Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 revealed, looks like a sizzling crossover

KUALA LUMPUR: The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month but the German automaker decided to privilege us with glimpses of its newest offering. Revelations from the automaker show the crossover along with details on the powertrain. On the upside, GLA 45 looks like the most powerful contribution from Affalterbach, alongside A45 and CLA 45.

GLA 45 is categorically the second generation of its GLA compact crossover, and with more power, more technology and more performance, it offers you ample reasons to fall for it.

Crossover is one of the most popular body-styles and incorporated with four turbocharged inline cylinders, making 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, this engineering masterpiece is sure to break covers.

Having said that, the engine is also coupled to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and variable all-wheel drive. The GLA is both more compact and more versatile, with its raised suspension, it could potentially shine off the road too. GLA 45 has been revised on the suspension geometry that helps reduce torque steer, and an aluminum wishbone cuts down on its bouncy weight.

The settings for an all-wheel-drive system, throttle, traction control, suspension, steering feel and exhaust volume are all controlled via the six different driver-selectable drive modes.

To aid handling, the company fits an aluminum plate below the engine that stiffens the structure at the front.

Substantive styling tweaks have been done with GLA 45 but the overhauling is only slightly different from the lower trim models. It gets the signature AMG grille with vertical bars, and the lower grilles are opened up for additional air flow. It gets a deeper front splitter and more pronounced rear diffuser. The standard wheels measure 19-inch with 21-inch wheels available as an option. Inside, the GLA 45 gets standard black leather and faux material upholstery with red stitching, along with carbon fiber trim. There are four upholstery color schemes available, as well as an optional sports steering wheel. Mercedes will also offer an onboard data logger for recording lap times and driver inputs, and it can even display racing lines on the infotainment display.

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will hit U.S. dealerships by the end of this year but the automaker is silent on its pricing yet. Crossovers are always a hit and we don’t doubt GLA 45 to hit all its sales targets.

Until no official announcement is made, we assume Malaysians will have to still wait longer to drive this hottest offering from Mercedes-AMG.

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