Thursday 12th October 2023

Mercedes confirms AMG GLA 45 S facelift

Fresh look and new tech for mad 421hp SUV

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As cars continue to homogenise, so the crazy outliers look all the more appealing. Nobody needs a car like the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S; those after a fast SUV will be served just fine by the ‘35, and those wanting a hot hatch experience can have the slightly more affordable, lighter A-Class. Mercedes surely can’t sell many of them at all. But how many of our favourites cars are the curios and oddballs? Like so many of those AMG cult classics, the GLA 45 didn’t have to be made. But a few of us will be glad that is has, because it’s so unnecessary. Give it five years and you’ll be clamouring for such silliness back…

The GLA SUV has now joined the A-Class hatch and CLA-Class saloon siblings in a mild facelift. For this car that means a new front end design, redesigned AMG logo, LED lights all round and body coloured arch extensions (where they were black before). In those arches are 21-inch wheels. So don’t expect a cushy ride. The interior will be familiar to those who’ve seen an updated compact Mercedes of late, with the new, more modern design of AMG steering wheel, an MBUX infotainment system said to be even more powerful, and extra USB-C charging.

What hasn’t changed is the powertrain, but that’s just fine as the M139 2.0-litre will go down in history as one of the greatest four-cylinder turbos ever made. Maybe even four-pots in their entirety. That it’s possible to buy a brand-new, warrantied Mercedes-Benz with 210hp per litre remains staggering, never more so than when stuffed in a small SUV. Here the 421hp and 369lb ft mean 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and a limited top speed of 168mph. Which is also ridiculous. The eight-speed dual-clutch is standard, and 4Matic+ with AMG Torque Control can divvy up torque at the rear axle for more athletic cornering than just the regular front-to-back split. 

There isn’t a UK price confirmed for the new GLA yet, though it’d be a surprise to find it land here at any less than £60k - especially if it’s only offered in Plus specification. Perhaps surprisingly, there are quite a few secondhand ones available on PH for those content with the old look and interior. This 100-mile example is basically brand new, but how about this for something different? A non-Plus, in red, on the smaller wheels, and not a bit of tinted glass in sight. Less equipment means less money, too, at £40k. What a way to go about terrorising hot hatches.

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• 2023 Mercedes-AMG A45 S | PH Review
• 2023 Mercedes-AMG SL63 | PH Review

[Abacus21]

Front is a straight copy paste from the model range. No individuality for the model.

[VixenExige]

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

[Alex_225]

VixenExige said:

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

To be fair I'm much of the same opinion. That said, I saw a review of the old model and it reminded me a bit of a WRC car and I thought for the sake of the extra (albeit minimal) ground clearance, that's probably it's only real merit. I've recently moved to somewhere more rural and thought a GLA45 would be better than an A45 on these roads.

I suspect that is literally the only argument for it though and even that's pretty thin! haha

[cerb4.5lee]

Personally if I wanted an SUV I'd go for something bigger than this. However I still wouldn't mind a go in this though for sure. I much prefer the looks of this generation in comparison to the previous generation GLA as well.

[fantheman80]

VixenExige said:

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

I think the elevated driving position for some is preferable although it doesn't float my boat. Fiesta to Puma, the VW T thingy's over polo & golf etc etc.... That explains the normal models but a balls out performance model like this will be a rare sight. Having said that I though the old model was way cooler as didnt appear as tall.

[Silvanus]

Absolutely beautiful, so elegant and understated. Really like the flowing lines and subtle detailing. An exquisite piece of automotive design, a future classic for sure.

[gruppeb86]

VixenExige said:

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

Lol - That makes 2 of us!

Am sure those that purchase one will feel more mighty behind the wheel, while looking upon (in their eyes) the less mighty in smaller(lower)/normal cars.

[nismo48]

Silvanus said:

Absolutely beautiful, so elegant and understated. Really like the flowing lines and subtle detailing. An exquisite piece of automotive design, a future classic for sure.

[theicemario]

VixenExige said:

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

But Chantelle your average company director's trophy wife absolutely needs it so can she look down on us peasants when navigating the M&S car park

Looks ste. Also finished in lovely matte black, the epitome of elegance and good taste

[Julian Scott]

VixenExige said:

This is literally just the hatchback model jacked up taller & made heavier, right? No real increase in useable space inside...

Heavier & higher up means worse on fuel and worse dynamically.

I don't get it.

So cancel your order?

[stu67]

That interior is like a Russian nightclub

[Julian Scott]

theicemario said:

But Chantelle your average company director's trophy wife absolutely needs it so can she look down on us peasants when navigating the M&S car park

Looks ste. Also finished in lovely matte black, the epitome of elegance and good taste

gruppeb86 said:

Am sure those that purchase one will feel more mighty behind the wheel, while looking upon (in their eyes) the less mighty in smaller(lower)/normal cars.

Not everyone is as shallow as you two

[BlackTank]

Is it a really ugly hatchback or a horribly stunted SUV or a Chinese knockoff circa 2012? Yes, yes it is. At least it's keenly priced. Right, right?

[AKjr]

Ghastly

They'll sell millions of 'em

[NGK210]

Vulgar interior; dorky exterior.
Might as well get the hatchback.
Great engine, but Audi’s 5-pot has more character.
Ergo, RS3 please.

[pb8g09]

I personally prefer the original version that was more boxy than curvy.

I also prefer the GLA to the regular A-class - like the idea of ragging one around an unmade road.

[Wills2]

Popping and banging its way along an inner city bypass near you soon, these cars are crass.

[Mr-B]

What has happened to the water supply in Germany? I fear it is damaging the brain cells of the designers over there, there hasn't been a good German designed car for years now, add this one to the list.

[Hammerhead]

Silvanus said:

Absolutely beautiful, so elegant and understated. Really like the flowing lines and subtle detailing. An exquisite piece of automotive design, a future classic for sure.

Fo' sho, bruh.

[ManyMotors]

MB seems to have some attractive offerings despite their names being confusing. I'd take a AMG SLK 51 S 4MATIC Plus Towncar with the brightest colored exterior and interior (PM yellow over beige).