2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 debuts with 382 hp

When Mercedes-AMG launched the A 45 S AMG and CLA 45 S AMG back in 2019, they were (and still are) the most powerful four-cylinder cars on the planet. Now, Mercedes-AMG has plonked in the same mill into their sub-compact quasi-crossover — the newly revamped GLA — to give birth to the 2021 GLA 45 AMG. But this time around, there’s none of that bounty of power.

Fret not, the 2021 GLA 45 AMG is no slouch. The crossover makes about 382 hp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, along with 480 Nm of torque. This power is harvested using an 8-speed dual-clutch auto transmission and an all-wheel-drive system which powers the little quasi-SUV from 0 to 100 kph in just over 4.5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 249 kph. The GLA 45 makes sure that the power is harnessed during performance runs as effectively as possible using a “race-start” mode. This includes a partial ignition interruption that kicks in while you upshift and automatic double de-clutching during shifting down a cog.

The suspension of the 2021 GLA 45 AMG is lowered, which is odd because it’s supposed to be an SUV, so now it’s more of a quasi-hot hatch. The front brakes are 13.8-inch discs with four-piston rotors while the rear is taken care of by 13-inch discs hugged by single-piston rotors. Opting for the AMG Dynamic Plus package will replace the front discs with 14.2-inch discs and six-piston calipers.

The styling is shared with the regular GLA-Class which was recently updated albeit with the obvious aggressive makeover by AMG. The vertical strakes in the grill make the GLA 45 AMG look like it’s aping the AMG GT, while the fenders are so subtly flared that they might as well shouldn’t have bothered. There are 19-inch wheels offered as standard but if your mind craves for more alloy, you can swap them for the optional 21-inch ones. The rear gets a larger roof spoiler, a revised bumper, and two exhaust pipes. Inside, there are optional AMG Performance seats and slight updates for the dashboard and centre console.

More updates regarding the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will be announced in the coming weeks, although it should probably retail somewhere close to Dhs 250,000 in the UAE.

For UAE/GCC prices and specs, visit the Mercedes-Benz buyer guide.