Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S has the high performance compact SUV game all to itself.
Following on from the facelifted GLA, Mercedes-AMG has tweaked its GLA 45 S for 2023. The performance-focused small SUV gets a bump in interior technology and a new look.
Mercedes-AMG has a huge range of models these days, including a variety of SUVs, the smallest of which is based on the Mercedes GLA and offered in 35 and 45 iterations. The latter has been given a minor update.
On the outside the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S looks broadly similar to before but on close inspection you’ll find new LED signatures within the headlights and rear lights, a revised front bumper and, to top it off, an AMG crest on the bonnet.
The 21-inch alloy wheels are now standard on the 45 S and they sit within body-coloured wheel arches (these were previously painted black). A large rear spoiler, faux diffuser and quad-tip exhaust system feature to emphasise the GLA 45 S’ performance.
The interior of the GLA 45 S hasn’t been forgotten either. The new AMG Performance steering wheel has arrived and the AMG-specific MBUX infotainment has been revised for a greater user experience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity remain plus there’s an additional USB-C port.
We’ve seen hybridisation arrive on 35-badged AMG models like the facelifted A 35 earlier this year, but the more powerful GLA 45 S gets the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as before with a thumping 310kW and 500Nm of torque going to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. That’s enough for a 0-100km/h time of 4.3 seconds and a 270km/h top speed.
Those sports car-rivalling numbers really place the GLA 45 S in its own field now that the Audi RS Q3 has gone off sale. The most potent M35i version of the BMW X1 and Audi SQ2 have well over 100bhp less than the Mercedes.