2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is the hooted up variant of the popular GLA250. It is much like a taller hatchback with SUV-like utility and higher seating position. Equipped with a gutsy yet fuel efficient engine the GLA comes loaded with amenities which you expect from a luxury brand.

The GLA is powered by turbocharged inline 4 which produces 375 horsepower and similar amount of torque. Engine is mated to a 7 speed automatic transmission which drives the front wheels. It have race car like reflexes and its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system makes it a solid choice for those who live in the snowy weather.

The AMG GLA 45 comes with all-wheel drive and the GLA 250's standard features, but with significantly more power (375 hp, 350 lb-ft of torque) from the same engine. It's further distinguished with 19-inch wheels, a sport exhaust, sport-tuned suspension and steering, upgraded brakes, LED headlights, and a power passenger seat. The GLA 45's options largely mirror those of the GLA 250, but there are a couple of exclusive additions.

Trims	AMG GLA 45
MSRP	$ 53,350
Key Features	· 2.0L I-4 Engine · 7-spd auto-shift man w/OD Transmission
	· 375 @ 6,000 rpm Horsepower · 350 @ 2,250 rpm Torque
	· AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel Drive type · ABS and driveline Traction control
	· 20" machined aluminum Wheels · Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
	· Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats · SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
	2 - 1st row LCD monitor Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry , Rear Fog/driving lights, Heated mirrors
	Driver and passenger Lumbar support

"Based on a platform used to build small cars for Europe, the GLA combines performance and Mercedes luxury at the price of an average family sedan. … But a new 'budget Benz' isn't without compromise. The GLA rides rougher than a traditional Mercedes, and there's a general dearth of headroom, legroom and cargo space. The GLA 250's transmission also isn't very smooth and responds slowly to requests for more power. A high price relative to the GLA's competitors doesn't help either. Similar BMW and Audi models, while not much roomier, offer more refinement for the same price or less." - Edmunds

Engine and Transmission

AMG GLA 45 that comes from Mercedes' in-house tuning shop uses the standard engine but it is tuned to dole out 375 hp nad 350 lb-ft of torque . That is enough power to make you feel sitting in a rocket ship. The power is evenly distributed over the whole rev range and you get instantaneous acceleration whenever required.

The 7G-DCT transmission offers the smooth refinement of an automatic with sporty reflexes. Its dual-clutch design shifts faster than a human can. While its shift paddles let you take charge of its seven speeds anytime. Furthermore, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission can hesitate to find the right gear, resulting in acceleration that is less smooth and steady than expected.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
MSRP	$50,600	$77,200	$54,300	$60,450
Engine	2.0L I-4 Turbo w/Direct Injection	3.6L Twin Turbo V6	3.0L TFSI Twin-Scroll DOHC V6	3.0L M Perf TwinPower Turbo 6-Cylinder
Transmission	7-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	375 hp	400 hp	354 hp	355 hp
Torque	350 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	369 lb-ft	343 lb-ft

The Audi SQ5 and BMW X4 cost more than the GLA45 but generates lower power figures. The Porsche Macan puts out 400 hp with its turbocharged V6 but cost $17,000 more than the Merc.

Acceleration

The GLA250 with its turbocharged engine and brisk 7-speed automatic transmission can reach to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds while the car is in sports mode. The same engine with 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque in AMG GLA 45 can sprint from 0 to 60 in just 4.3 seconds. It is a tremendous performance from a crossover.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
0-60 MPH	4.3 sec	4.6 sec	5.1 sec	4.6 sec
Quarter mile	12.7 sec	12.9 sec	13.1 sec	13.5 sec
Engine	2.0L	3.6L	3.0L	3.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.1	9.3	8.4	8.4

Despite of differences in kerb weight and power outputs all of the rivals delivers almost the same acceleration runs.

