2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is Back With a 382-hp Engine
Last December, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the second-generation 2021 GLA sub-compact crossover in base GLA 250 trim (221 horsepower) and high-performance AMG GLA 35 variant (302 horsepower).
Now, meet their evil twin: the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC+.
- Also: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA Gets Bigger, Racier and Safer
- Also: 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 Unleashed With up to 421 Hp
With an output of up to 382 horsepower, the all-new 2.0-litre engine from Mercedes-AMG is the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production. Engineers improved the power output of the previous engine by 7 horsepower, and also increased maximum torque from 350 to 354 pound-feet of torque. As a result, the new GLA 45 4MATIC+ sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
That’s remarkably quick, obviously, but the numbers could be even more impressive than that. Similar to the strategy with the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45, some markets will get an S version (pictured here) that boosts output to 421 horsepower and torque to 369 pound-feet. No announcement has been made for Canada yet, so let’s keep our fingers crossed!
The good news is that the engine is paired to an eight-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission specially tuned to the requirements of the four-cylinder engine of the new GLA 45, plus a fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that distributes torque not only between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT makes it possible to change the drive mode depending on the conditions. “Individual” is great for fine-tuning the small crossover’s reactions, while the optional “Track” mode will take things to the extremes.
The adaptive suspension offers three different levels of firmess, while the ventilated and perforated disc brakes ensure fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances. The AMG Track package includes an even larger brake system equipped with six-piston callipers and 360-millimetre brake discs at the front.
Physically, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC+ features a reinforced body shell, an exclusive AMG grille, high-performance LED headlights, a massive rear spoiler and either 19-inch (standard) or 21-inch (optional) light-alloy AMG wheels. It stands out further from other GLA models with a unique rear diffuser and two round twin tailpipes.
As for the cabin, you’ll find highly contoured sport seats in a combination of black synthetic leather and microfibre, although four different leather upholsteries are also available. Naturally, the MBUX infotainment system takes centre stage on the dashboard. Meanwhile, customers can choose between the three AMG display styles of "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport" for the instrument cluster. Via the AMG menu, they can call up various special displays such as gear speed indicator, Warm-up, Set-up, G-Meter, RACETIMER and Engine Data. There’s also an AMG TRACK PACE system that serves as a virtual race engineer.
Because we don’t get the wicked Audi RS Q3, the GLA 45 has no direct competitor. Its on-sale date in Canada remains undisclosed at this point, but you should know that the rest of the new GLA lineup is set to arrive this summer.
