Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Lands In Malaysia

This hottest flavour of Mercedes-Benz GLA lands locally with a price tag of RM 539,888. 

Coming to top off the recent local piecemeal releases of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLA range that has come over the months is the newly-arrived Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+. This hottest compact crossover from the three-pointed star marque lands locally as the only fully-imported variant in its current model lineup, which hence goes some way to explain its price tag of RM 539,888 being quite the steep jump from its locally-assembled GLA 35 counterpart’s RM 363,888. 

Said RM 176,000 delta between the top-dog AMG and its lesser 35-badged sibling could meanwhile also be down to the former having quite a bit more power than the latter, despite both featuring 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinders under the hood. Such is as the GLA45 currently packs the venerable M139 AMG motor that outputs 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque, while the 35’s M260 (in spite of its mild-hybrid assistance) only manages to muster a comparatively paltry 306 PS and 400 Nm of torque. 

Paired with an eight-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system featuring AMG Torque Control, the GLA45 is currently quoted to rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, and then onwards to a top speed of 270 km/h. This is to be nearly a full second faster than what it will take its lesser AMG-badged brother to complete the century sprint, with its V-Max being some 20 km/h lower as well. 

Touching on the exterior now, this updated GLA 45 brings with it a newly shaped front apron and the AMG crest on its bonnet. There are also to be new graphics for the Multibeam LED headlights, while its newly body coloured wheel arch extensions sees for a set of matte-black 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels with red brake calipers tucked beneath it. 

Local GLA 45s comes with the AMG Aerodynamics Package and an AMG Night Package as standard, with the former bringing with it some aero accoutrements that include canards on its front bumper and the boy racer-style rear wing on its rump. The latter package meanwhile adds a high-gloss black finish to various exterior elements on this compact crossover, which includes the front splitter, belt- and window-line trim strips and exterior mirror housings.

Moving on within, the sensation of sportiness in this updated GLA 45’s interior comes by way of the latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/MICROCUT microfibre and a pair of AMG Performance front seats upholstered with ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT microfibre. This is then further enhanced through with some sporty red seat belts, before being finished off by AMG floor mats and illuminated AMG door sills. 

Much like its lesser-siblings, the GLA 45 comes with the same dual 10.25-inch displays running the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. Being an AMG though, this hot compact crossover naturally nets AMG-specific screen design, along with the AMG Real Performance Sound and AMG Track Pace feature. 

According to its maker, the AMG Real Performance Sound makes the AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ sound even more emotional, with the driver being in control how the turbo engine sounds within. At the touch of a button, drivers can adjust the sound that being piped through its 710 W 12-speaker Burmester surround sound system between ‘sporty, subtle (BALANCED) or motorsporty (POWERFUL)’. AMG Track Pace on the other hand essentially acts as a virtual race engineer for the driver. With the aid of lap, sector, and acceleration times plus selected live telemetry data, the driver can specifically analyse and improve their driving skills on ‘cordoned-off tracks’.

Other AMG goodies worth a quick mention here with this hot compact crossover includes an AMG Ride Control suspension with 3 levels of adjustment (Comfort, Sport, or Sport+), as well as a bevy of selectable drive modes from the AMG Dynamic Select feature. The GLA 45 also nets 64-colour ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof and a comprehensive suite of driver aids that includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Exit Warning Assist.

First local deliveries of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ are currently set to commence from August, but those who are inclined to see this hot compact crossover for themselves can go down to Mercedes-Benz World at KL BASE this weekend (5th to 7th July)! This automotive event showcases the entire current Mercedes-Benz products available in Malaysia, with the attached runway at this event opening up the chance of taking some of these cars out for a cheeky flat-out test drive as well.

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ at a glance:

*On the road without Insurance. With 10% Sales Tax.