Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA Review

Today, the compact performance SUV market is becoming increasingly segmented. Consumers want the practicality of daily commuting but are unwilling to compromise on driving pleasure. As a high-performance representative of this segment, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ features a 420PS 2.0T engine and 4.3-second 0-100km/h acceleration, directly targeting users who pursue extreme power and luxurious configurations. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its performance matches the "AMG" badge, while also evaluating its practicality and comfort as a daily driver.

In terms of appearance, the new car maintains the aggressive style of the AMG family, with overall lines that are more dynamic than the standard GLA. The front features a large-size vertical-bar grille paired with sharp LED headlamps on both sides, and the muscular lines on the hood enhance its sense of power. The side of the car is equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels paired with 255/35R21 tires, and the wide-body design at the wheel arches further emphasizes its performance identity. The rear features a quad exhaust layout and diffuser design, which not only improves recognition but also hints at its performance orientation. The lighting system comes standard with LED sources across the range, with practical functions such as automatic headlights and daytime running lights, delivering a clear visual effect when illuminated.

Stepping into the interior, the cabin is predominantly black, accented with red stitching and AMG badges, creating a sporty atmosphere. The dashboard features a dual-screen setup, including a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interface is highly responsive and supports multimedia, navigation, and other functions. The multifunction steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters, offers a solid grip, and has a manual adjustment range suitable for most drivers' needs. The seats are upholstered in leather and support electric adjustment with memory functions for the front row. They provide good lumbar support and lateral bolstering, making long drives less tiring. As for rear space, the wheelbase of 2729mm ensures ample legroom. A 175cm-tall passenger can sit comfortably with two fists of space left between their knees and the front seat, and there’s also one fist of headroom available. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a capacity of 435L, and the rear seats support a 40:20:40 folding layout, which can be expanded to accommodate larger items. For features, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, a 360-degree panoramic camera, and automatic parking are all standard, enhancing convenience in daily use.

In terms of power, the new car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum output of 309kW (420PS) and maximum torque of 500N·m. It pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 4.3 seconds, and during our test drive, after switching to Sport+ mode, the initial thrust was strong, the gearbox shifted quickly, and downshifts were responsive. Flooring the accelerator easily provides abundant power for overtaking. The differences between driving modes are significant; in Comfort mode, power delivery is smooth, making it suitable for daily commutes, while in Sport mode, the throttle response becomes sharper, and the shift logic favors higher RPM ranges. As for handling, the steering is precise with minimal play, and the chassis features a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension. After AMG tuning, the suspension offers excellent support, keeping body roll well-controlled during cornering and maintaining a stable posture. On bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out minor vibrations, retaining some road feel without passing excessive discomfort to passengers. The braking system is equipped with ventilated and perforated discs at both the front and rear, offering linear brake pedal feedback and short braking distances, which inspire confidence. For fuel consumption, the officially stated combined fuel consumption is 8.6L/100km. In real-world city driving, the fuel consumption is about 11L/100km in congested conditions and drops to approximately 7.5L/100km on highways, meeting the expectations for this class of performance vehicles.

In terms of ride comfort, the new car demonstrates excellent noise control performance. At speeds under 100km/h, wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable. At higher speeds, wind noise slightly increases but remains within an acceptable range. The seats strike a balance between wrap-around support and comfort, making long rides fatigue-free. The safety features are comprehensive, with seven airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, ACC adaptive cruise control, and other functions all included as standard, ensuring daily driving safety.

Overall, the 2024 AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+'s core strengths lie in its powerful performance, precise handling, and an abundance of luxurious features. Compared to the AMG GLA 35 in the same category, although its price is approximately 176,000 MYR higher, it offers an increase of 114PS in power, a 0.9-second faster acceleration, and enhancements such as sportier suspension tuning and larger wheels. However, the AMG GLA 35 is equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system, achieving fuel efficiency similar to that of the new model, making it stand out in terms of cost performance. Compared to the previous GLA 45, the new car has been upgraded in power, features, and space, particularly with an increased wheelbase of 30mm, making the rear space more practical.

This car is suitable for consumers who pursue thrilling driving experiences but also require practicality for daily commuting. It caters to young groups who enjoy weekend mountain driving while accommodating family needs during weekdays, or those who have a certain demand for luxury brands and performance. If you have a sufficient budget and value power and handling, it will be an excellent choice in the compact performance SUV segment. If you’re more concerned about cost performance, the AMG GLA 35 might be a better fit.

In summary, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is a model that balances performance and practicality well. AMG's tuned powertrain and chassis satisfy driving enthusiasts, while its space and features meet daily needs, making it a worthy performance car to consider in its niche market.