Mercedes GLA 45 AMG India review, test drive

 

This is the red hot AMG-prepped version of the new Mercedes GLA. It uses the same monster of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine you’d find under the bonnet of the CLA 45 AMG and in this form, also gets stiffer springs and beefier anti-roll bars. This one also sits 15mm lower than the standard GLAs.

 

You’ll also easily be able to tell a GLA 45 apart from the more everyday versions of the GLA by its different grille, more aggressive bumpers, rear diffuser and quad exhausts. And, of course, the bright red calipers that shine through the 19-inch rims. Our test car also came with additional stickering on the doors that could be offered as an option.

 

On the inside too, the AMG is slightly different. The standard front seats have made way for a sportier and more supportive pair, there’s a new flat-bottomed steering and a proper gear lever (as opposed to a steering-mounted stalk) for the seven-speed gearbox. Sporty, red seatbelts and contrast stitching on the dashboard, seats and steering complete the look. 

 

Like in the standard car, back seat space isn’t all that great. But given that the GLA 45 is all about the experience behind the steering wheel, we’ll gloss over this issue here. In terms of equipment, the AMG gets all that you get in the well-specced standard GLAs with the addition of automatic climate control, a rear air-con vent and a larger screen for the infotainment system.