 SL found on all of the German brand's hot models.

But if that wasn't enough, a redesigned bumper with larger air intakes, red-painted brake calipers, lower ground clearance, black exterior trim and 20-inch wheels should help.

The most obvious sign that the GLA 45 S is something special is the Panamericana's front grille.

Moving back to the rear, if the AMG and GLA 45 S badges aren't enough to give away this car's sporty intent, the quad tailpipes and diffuser are sure to make any reversing fan think.

Our car also came with an optional "Aerodynamic Package" that adds front fenders and a massive rear roof wing for an even sportier look.

If you think the GLA 45 S is a bit like a hot hatch, you are not far off. Overall, we think Mercedes has done a great job of transferring the aggressiveness of its A 45 hatchback to the larger, higher-riding GLA.

The GLA 45 S has a massive rear roof wing that gives it a sportier look.

Without the aero package, you might even call it a little sleeper, and it's certainly more understated in style compared to its Audi RS Q3 rival.

In fact, the GLA 45 S might be a little too subtle for such a badass SUV, at least for our tastes.

While the A 45 S and CLA 45 S have bulky fenders and aggressive stance, the GLA 45 S could just blend in with the sea of ​​SUVs seen on the streets, especially without the addition of an aero package.

The GLA 45 S might be too thin for such a cool SUV.

However, your mileage will be different, and for some, the thinner appearance will be a positive.

Anyone who's recently sat in a small Mercedes should feel right at home in the GLA 45 S, and that's because it shares a lot of its interior design with the A-Class, CLA and GLB.

As mentioned earlier, the 10.25-inch center screen is responsible for multimedia functions, but below it there are also clicky and tactile buttons for climate control.

The key to the interior design is the fully digital instrument cluster, located on a 10.25-inch high-definition screen.

When you have two screens in front of you, you might think it's a bit overloaded with information, but you can customize each display to show the information you want.

You can customize each display to show the information you want.

The digital instrument cluster may not be as intuitive as Audi's "Virtual Cockpit", but the layout and interior design are easy to use and offer owners plenty of customization to get things right.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

The new generation GLA 45 S has grown in all respects compared to its predecessor, is much more spacious and practical than before.

For reference: its length is 4438 mm, width - 1849 mm, height - 1581 mm, and a wheelbase - 2729 mm, but at the same time it has a spacious interior for four adults, especially in the front seats.

Since this is a small SUV, there is plenty of room for passengers in the rear seats as well.

Storage options include decent door pockets that will hold large bottles, a deep central storage compartment, a smartphone stand that doubles as a wireless charger, and two cup holders.

Because it's a small SUV, there's plenty of room in the rear seats for passengers as well, with more than enough head, shoulder, and leg room - even with the front seat adjusted for my 183cm (6ft 0in) height.

There are decent door pockets, air vents, and USB-C ports that should keep passengers happy on long journeys, but the GLA 45 S doesn't have a fold-down armrest or rear-seat cupholders.

The trunk is where the GLA 45 S really starts to make a statement compared to the A 45 S.

Trunk volume is 435 liters.

The trunk has a capacity of 435 liters and can expand to 1430 liters with the rear seats folded down, making it about 15 percent larger than the A 45 S, while the higher boot height should make loading and unloading groceries a little easier. 

The trunk increases to 1430 liters with the rear seats folded down.

However, the downside to the GLA's tech-focused interior is that all USB ports are now USB Type-C, meaning you'll likely have to carry an adapter around to use your old cables.

Mercedes is generous enough to include it in the car, but given that most device chargers still have USB Type-A, it's something to be aware of. 

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 310 kW/500 Nm.

This means the new car jumps 30kW/25Nm over its predecessor, which explains (at least in part) the price hike.

The GLA 45 S is also the top version worldwide. The 285kW/480Nm GLA 45 available overseas will be more directly comparable to the old car.

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

This engine is also the world's most powerful production 2.0-litre engine and is shared with the A 45 S and CLA 45 S.

Paired with the engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends drive to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4Matic system.

As a result, the GLA 45 S accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in an alarmingly fast 4.3 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 265 km/h.

That's 0.4 seconds slower than its A 45 S sibling, partly due to its larger weight of 1807 kg.

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How much fuel does it consume? 10/10

Official fuel consumption figures for the GLA 45 S are 9.6 liters per 100 km, thanks in part to the engine start/stop system.

We managed to hit 11.2L/100km after a few days of testing in downtown Melbourne and winding back roads, but those with lighter feet will no doubt get closer to the official figures.

A performance SUV that can carry kids and groceries, speed up pretty much everything else on the road, and consume around 10L/100km? This is a victory in our book.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10

At the time of writing, the new generation GLA, including this GLA 45 S, has yet to pass ANCAP or Euro NCAP crash tests.

This GLA 45 S has not yet passed the ANCAP crash tests.

However, standard safety equipment extends to autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control and a surround view monitor.

The GLA also has nine airbags scattered throughout the cabin, as well as an active hood and driver attention warning.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

5 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 10/10

Like all new Mercedes-Benz models, the GLA 45 S comes with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a five-year roadside assistance service - the benchmark for premium cars.

Service intervals are every 12 months or 20,000 km, whichever comes first, and the first five services can be purchased for $4300.

This effectively makes the new GLA 45 S cheaper to maintain for the first five years than the outgoing car, which costs $4950 over the same time period.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

If individual styling wasn't enough, all it takes to know you're behind the wheel of something special is to turn on the GLA 45 S.

The powerful engine is fantastic in the A 45 S and CLA 45 S, and it's no different here.

With peak power reaching at a dizzying 6750 rpm and maximum torque available in the 5000-5250 rpm range, the GLA 45 S loves to rev and makes it feel a bit like a naturally aspirated engine in character.

All it takes to know you're behind the wheel of something special is to turn on the GLA 45 S.

Don't get us wrong, once boost is available you'll feel a jolt in the back, but it's great that Mercedes made the engine run a little more predictably.

Mated to the engine is a smooth-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is one of the best versions I've come across.

Many of the DCT issues, such as low-speed jerkiness and clumsiness when engaging reverse, don't show up here, and the transmission gets the job done in city or spirited driving.

Speaking of which, the GLA 45 S's various driving modes will easily change its character from tame to wild, with options available including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual and Slippery.

Each mode adjusts engine response, transmission speed, suspension tuning, traction control, and exhaust, while each can also be mixed and matched in "Custom" driving mode.

However, the missing feature for the GLA 45 S that its siblings, the A 45 S and CLA 45 S have, is drift mode.

Of course, how many owners of small SUVs are going to take their car to the track to use it, but it would still be nice to have such an option.

However, with three levels of suspension tuning, the GLA 45 S offers enough variability to be comfortable in the city and absorb bumps thanks to its long suspension travel, as well as shifting for a more engaged, driver-focused feel.

The GLA 45 S may never be as sharp and fast as its A45 S sibling, but being an off-road vehicle it has its own unique set of perks.

Verdict

A performance SUV should be an oxymoron and is, without a doubt, a niche product. Is this a high rise hot hatch? Or a mega powerful little SUV?

It turns out the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S combines both and delivers the thrill of a powerful car without any packing or comfort issues.

Despite costing over $100,000, its combination of space and pace is hard to beat.