This is the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45s, the most radical proposal from the German SUV

The segment of performance SUVs proved long ago that its limits are very high, and if you don’t believe it, just ask the new Mercedes-AMG GLA 45s. The star brand has once again done what many of us expected: borrowing from the second generation of its compact SUV to create a vehicle that, with an improved formula, is capable of delivering performance that until not long ago was only available in high-end supercars. And that is the new GLA 45s, a variant that relies on the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world to produce 421 CV.

Following the presentation of the evergreen Mercedes-AMG A 45s, it was to be expected that the same recipe would be applied to the GLA, as happened in the previous generation. To this we must add a more extreme and radical styling, a cabin that exudes sportiness and a mechanical layout ready to meet the driver’s needs.

In terms of design, we can see how Mercedes-AMG has managed to play with the new lines of the GLA to harmoniously blend them with the various elements specific to this souped-up version. The Panamericana grille is already a hallmark of the most powerful AMG models, and it combines perfectly with a rougher, more exuberant front bumper flanked by two large air intakes that already hint at its performance level.

The rear features a prominent spoiler that goes well with the diffuser, a piece responsible for improving aerodynamics and housing a quad cylindrical exhaust outlet. The cabin uses the same formula we have seen in the A 45s, where bucket-style seats and the AMG steering wheel with integrated digital dials steal the spotlight.

Nevertheless, and with due respect to its aggressive styling, the highlight of this latest creation from Mercedes-AMG lies in its mechanical section. The engineers at the German company have developed a 2,000 cc turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing 421 CV. Not one more, not one less. That figure is managed through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

Thanks to intelligent torque control -AMG Torque Control-, it is possible to variably and progressively distribute the driving force both between the front and rear axles as well as between the two wheels of the rear axle. This is made possible by two electronically regulated multi-plate clutches connected to the two rear axle half-shafts, which generates constant grip on the asphalt that helps the 0 to 100 km/h sprint take 4.3 seconds and gives a top speed of 270 km/h.