Mercedes-AMG unveils the facelift for the powerful GLA 45 S 4Matic+

Fortunately, for those who still love a real car, that is, one with a genuine, powerful combustion engine, there are still brands that stand by them, such as Mercedes-Benz and more specifically its performance division, Mercedes-AMG, which now presents the facelift it has given the small GLA 45 S 4Matic+.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA family was updated a few months ago, but it was not complete for all that: the most powerful versions bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge still needed the same treatment, and now it is the turn of the GLA 45 S 4Matic+, the flagship of this compact SUV. Just as with the rest of the GLA family, we will not see major changes; it is a superficial facelift, but sufficient to notice the changes received.

In this way, one of the most significant changes is found at both the front and the rear, since the GLA 45 S 4Matic+ now features a new light signature, also with LED technology, and, likewise, Multibeam LED headlights remain available as an option. Also at the front, the lower splitter now adopts a new aerodynamic shape, although it will remain discreet.

Another notable exterior feature of the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ is that the trim on its widened wheel arches is now painted in the body colour, undoubtedly giving it a more elegant touch by abandoning the black finish of the previous model. These wheel arches wrap around 21-inch wheels with a crossed-spoke design, which come as standard, although Mercedes-AMG has confirmed three new optional designs, in different sizes and finishes for their surface.

Inside, the only changes affect the technology side: the latest version of the modern AMG Performance steering wheel is now fitted, as is the software for the MBUX infotainment system, in addition to more powerful USB connections and a new USB-C port. In the options list, new upholsteries and colours are now offered both for the standard sports seats and for the optional AMG Performance seats, along with open-pore linden wood in brown for the decorative inserts.

Mechanically, fortunately, there are no changes, and the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ continues to be powered by the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which delivers 421 CV and a torque of 500 Nm, distributed intelligently to all four wheels through the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. This engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox with eight speeds, with which it can make lightning-fast starts to reach 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and attain a limited top speed of 270 km/h.