Ride and Handling

The GLA class with its punchy 375-hp engine delivers a driving experience which is keen with exceptional handling. The steering is quick with firm suspension providing athletic performance on curvy roads. GLA sends most of its torque to the front wheels, with the ability to split things evenly between the front and rear when more traction is needed.

The crossover drives like a hatch; with precise handling taking corners enthusiastically. Similarly as with numerous sporty vehicles, the exchange-off for performance is harsh ride quality at times. The GLA's hardened suspension makes it ride harsh over uneven asphalt, and most knocks or stuns from the street are transmitted into the cabin.

The GLA's compact size makes it a companion in urban commutes, where it’s simple to maneuver and crawl through traffic. Anyone expecting a typical Mercedes-Benz ride might be disappointed.

Braking

The Mercedes-Benz comes with pretty good braking performance which is above average in this segment. It comes to a sudden stop in just 110 feet which is tremendous. However, after repeated stops, the pedal response starts to fade a bit.

The brake calipers are painted in red and have an AMG logo on it just to remind you that you’re not looking at any ordinary crossover but at a 375 HP monster.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
Brake(in)	13.8	14.2	13.8	12.9
Brake (in)	13.0	14.0	13.0	13.0
Curb weight(lbs)	3457	4244	4398	4323
60-0 MPH (ft.)	110	127	123	123

The high curb weight of all the rivals accounts for large braking distances while the GLA45 AMG have the shortest distance.

The GLA 45 AMG puts out 375 hp but by no means is it a gas guzzler. This Merc delivers some decent numbers like 22 MPG and in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The AMG GLA 45 ends up getting an excellent combined fuel efficiency rating of 25 MPG. As stated earlier, the low kerb weight helps this car to get these solid fuel economy figures.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
MPG (city)	22	17	19	18
MPG (highway)	28	23	24	25
MPG (combined)	25	20	21	21

The Audi SQ5 and the BMW X4 both are underpowered than the AMG GLA 45 and yet they fail to match the economy figures and only get combined efficiency rating of 21 MPG. The Porsche on the other hand, being the more powerful and heavier car delivers a combined rating of 20 MPG.

" The compromises the GLA requires in usability and comfort may be too much for some-again, it's more of a tall hatchback than a real CUV-but Mercedes-Benz's littlest ute belongs on the shopping lists of luxury-minded buyers who value driving prowess over practicality." –car and driver

Seating and Comfort

The GLA's 5 seated cabin is commendable with familiar Mercedes styling. Exquisite aero inspired structure and jet-engine shaped AC vents looks attractive with soft touch plastic on the dashboard. The infotainment screen has a floating look instead of totally incorporated in the dashboard. A little rotating knob on the middle comfort controls the infotainment framework which is intuitive to use.

As its small proportions would suggest, the front row is still roomy enough for two adults with comfortable and multi-adjustable seats. The back seat is cramped where legroom and headroom comes up short. In the event that the driver has long legs, a grown-up traveler behind will be confined. With shorter people in front row, the rearward sitting arrangement is fine for average size individual.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.0/54.8/41.9	39.4/-/33.1	40.2/57.7/41.0	40.0/57.2/40.4
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	38.2/53.1/27.3	36.3/-/32.3	37.7/56.5/37.8	37.4/56.0/34.8

For those with small children, the interior space is not an issue, but if you’re expecting to take the GLA250 on a long trip with four adults, it will be a tight squeeze. The rear head- and legroom are the worst in the class, while rivals are far better in terms of passenger comfort.

