At the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz North America president and CEO Steve Cannon said he expects the new GLA crossover will "appeal to younger buyers who want to indulge in their appetite for style and their appetite for adventure." While the GLA250 may be fine for some, nothing will exceed adventurous expectations more than the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG debuting at the 2014 Detroit auto show.
Showfloor update: No surprises here at the 2014 Detroit show, as theMercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG production car looks just like the concept we saw not even two months ago at the 2013 L.A. auto show. Although it does without the concept's blacked-out C-pillars, it's available with black anodized beltline trim, chrome grille louvers, and gloss black exterior trim, all part of an optional Night appearance package. Unfortunately, the wild Edition 1 with its AMG racing stripes and massive rear wing, isn't available in the U.S. Compared to the regular GLA250, it's been lowered 20 mm in the rear and 15 mm in the front, making it look more like a hot hatch than a CUV. At almost 5'2, I had some headroom in the back, but significantly more in the front. A much taller journalist said he fit comfortably in the driver's seat, but most everyone hit their heads trying to climb into the rear seats.
First revealed as a concept at the L.A. show in November, the GLA45 AMG was well-received, especially since it'll be the second-most-affordable AMG product, behind the $48,375 CLA45. But that doesn't mean it's any less of an AMG compared to larger stablemates such as the ML63 AMG, GL63 AMG, and G63 AMG. The 2015 GLA45 AMG is powered by the CLA45's turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 that makes 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, and Mercedes says the CUV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The CLA45 AMG hit 60 mph in aMotor-Trendtested 4.2 seconds -- 0.3 seconds quicker than the automaker's estimate -- so don't be surprised if the GLA45 AMG can do the sprint in 4.5 seconds.
The engine isn't the only thing the GLA45 AMG has in common with the CLA45 AMG. Like the sports sedan, the CUV's engine features a weight-optimized forged steel crankshaft assembly, forged pistons with low-friction piston rings, Nanoslide cylinder lining, and a sand-cast aluminum crankcase. And it's no surprise the GLA45 also features a butterfly valve in the exhaust system that automatically opens to deliver the AMG purr at wide open throttle. At highway speeds, the valve closes for a more refined sound.
Power is driven to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch AMG sports transmission, which, like the CLA, gets a Race Start launch mode in addition to three other driving modes. Controlled Efficiency (C) mode softens transmission shifts, tones down engine output, and takes full advantage of the standard engine start-stop system. For those who want to liven things up, dialing into Sport (S) and Manual (M) modes increases shift times and really lets the exhaust butterfly valve do its thing. A momentary M setting allows the transmission to automatically shift at redline before returning to the current selected drive program.
Three modes are also available on the stability control system, including Sport Handling, ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, and ESP Off modes. The AMG treatment also includes an AMG-tuned suspension that has been equipped with special springs, dampers, and bigger anti-roll bars. As far as looks go, the GLA45 is unmistakably an AMG, with distinctive five-spoke alloy wheels finished in titanium gray or matte black paint. Red brake calipers are available, as well as larger 10-spoke wheels. The brake discs are vented for maximum stopping power.
