Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 2024 Review

The crossover between a pocket rocket and an SUV has always had a fixed audience in the local market. These individuals want the practicality of an SUV but are unwilling to compromise on performance — the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is the model aimed at meeting this demand. As a high-performance compact SUV from the AMG family, it not only retains the practicality of the GLA but is also equipped with a 2.0T engine that delivers 420 horsepower. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time is just 4.3 seconds, making these specs stand out in the same segment. The objective of our test drive was very clear: to examine its balance between everyday commuting and explosive performance, and to determine whether the extra budget compared to the entry-level AMG GLA 35 is worth the investment.

At first glance at the vehicle, the AMG GLA 45 S’s sporty attributes are impossible to hide. The body dimensions are consistent with the standard GLA (length: 4410mm, width: 1834mm, height: 1611mm), but the details are packed with AMG features: the front grille has been switched to the AMG Panamericana design with vertical slats, complemented by large lower air intakes, which exude aggressiveness; two raised muscle lines on the hood further enhance the performance feel. On the side, the 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 255/35 R21 wide tires create a strong visual impact, while the slightly flared fender arches match the stance of a high-performance SUV. The most noticeable changes are at the rear, where the signature round quad-exhaust tips of AMG high-performance models dominate the view. Along with a small roof spoiler and smoked LED taillights, the overall recognition is very high—even when parked amidst other cars, it’s easy to spot this unmistakably bold AMG.

Stepping inside, the interior perfectly blends luxury and sportiness. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by silver trims and carbon-fiber-pattern panels, giving a high-quality feel to every surface you touch. The steering wheel bears AMG’s exclusive flat-bottom design with a thick grip, integrated multi-function buttons on both sides, and metal paddle shifters behind, making operations feel smooth and intuitive. The center console features two 10.25-inch screens side by side. The fully digital instrument cluster on the left can switch to AMG-exclusive display modes, capable of showing performance data like horsepower, torque, and G-forces in real-time; the touchscreen on the right integrates the MBUX system, supporting voice control and CarPlay connectivity with fast response times. In terms of features, the front seats are electrically adjustable sporty seats with memory function, providing excellent lateral support that won’t cause fatigue during long drives. Though the rear legroom isn’t particularly spacious (wheelbase: 2729mm), it’s enough for short trips with adults. Additionally, the rear seats can be folded in a 40:20:40 ratio, and the trunk offers 435 liters of storage space—sufficient for fitting two carry-on suitcases and some miscellaneous items, which meets daily family needs. Other standard practical features include wireless charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents, showing thoughtful attention to details.

Our test drive focused primarily on its power and handling. The AMG GLA 45 S is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum of 420 PS and 500 N·m of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission and a 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. Switching to Sport+ mode and stepping on the accelerator, you’ll immediately feel a surge of power. The gearbox shifts gears incredibly quickly with almost no hesitation, and the 4.3-second 0-100 km/h performance is no exaggeration—in highway overtakes, a slight press on the accelerator summons instant power, inspiring confidence. In comparison, the 306-horsepower GLA 35 entry model, while adequate, lacks the adrenaline-rush of this thrilling “one-press-accelerator” experience. As for handling, the steering is sharp and precise, with minimal play, allowing excellent control. When cornering, the body roll is well-managed thanks to the stiffer AMG-tuned suspension. However, on speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension isn’t the best at absorbing shocks, transmitting road feedback more directly—a common trade-off in performance cars. Notably, the braking system features ventilated and perforated discs at both the front and rear, providing strong and linear stopping power. Even during high-speed braking, the car remains stable, offering a great sense of safety.

When driving daily, switching to Comfort mode keeps the engine rpm in a lower range, and the gear shifts are smoother. At this time, it feels more like an ordinary luxury SUV, with good noise control. Tire noise and wind noise are not particularly noticeable on the highway. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.6L/100km. From our actual test drive, the urban congested road conditions are roughly 10-11L, and highway cruising can drop to 7-8L. For a 420-horsepower performance car, this performance is already very reasonable. Compared to the GLA 35's MHEV hybrid system (which also has an official fuel consumption of 8.6L), the fuel consumption difference of the GLA 45 S is not significant, but its power output is on a completely different level.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ are very clear: First, it offers top-notch power performance in its class, with 420 horsepower and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds, meeting all your speed expectations. Second, the AMG-exclusive sporty design and interior details—whether in terms of exterior or interior—highlight the owner's individuality. Third, it balances the practicality of an SUV, with enough rear space and trunk capacity for daily family use, without sacrificing too much convenience for performance. Compared to the GLA 35, priced at 363,880 RM, the GLA 45 S is 176,000 RM more expensive. However, in return, you get more powerful performance, a sportier chassis tuning, and exclusive AMG design details. For consumers pursuing ultimate performance, this money is well spent.

If you are a player who wants the practicality of an SUV while demanding high performance, or if you need a car that's capable of daily commutes and occasional track fun, the AMG GLA 45 S is absolutely one of the best choices in its class. It's not an all-rounder family car, but it strikes a better balance between "performance + practicality" than most competitors. All in all, this is an AMG that can be both "docile and ferocious"—tame in daily use and wild on the track, making it worth considering for performance enthusiasts.