Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S revealed

The facelifted 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S has been revealed in Europe, following the unveiling of the updated range of less exciting 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLA variants earlier this year.

The updated compact luxury SUV line-up is due to arrive in Australia from this December, but Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to divulge its plan for the mid-life update of its smallest SUV and local pricing, spec and availability details for the upgraded Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S also remain unknown.

Given that Mercedes-Benz Australia has rationalised its top-selling selling model line, the GLC mid-size SUV, to comprise just one variant (at least until the AMG GLC 63 arrives), it’s possible the same could occur for the GLA.

Nonetheless, a number of visual changes have been made to the high-revving the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S both inside and out, but the berserk powertrain – the world’s most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – remains unchanged.

Pumping out 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque, the small SUV can hit 100km/h in 4.3 seconds on its way to an electronically restricted top speed of 270km/h, in part thanks to its eight-speed dual-clutch ‘Speedshift’ automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Exterior visual changes include a fresh front-end design with a re-sculpted bumper featuring new-look lateral air intakes, plus LED headlight clusters. At the rear, the 2024 AMG GLA 45 S shows off updated tail-light designs.

AMG has added new alloy wheel designs in 19-, 20- and 21-inch sizes, while the wide-body wheel-arches are now body coloured (not black), adding a more premium look.

‘Bicolour’ matte black exterior paintwork will be offered and the interior of the GLA 45 S has been fitted with a number of new bits as well.

All models come with an AMG Performance steering wheel, an extra USB-C port with higher recharge rates and upgrades to the MBUX operating system that underpins the infotainment systems and everything displayed on the twin digital screens.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are part of the deal, along with an “extended range of services” within the MBUX system says Benz.

The sports bucket seats return for active duty for front occupants, but come with new synthetic leather and suede upholstery.

It remains to be seen how Mercedes-Benz Australia will handle its small-car range (A, CLA, GLA) by mid-decade, with an all-new MMA platform architecture set to underpin a new generation of entry-level luxury cars from the prestige car-maker, which could see the A-Class axed.

The German brand is shifting future product development firmly into the EV realm with plans to sell only EVs by 2030 (where possible), underpinned by the company’s MB-EA, AMG-EA and VAN-EA platforms.

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