Interior Features

• 14-way power driver seat with memory
• Heated front seats
• Split-folding rear seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• Ambient interior lighting
• Compass
• HD radio receiver

Infotainment System

Mercedes-Benz comes equipped with the COMAND infotainment system, which is intuitive and comes with lots advanced features. The previously optional 8.0-inch infotainment screen is now standard with the following amenities:

• 4G LTE Wi-Fi
• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Aux input
• Bluetooth phone
• Navigation
• Real-Time Traffic
• USB and Voice Command
• SiriusXM Traffic and Weather service
• Apple Carplay and Android Auto
• Haraman Kardon sound system

Cargo Capacity

The Mercedes Benz AMG GLA 45 have small dimensions in spite of being a crossover. It offers great space to the passengers on the inside but the cargo space has been compromised. Behind the second row it gets only 17.2 cubic feet of luggage space and it can be increased to 43.6 cubic feet with the 60/40 split folding seat.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
Behind 2nd Row(ft.cube)	17.2	17.7	26.8	18.5
With All Seats folded (ft.cube)	43.6	53.0	60.4	50.5

Those numbers are less than what most of the GLA's rivals offer. The Audi SQ5is among class leaders, offering 26.8 and 60 cubic feet, respectively. The Porsche and BMW are somewhat similar.

" The Mercedes-Benz GLA merges hatchback size with crossover functionality and luxury appointments, with better-than-average results "- Carconnection

Dimension and Weight

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA looks fresh with host of exterior revisions. This little crossover combines the looks of a hot hatch with a ride height of a SUV, which can be increased by an inch with the off-road package. The iconic three pointed grille is neatly housed between pronounced LED headlamps and stardust LED daytime running lights. The GLA possesses familiar Mercedes styling cues, including a giant three-pointed star in the middle of its grille

Numerous body elements, such as the front splitter, side mirrors, side-window trim, side-sill inserts, roof rails and rear diffuser insert, are rendered in gloss black, complemented by black chrome tailpipes.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45	Porsche Macan Turbo	Audi SQ5 Premium Plus	BMW X4 M40i
curb weight(lbs)	3457	4244	4398	4323
Length(in)	175.4	185.0	183.9	184.3
Width(in)	71.0	76.1	74.5	74.1
Height(in)	58.0	63.4	65.3	63.9
Ground clearance(in)	7.2	7.8	8.2	8.0
Wheelbase(in)	106.3	110.5	111.2	110.6
Track width(in) F/R	61.7/61.8	65.2/65.0	63.9/63.6	62.8/63.4

The AMG GLA 45, in fact, is the smallest car amongst its rivals. The Porsche Macan is the largest car in the segment followed by the Audi SQ5 and the BMW X4 M40i. The Audi happens to be the heaviest car of the lot.

Exterior Features

• AMG rear wing spoiler
• Large front splitter
• Front apron flics
• Panorama roof
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• AMG performance calipers
• LED DRl’s and LED headlamp

• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact Beams
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Lane Departure Warning
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
• Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Driver And Passenger Knee Airbag and Rear Side-Impact Airbag
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts -inc: Rear Center 3 Point, Height Adjusters and Pretensioners
• Back-Up Camera

Porsche Macan

The Porsche Macan comes with a V6 engine which generates 400 hp and equal amount of torque. The cabin is more spacious than the GLA and cargo capacity is also higher. But the Macan suffers from poor fuel economy while the performance is somewhat similar to GLA 45 AMG. The GLA 45AMG is clear winner with its $4000 less price tag

Audi SQ5

The Audi SQ5 comes with a bigger engine yet it makes less horsepower than the GLA 45 AMG. In terms of fuel economy, acceleration, and braking the Mercedes is a clear winner. As compared to the Audi, the Mercedes Benz AMG GLA 45 is clearly the better car and it is the one that you should go for.

BMW X4 M40i

Like the Audi SQ5 the BMW X4 lacks in terms of engine power, acceleration, fuel economy and braking when compared to the GLA 45 AMG. BMW only has the better ground clearance and gets a larger boot. Also, the BMW costs $10000 more than the AMG GLA 45. So the GLA45 AMG is a clear winner here.

The Mercedes-Benz is one of the most fun to drive crossover with utility and car like maueverbility. Its compact footprint and turbocharged engine makes it agile and adventurous. The GLA might lack in terms of interior space but makes up for it with a lavish cabin.