Mercedes-AMG unveils insane new GLA45 S

MERCEDES-AMG has unleashed its most hardcore, high-performance GLA small SUV yet with the new GLA45 S 4Matic+.

Powered by a beefed-up version of AMG’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, the new GLA45 S has a huge 310kW of power and eye-watering 500Nm of torque at its disposal, sharing the title of world’s most powerful production turbocharged four-cylinder with its A45 S hatch and CLA45 S four-door coupe counterparts.

With drive going to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, 0-100km/h is dealt with in 4.3-seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 270km/h.

The secret to this astronomical oomph lies in a series of small tweaks to the powertrain including revised intake and exhaust plumbing, a new twin-scroll turbocharger capable of 30psi of boost pressure and two-stage fuel injection.

Despite the headline-grabbing power and performance figures, AMG says the GLA45 S will still return half decent fuel economy, with a claimed usage of 9.2 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.

Six driver-selectable modes are on offer to either maximise the GLA’s performance or rein it in for the public road or difficult conditions, those being Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race and Individual.

Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race dial up pre-set configurations for the engine (including throttle response and exhaust note), gearbox, steering, suspension, stability control and all-wheel-drive system while Individual allows drivers to configure the car to their liking.

Distinguishing the 45 S from the rest of the GLA range are bigger, more aggressively shaped air intakes, a AMG-specific radiator grille, front splitter, flared wheelarches housing unique black 20-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers, twin 90mm exhaust tips, a rear diffuser and large rear wing.

Inside are black leather and micro-fibre bucket seats with yellow contrast trim that is replicated throughout the rest of the interior including the dash, centre console and at the 12 o’clock position of the Nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel.

Behind said steering wheel lies an entirely digital instrument cluster that serves as an extension of the MBUX infotainment system, from which drivers can access numerous vehicle functions and data including gear speed and warm-up indicators, a g-meter, race timer, telemetry and engine data.

The MBUX system itself comes with conversational voice recognition that can understand most sentences relating to infotainment and vehicle operation.

On the safety front, all GLAs come with the Mercedes Driving Assistance Package that includes autonomous braking, turning manoeuvre function, emergency corridor function and an exit warning function that can detect pedestrians, cyclists and stopped vehicles.

Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and active speed limit assistance are also standard on all models.

“The second generation of our very successful compact sports model is now complete,” Mercedes-AMG management board chairman Tobias Moers said.

“In addition, the new GLA45 is not only significantly more dynamic, but also more practical in everyday use than its predecessor, thereby ensuring its appeal to a dynamic, lifestyle-oriented target group.”

Exact local, specification, pricing and even an arrival time is yet to be announced, although Mercedes has confirmed that only the 45 S model will be headed for Australia rather than the ‘standard’ GLA45 (285kW/480Nm) that will be available alongside the S overseas.