2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Is A 382 HP Hot Hatch Pretending To Be An SUV


Mercedes-AMG has expanded its compact car lineup with the unveiling of the new generation GLA 45, ahead of its world debut originally 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 (387 PS / 285 kW) and 354 lb-ft (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 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) and tops out at 155 mph (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 (421 PS / 310 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Performance specs have yet to be announced, but it will probably max out at 167 mph (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.

Like the standard GLA versions, 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 (224 PS) 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 302HP 2.0L turbo and standard all-wheel drive.

Note: The European market Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S pictured

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