New Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 detailed

Mercedes-AMG has revealed details on its upcoming GLA 35 4MATIC and the even hotter GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ compact SUVs.

Australian pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to the local launch of both AMG models in the fourth quarter of this year, following the release of the new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA next month, however, it is believed both the GLA 35 and 45 will be offered Down Under.

As we know, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will be powered by the same giant-killing 310kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine as seen in the A 45 and CLA 45.

The outputs of the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine are up 30kW/25Nm up on current GLA 45 and translates to a 4.3-second 0-100km/h sprint claim.

Putting that into perspective, the just-arrived second-generation Audi RS Q3 is claimed to hit 100km/h in 4.5sec (0.2 slower).

Meantime, a 225kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four – as used by the A 35 hot hatch and sedan and the larger Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 SUV -- sees the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4MATIC hit 100km/h in a claimed 5.2sec.

Fitted as standard with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT eight-speed dual-clutch auto, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 and GLA 45 are electronically limited to top speeds of 250km/h and 270km/h respectively, while claimed combined fuel consumption ratings are a respective 7.4 and 9.2L/100km.

Aside from an entirely new exterior look – which includes slimmer headlights and a new grille on an all-new body – the redesigned performance crossovers now come with more tech inside the cabin.

On-board each is Merc’s latest MBUX infotainment unit that blends into a widescreen instrument cluster with high-res 3D graphics, and can be controlled via voice command (“Hey Mercedes”), a central touch pad or touch-screen.

A perforated nappa leather flat-bottom steering wheel is paired with red contrast stitching and galvanised shift paddles, while the pedals are finished in brushed stainless steel.

Leather-appointed and microfibre seats are found in both GLAs, however the GLA 45 comes with a range of yellow accents throughout the interior, in a nod to the brand’s motorsport heritage.

The GLA 45’s steering wheel is also fitted with buttons so that AMG drive programs can be directly accessed through the wheel.

Both variants come standard with adaptive dampers and AMG Ride Control to switch between drive modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

They each also come with a ‘virtual race engineer’ dubbed AMG Track Pace, which records vehicle information such as acceleration, steering angle, lap times and more.

Underneath the GLA 35 is a new aluminium shear panel below the engine, as well as a pair of diagonal braces to strengthen the front-end and improve turn-in and toe and camber stability.

AMG Dynamic Select also comes as a new feature, integrating the vehicle’s ESC function with ‘agility enhancing interventions’. In other words, the car can pinch its rear inside wheel’s brake during enthusiastic cornering, to help create a yaw moment that steers the vehicle ‘precisely and immediately’.

The Dynamic Select function can be used in Basic or Advanced modes, as well as in an Individual program, set by the driver.

Brakes are upgraded too on both AMG GLA models too, with four-piston callipers clamping 350mm vented and cross-drilled brake discs up front and single-piston callipers that clamp down on 330mm discs at the rear. 19-inch wheels are standard.

Stay tuned for local pricing and details closer to the launch of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4 MATIC and GLA 45 S 4MATIC+.