Brabus tunes Benz GLA-Class to 294kW

German tuning house Brabus hasn't wasted time modifying the Mercedes-Benz range of compact front-wheel drive vehicles, the GLA-Class the latest model to get the go-fast treatment after the A- and CLA-Classes.

Boosting power up to almost 300kW, the new range of modified GLA models is offered via retail outlets in 106 countries, including via Brabus' sole Australian partner, Sharp Performance in Victoria.

Sharp Performance says new Merecdes-Benz models fitted with Brabus parts in Australia are covered by Brabus' three-year/100,000km warranty.

The Mercedes-Benz tuning specialist is offering a range of cosmetic tweaks to GLA-Class owners, including new front and rear bumper designs, interior fit outs and even door-activated hidden LED puddle lights that cast a beam at the ground.

But the big ticket items are tweaks to the chassis and powertrains, the maximum output from the exclusively four-cylinder vehicle range now reaching an eye-watering 294kW. The Brabus GLA adds another dimension to the 2.0-litre power wars between Audi and Mercedes-Benz, the latter's 265kW/450Nm set to be trumped by the former's new 309kW 2.0-litre turbo.

Modifications to the GLA 45 AMG's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine for the Brabus application boost power by 29kW and 50Nm (raising peak torque to 500Nm), which lends the compact premium SUV even more hustle. Previously accelerating from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, the Brabus-tuned GLA 45 AMG stops the clock in just 4.4 seconds, a time that only a few years ago was reserved for exotic supercars.

Top speed of the Brabus-tuned GLA has been increased by 20km/h to 270km/h, and as the photos show huge 21-inch monoblock alloy wheels shod with 255/30 R21 rubber by Pirelli, Continental or Yokohama can be had. Smaller wheels from 18-inches in diameter are also available, as are options including a stainless steel exhaust system and a prominent rear spoiler.

Brabus has tuning programs for all GLA-Class engines, including the GLA 220 CDI. The popular 2.1-litre turbo-diesel engine gets a power hike from 125kW to 155kW. The GLA 250 turbo-petrol model can be optioned with a special exhaust system that features a butterfly valve to control volume. "It allows tuning the engine sound from discreet to markedly sporty," says Brabus.

All GLA models can be lifted or lowered, depending on customer preference, but the German tuning house provides adjustable ride height up to 30mm, to make "getting in and out even more comfortable" or drop it by 25mm to lower its centre of gravity.

Several interior options are available too, including stainless-steel scuff plates matt-anodised aluminium pedals, aluminium shift paddles. The company can re-upholster the interior with "especially soft yet extremely durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara in any desired color".

The tuning house established a flagship store in London in mid-May, 2014, on Park Lane in Mayfair, one of the city's most affluent areas. It is the seventh major dealership, joining Los Angeles, Moscow, Dubai, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing centres.