The new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC+

A compact performance SUV to suit any lifestyle.

A brisk lap of the race circuit or a weekend trip to the mountains with your sports gear stowed in the back: the new GLA 45 4MATIC+ is the assured masters of a multitude of disciplines. When required, these compact all-rounders can unleash a level of dynamic handling to impress even sports car owners. The 2.0-litre engine is the most powerful series-produced four-cylinder turbo engine and is available in two output and torque versions. Even the base model delivering 285 kW (387 hp) is more powerful than the previous model. The S-variant rated at 310 kW (421 hp) jostles with considerably higher vehicle classes. The active, fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive distributes the power to the rear axle wheel-selectively by AMG TORQUE CONTROL, so providing the basis for top traction in any driving conditions. This is made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multi-disc clutches – one for each rear wheel. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual clutch transmission apportions the power within a split second to suit the specific driving situation.

"The second generation of our very successful compact sports model is now complete. The GLA portfolio, in the form of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and GLA 45 S, now also includes our innovative four-cylinder turbo engine, so setting the benchmark in this segment. In addition, the new GLA 45 is not only significantly more dynamic, but also more practical in everyday use than its predecessor, thereby ensuring its appeal to a dynamic, lifestyle-oriented target group", says Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG.

New Features.

One new feature which makes a substantial contribution to the incomparable driving experience is the active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive: this system offers selective power distribution to the wheels on the rear axle via AMG TORQUE CONTROL. This means that the power is distributed to the left and right rear wheels flexibly and at different ratios, according to the given driving situation – resulting in optimum traction, whatever the road surface conditions and whatever course the route takes. This 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.

The world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder​.

With an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely new Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre engine is currently the world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production. Mercedes-AMG has improved on the output of the preceding engine by 30 kW (40 hp). Maximum torque has also increased, from 475 to as much as 500 newton metres. 

The four-cylinder engine delivers extremely agile drive power in two output ratings: with 310 kW (421 hp) as the S-Model and with 285 kW (387 hp) in the base version. The new compact sports cars absolve the sprint from zero to 100 km/h in record time: the GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ requires just 4.3 seconds, while the base model GLA 45 4MATIC+ gets up to speed in 4.4 seconds. The top speed of the base model is electronically limited to 250 km/h, while the S-Model is allowed to leave the factory with a top speed of 270 km/h. 

Apart from its pure performance figures, the new engine has an immediate response. To this end the torque curve was carefully balanced ("torque shaping"): The peak torque of 500 newton metres (480 newton metres for the base version) is available in a range of 5000-5250 rpm (4750-5000 rpm in the base version). With this configuration the AMG engineers have achieved a power delivery akin to a naturally aspirated engine. 

Athletic and muscular exterior.

The exterior of the new GLA 45 also packs plenty of emotional appeal: the long bonnet with its powerdomes, the compact greenhouse and the muscular shoulders over the wheel arches clearly reveal the vehicle's sports car genes. The AMG-specific radiator grille with the vertical slats identifies the newcomer as a member of the AMG Performance family. LED High Performance headlamps are provided as standard to illuminate the road ahead. The car's strong presence is also enhanced by the flared wheel arches of its front wings and by the large air intakes with silver chrome inserts in the fins. The front splitter in silver chrome serves to optimise the airflow and thus aerodynamic performance.

In side view, the aerodynamically optimised 19-inch light-alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design (S-Model 20-inch wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design) and the door panels with inserts in silver chrome or high-gloss black (optional) are particularly striking. As an option, this compact Performance SUV can also be fitted with 21-inch light-alloy wheels.

The rear view is characterised by two round twin tailpipes (82 mm diameter) and the wide rear apron. The S-Model is distinguished by its larger, oval exhaust tailpipes with a diameter of 90 mm, which feature internal fluting and AMG lettering. The impression of width at the rear is emphasised further by the slim two-piece rear light clusters. The diffuser with four vertical fins contributes to the enhanced aerodynamic performance. The airflow break-away edge in the body colour on the roof spoiler rounds off the profile to the rear.

Yellow highlights emphasise the motor racing heritage

Yellow highlights feature throughout the interior on the S-Model, emphasizing the motor racing character of the more powerful models. Also included in the standard equipment are the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG logo, plus ambient lighting.

In all models, the centre console in piano-lacquer look with a touchpad as standard has a further control array with additional switches for controlling the 3-stage ESP®, the manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping system AMG RIDE CONTROL and the optional AMG Real Performance Sound.


MBUX infotainment system expanded by AMG-specific displays

The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is also featured in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX creates an even closer connection between the vehicle, driver and passengers. Emotively appealing presentations underline the clear control structure and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Visually, the two displays under one shared glass cover blend into a Widescreen Cockpit and as a central element consequently emphasise the horizontal orientation of the interior design.

Sound and audio experience

The AMG exhaust system confirms the sporty yet day-to-day character of the new model. Depending on the choice of drive program, the sound signature ranges from harmonious and discreet (in the programs Slippery, Comfort and Sport) to emotive and sporty (in Sport+ and RACE). The sound characteristics are controlled by an exhaust gas flap, depending on engine speed and load. AMG Real Performance Sound is available as an option. With this technology, the sound designers at AMG have been able to capture the actual engine sound, using a specially developed sensor, and to channel this into the interior in order to be able to offer an even more thrilling audio experience.

Experience the 2020 Geneva Motor Show live online

The Mercedes-Benz press conference on the first press day, 3 March 2020, will commence at 8.30 a.m. (CET) and can also be followed online, from different viewing angles and in its entirety: via a multi-angle live stream on Mercedes me media: https://media.mercedes-benz.com/gims2020. This is also the place to find the complete Media Special on the 2020 Geneva Motor Show.

Contact your local LSH Auto dealership for more information.

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