Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 facelift unveiled, coming to Malaysia this year!



Alongside the global unveiling of the facelifted GLA, Mercedes-Benz has also unveiled the performance oriented GLA 45. Like the A 45, the GLA 45 now gets a new moniker – Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 (previously known as Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG).

In this facelift exercise, the GLA 45 gets increased performance and enhanced aerodynamics on top of the revisions seen on the standard models. At launch, this pocket rocket gets a Yellow Night Edition as a tribute to the success of the AMG compact cars (A 45, CLA 45 and GLA 45).2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 Facelift Unveiled

Like all AMG models, the GLA now wears a more aggressive exterior kit with a sharper front apron, revised air intake and front splitter. On top of that, the AMG Twin Blade radiator grille and side sill panels are finished in silver chrome. At the rear, a more aerodynamic roof spoiler, new diffuser insert and silver chrome trims complete the look of the GLA 45. Thanks to the revisions of the exterior, the car boasts an improved driving dynamics and stability with lower wind resistance.

Jumping inside, the interior is noticeably race ready over the standard GLAs. It features Artico man-made leather upholstery red or silver (Exclusive package) contrast stitching, AMG badges all round and a new instrument cluster divided into 30 km/h blocks (previously 20 km/h blocks). In addition to that, the GLA 45 can be specified with keyless entry, hands-free powered tailgate and 360-degree camera.2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 Facelift Unveiled

Now for the juicy part. Under the hood, the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine – the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder M133 has gotten a power bump from 360 hp and 450 Nm to 381 hp and 475 Nm! Power is channelled to all four corners via an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual clutch sports transmission.

Thanks to shorter gear ratios from gears three to seven and an optimised transmission mapping, the GLA 45 will sprint past the 100 km/h mark in 4.4 seconds from standstill. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (with AMG Driver’s Package top speed is raised to 270 km/h). Despite its remarkable performance, the GLA 45 is said to consume only 7.4 litres of fuel per 100 km.2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 Facelift Unveiled

The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system is capable of splitting torque almost invariably to the front and rear axle to match every driving situation. As standard, most of the power gets sent to the front wheels, but a full 50:50 split can be achieved when needed.

Also available with the GLA 45 is a series of complementary optional packages. For example, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package adds mechanical front axle locking differential, AMG ride control sports suspension, performance steering wheel and a RACE drive programme (comes with a launch control sequence). The AMG performance exhaust is a must-have for that distinctive throaty exhaust note composed by AMG.

To celebrate the success of the AMG compact cars, a Yellow Night Edition is available as an option. It adds two unique paint finishes with matte graphite grey and yellow accents around the car – Night Black and Cosmos Black. The Yellow Night Edition adds the aerodynamics package, Night package as well as Light and Sight package as standard. As you can guess from the name, the interior is also highlighted with yellow trims.

We cannot wait for this beastly machine to arrive to our shores sometime later in the year, hopefully available with the gorgeous Yellow Night Edition. Race mode in a compact crossover? Absolutely bonkers.


IMAGE GALLERY

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Facelift

Mercedes-AMG GLA 45  Yellow Night Edition