Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 2021 Review

The second-gen Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ arrives Down Under bigger, bolder and better than before with astonishing performance as the headline act.

It sets a peculiar benchmark for the small SUV segment, favouring performance credentials over all else. Get your head around that performance-first proposition and there’s much to love.

Measuring 122mm taller and 14mm shorter, this vehicle looks more SUV than the outgoing GLA, benefiting from increased room in the front of the cabin and improved legroom in the back.

Equipped with the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with AMG torque control which can send power independently to each of the four wheels for optimum traction, Mercedes talks up the GLA’s off-road credentials.

But there’s no way the pristine 21-inch alloys on our test vehicle should traverse anything other than the manicured gravel driveways that typically end at an aromatic cellar door. Good to know you could take this vehicle off-road, though.

Apart from the performance upgrades, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S brings additional equipment to set it apart from the GLA 35 (from $82,935 plus on-road costs) including the microfibre steering wheel with contrast top stitching, leather sports seats and Burmester surround sound system.

Driver assist equipment also ups the ante with the Driving Assistance Package Plus and parking assist with 360-degree cameras. LED headlights and AMG bodywork that includes a roof-mounted spoiler and rear diffuser punctuate the new exterior design of the GLA.

Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system combines with the instrument cluster in a stunning widescreen high-res 3D graphic display. It’s fair to say Mercedes-Benz is leading the way with this dual-screen design, functionality and in-car bling factor.

There are numerous individualisation options, too. Control it via the steering wheel controls, touch pad or voice-activated commands. Smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging are standard and it hosts USB-C charge points only.

Priced from $107,035 plus ORCs, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is priced nearly double that of the entry-level GLA 200 ($55,100). Beyond the badge however, they are chalk and cheese.

After just a short while behind the wheel of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S it dawns on me – ours is not to reason why, ours is but to ride or die. Or something like that (apologies to poets and fans thereof).

If you love the GLA but want more, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is, of course, the natural choice for the one-betterers among us. Suffice to say that there are many vehicles that do not need the AMG moniker, and yet they do. Need. Want. Etc.

The GLA 45 S shares its platform and twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinder powerhouse with other Mercedes-AMG models such as the A 45 and CLA 45. In this second incarnation, however, the GLA 45 S brags the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine with power up by 30kW/25Nm on its predecessor to deliver a staggering 310kW and 500Nm.

This is enough to see the GLA 45 S hit 100km/h from standstill in just 4.3 seconds. Yes, that’s faster than the 4.5sec dash of its most honest rival, the Audi RS Q3.

The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is a joy to skip through and the paddle shifters are, quite surprisingly, right at home in this city-size SUV. Six modes of slippery, comfort, sport, sport+, individual and race change the vehicle’s character through the powertrain, dynamics, suspension and, of course, the aural delights of the exhaust system.

The GLA 45 S also allows you to do all of this via buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. On that subject, the steering wheel’s flattened bottom and sides (one better again) feel great in hand. Sporty indeed.

At polar opposites you’ll find comfort mode but also track mode with launch control function and race-ready telemetry for the more hard-core. Something for everyone.

It’s easy to forget you’re in a small SUV, the dynamics are such that you feel inclined to duck and dive through the corners, brake late and power out, all the while the GLA 45 S hugs the road and rides impressively flat. Strange, I know.

The vented and cross-drilled brakes quickly pull the GLA to a standstill, while the glimpse of bright red behind the 21-inch alloys adds visual gusto.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says it’s targeting a ‘lifestyle-oriented’ buyer which leaves this SUV’s intended use open to broad interpretation. Sitting on the couch binge-watching Netflix is a definite lifestyle, right?

The small SUV dimensions of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S see it ripe for couples or singles who want some extra space for baggage, boards, bikes and the like. Young families will easily cope with this SUV thanks to two ISOFIX points and three top-tether child seat anchors. Venture beyond two children and you may struggle – because, stuff.

All or any of those buyers will take advantage of the 435-litre boot that expands to 1430L via the 40/20/40-split folding rear seats.

The ripper engine, race-ready gadgetry and massive torque injection tells a tale of buyers keen for performance and precision steering with immediacy on tap. The GLA 45 S is what you make of it.

The driver and front passenger will enjoy heated leather sports seats and all the trimmings that Mercedes technology offers at the touch of a button.

The back seat has room for three occupants, but for comfort’s sake will best suit two. The leather seats are comfortable, two directional air vents and a USB-C charge point complete the amenity basics.

The AMG performance bent is alive and well in the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+.

While it’s overall positioning as a superfast small SUV may be a little bewildering to onlookers, it’s the furthest thing from your mind when you’re behind the wheel furiously flicking to find sport+ mode and beyond. Execution is hard to fault – very AMG.

Hey Mercedes, nice work.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ cost?
Price: $107,035 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 310kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 9.3L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 212g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested