Mercedes-AMG has revealed prices and specifications for its latest hot SUV. Prices for the 302bhp GLA 35 start from £43,565, while the 415bhp GLA 45 S kicks off at £58,775.
The GLA 45 S uses 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 drivers to choose 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, 20-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, with 10.25-inch twin digital displays house AMG-specific telemetry technology and augmented 3D graphics for the navigation system.
The GLA 45 S is offered in two equipment levels. The £58,775 GLA 45 S is joined by the GLA 45 S Plus, priced from £64,775, with the higher-spec model adding adaptive dampers, 21-inch wheels, multibeam LED headlights, an aerodynamics package, glass panoramic sunroof, Multi-Contour Seat package with electrically adjustable front seats, Blind Spot Assist; a Burmester surround sound system; and Traffic Sign Assist as standard kit.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 35: Pricing and equipment
The £43,565, 302bhp GLA 35 variant comes a standard with 19-inch wheels, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Speed Limit Assist, AMG sports suspension, heated front seats, wireless charging for smartphones and a 10.25-inch central infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a reversing camera.
Buyers will have to spec up to the GLA 35 Premium, priced from £46,065, for the dual 10.25-inch display setup, interior ambient lighting at 20-inch wheels. Above that sits the £50,000 GLA 35 Premium Plus, which adds adaptive dampers, 21-inch wheels, an aerodynamics package for the exterior, plus adaptive LED headlights and a glass panoramic roof.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 will rival the Audi SQ2 when it goes on sale, check out our review of the SQ2 here...