The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Receives a Number of Upgrades

• Changes include a revised front end with a new lighting signature.

• The MBUX infotainment system extends its range of functions.

• The GLA 45 S 4MATIC now delivers 421 horsepower, 39 more than last year.

The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a revised version of the GLA 45 performance subcompact SUV for the 2024 model year.

As this model was not revealed at the same time as the GLA 250 and the AMG GLA 35, many speculated that the German automaker had abandoned the most powerful and dynamic version of its smallest SUV at the end of the 2023 model year.

This was not the case however, and the AMG GLA 45 returns with a number of upgrades that make it more modern and even more powerful than before.

Indeed, the new AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ benefits from a reworked 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that now delivers 421 horsepower, 39 more than was previously available in this model.

This engine is paired with the AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a performance-tuned version of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system which uses electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch sets to vary the engine’s output between the front and rear axles as well as between each rear wheel at all times to ensure the optimal balance of power and traction.

With its newfound increase in power, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 can accelerate to 100 km/h from a stop in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 270 km/h.

Other changes are mostly related to the appearance of the small crossover, mainly in the form of a revised front apron and new lighting signatures for the headlamps and taillamps. Three new alloy wheel designs are also added to the catalogue, and so are three new upholstery selections.

For the first time, the combination of leatherette and microfibre can be ordered in brown, while full-leather upholstery can now come in a combination of black and red. Leatherette is also now available in grey and black.

This is not the only change in the cabin, since the MBUX infotainment system has had its range of services expanded and AMG-specific displays have been added, all of which can be controlled via buttons on the new AMG steering wheel. Convenience for the driver and passengers has also been improved with the addition of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an additional USB-C port and faster USB charging.

As standard, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 comes with 20-inch wheels and red brake callipers, which combine with a spoiler lip, twin round exhaust tips, and body-colour wheel arch extensions to underline this model’s higher level of performance versus the standard Mercedes-Benz GLA 25 and the mid-level AMG GLA 35.