The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is the most affordable performance SUV available from the German automaker and is the fifth product on the MFA platform to be launched in India.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2014 GLA45 AMG performance SUV in India, priced at Rs. 69.60 lakhs (ex-showroom, Mumbai) and is being brought in as a CBU. With performance SUVs and compact premium cars being the newest fad in the automotive world, the German automaker has been quick to bring both together in wake of a recipe for success. Based on the Mercedes’ MFA platform that underpins its range of compact vehicles, the GLA45 AMG comes just a month after the regular GLA was launched in the country and has been tuned at Affalterbach, Germany to provide the best of practicality and performance in one stellar package.
Design – Distinguishing the GLA45 AMG from the regular GLA are the AMG bits all round the crossover. While silhouette is the same, the GLA45 gets the aggressive new bumper with larger air intakes, revised grille, rear diffuser and the trademark quad exhausts. The crossover sits 15 mm lower than the standard GLA and rides on 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels with red brake calipers. Mercedes is also offering a range of decals and customization options for the GLA45 that gives a more sportier and distinguishable look to the performance SUV.
Interiors – On the inside, the cabin retains the layout from the regular GLA but comes with a host of AMG additions. You now get AMG sports seats with cross-stitching and contrast red seatbelts, new AMG flat-bottom 3-spoke steering wheel, while dashboard gets carbon fibre bits to showcase its power credentials. The floating infotainment display unit makes an appearance here as well and will give you access to all major setting including navigation and media. You also get automatic climate control, rear air-con vents and a Harman Kardon audio system as part of standard kit.
Engines – The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine, the same found on the CLA45 AMG and produces 355 BHP of power at 6000 RPM and 450 Nm of torque between 2250-5000 RPM. The engine is paired to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission with power sent to all four wheels via the 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive system. Stopping power comes from AMG performance braking system inclusive of 350 mm at the front and 330 mm at the rear cross-ventilated discs. The GLA45 also gets stiffer springs, anti-roll bar and a grippier wheel geometry set-up over the standard GLA.
Performance Figures – 0-100 km/hr comes in just 4.8 seconds courtesy of the ‘Race start’ setting on the GLA45 AMG, while the top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/hr.
Safety – Sporting a plethora of safety features and driver assist systems, the GLA45 AMG comes equipped with 7 airbags, 3 point seatbelts, ABS with Brake Assist, ESP, ASR as well as Adaptive Brake System with hold function and Hill Start Assist, Active Bonnet, Lane Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Blind Spot Assist, Headlamp Assist, Tyre pressure monitoring system, Seat occupation sensor and a lot more.
Available in a single trim, the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG does not have a direct rival in its segment and rivals a range of luxury SUVs and sedans at the same price bracket. After launching a range of AMG products throughout this year, the GLA45 is the last AMG product to come to the Indian shores in 2014 and is certainly a one of its kind offering for customers looking at outright performance without having to be too imposing or even less practical.
