The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is Here, and its Looking “Chunky”

The folks at Affalterbach have revealed everything we need to know about the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 range, and things are way more interesting than before.

There will be two variants - GLA 45 4MATIC+ and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+, powered by the most powerful series-produced 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine in the world at the moment, paired to the AMG Speedshift DCT 8G Dual Clutch gearbox.

While the base model delivers 387 hp, the S‑variant kicks out a massive 421 hp. Both come with the active, fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system that distributes power to the rear axle wheel selectively by AMG Torque Control. Maximum torque has also increased, from 475 to as much as 500 newton metres.

This means that the power is distributed to the left and right rear wheels flexibly and at different ratios, according to driving situation – resulting in optimum traction, whatever the road surface conditions and whatever course the route takes.

This was made possible by a redesigned rear axle differential featuring two multi-disc clutches, which selectively provide the flow of power to each individual rear wheel.

Thanks to the package, the GLA 45 does the century sprint in 4.4 seconds, while the GLA 45 S does it in 4.3 seconds. Both models come with a factory limited speed limit of 270 km/h.

There are six AMG Dynamic Select drive programs "Slippery", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport+", "Individual" and "Race" (standard for S-Model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the base model) which allow a wide spread of vehicle characteristics, from comfortable to highly dynamic, where numerous relevant parameters are modified.

The AMG developers have also extensively reinforced the body shell, increasing the torsional rigidity at the vehicle's front end. In addition, diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody further improve rigidity. The result is a significantly reduced longitudinal and lateral torsional movement of the body shell and thus less rolling and pitching motion during cornering, braking and load changes.

As for the exterior, the new GLA 45 now looks more like a full-blown SUV, featuring a curvier outlook, a long bonnet with powerdomes, an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, LED High Performance headlamps, a front splitter in silver chrome, 19-inch light-alloy wheels (S-Model 20-inch wheels), as well as twin tailpipes.

The S-Model is distinguished by its larger, oval exhaust tailpipes with a diameter of 90 mm, which feature internal fluting and AMG lettering.

Inside, there is the MBUX infotainment system, black Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfiber upholstery, AMG highlights with double topstitching in red, red seatbelts, as well as AMG carbon fibre-look trim element in the dashboard support. The chromed air vents are likewise upgraded with a red ring.

In the S model, we have yellow highlights throughout the interior, AMG Performance steering wheel with a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons, an AMG logo, plus ambient lighting.

Also standard is the centre console in piano-lacquer with a touchpad as standard. It also has a further control array with additional switches for controlling the 3-stage ESP, the manual transmission mode, and the adaptive damping system, AMG Ride Control.

So there you have it – the new and chunky Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. Like it? or do you prefer the outgoing model?