Subtle changes have taken place at the front. Image: Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz, after showcasing the revised GLA in March, has now taken the wraps off the mildly revised AMG-fettled 45 S markets will be receiving from the end of this year.
The sole AMG variant of the GLA now available following the decision to drop the “standard” non-S badged model, the 45, however, keeps hold of its four-cylinder powerunit Benz, surprisingly, has opted against electrifying by means of a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
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As such, the M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine shared with the A45 S and CLA 45 S produces an unchanged 310kW/500Nm delivered to all four wheels via the AMG optimised 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.
Hooked to the AMG-tuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GLA 45 S will get from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reach a limited top speed of 270 km/h.
Building on the exterior tweaks applied to its sibling, but not the all-electric EQA that rides on the same MFA2 platform, the AMG GLA 45 S gains the restyled Panamericana grille and new headlights optionally fitted with the Multibeam LED clusters, the AMG badge in place of the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star on the bonnet, new air intakes on the flanks of the bumper and redesigned bicolour matte black 10-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels.
While the rear facia benefits from altered LED light clusters, but carries over the bumper, diffuser and quad exhaust outlets, down the side, the AMG brake calipers are now finished as standard in red, with buyers having an additional choice of two other alloy wheel options; 20-inches or 21-inches, both in either a five-spoke or cross-spoke design decked-out in bicolour matte black or gloss matte black.
Similar to the GLA, the AMG 45 S’ interior revisions comprise more type-C USB ports and an upgraded wireless smartphone charger, as well as the standard fitting of the 10.25-inch MBUX infotainment system resplendent with the latest software in conjunction with the already available 10.25-inch instrument cluster.
Unique AMG touches though are specific readouts and graphics within the mentioned dual displays, the latest AMG Performance steering wheel and as an option, the AMG Performance seats trimmed in Bahia Brown Artico man-made leather.
Along with a new open-pore lime wood trim option, two new colours complete the 45 S’ interior transformation; Sage Grey/Black and Red Pepper/Black.
Dynamically, Mercedes-AMG kept the GLA 45 S also untouched, meaning the retention of the electro-mechanical AMG torque control system and Race mode as part of the six settings offered by the AMG Dynamic Select system, the others being Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
Set to go on-sale possibly by year-end in Europe, the AMG GLA 45 S, for now, remains unconfirmed for South Africa, but should approval be given, expect it to arrive in the early half of 2024.
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