New 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S launched with 415bhp
The pumped-up Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S crossover is due in UK showrooms this summer
This is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. The hot crossover has been officially revealed ahead of its public debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.
The rapid A-Class-based crossover gets the same 415bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine as the A 45 S. It also gets the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4MATIC four-wheel drive too, with torque control across the rear axle to help with cornering and acceleration. The car can crack 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds – half a second slower than the A 45 S.
The hot GLA rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link set-up at the rear, while adaptive damping with three modes comes as standard. Large six-piston brakes, which come as part of the AMG Dynamics Plus pack, are also standard.
AMG’s familiar Dynamic Select programme is also fitted, allowing drives between five driving modes. They range from Comfort to Race, while a new Master setting has also been introduced that enables “slight oversteer”. However, there is no Drift mode like that fitted to the A 45 S hatchback.
Styling upgrades include LED headlights, flared front wheel arches, 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear diffuser, while a large rear wing will be optional. The cabin gets a Nappa-leather steering wheel and yellow contrast stitching on the seats.
The overall cabin architecture is largely carried over from the A 45 S; twin digital displays house AMG-specific telemetry technology and augmented 3D graphics for the navigation system. .
UK sales should start in April, although the first deliveries won’t arrive until late summer. The car will continue to be pitched slightly above the equivalent A-Class, so expect prices to start at around £52,000.
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