[imagebrowser id=188]
The third in the trio of 45 AMG badged Mercedes-Benz has landed in the country and is now officially on sale – it’s none other than the GLA 45 AMG performance crossover SUV, complete with 265kW, 450Nm, and a Haldex-based 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Based on the same front-wheel drive architecture as the A, CLA, and B Class, the range topping GLA 45 AMG is the last and largest of the A-derivative siblings to be launched. It benefits from the same AWD system as its fellow 45 AMG siblings to help keep all the power under control – powered by a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder developing 265kW and 450Nm – and as such is capable of a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds, in part due to the launch control system integrated into the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. But it comes at a price, a whopping R740 100, without any optional extras.
The GLA 45 AMG is available with a choice of 3 AMG alloy wheels, with standard spec being the 19-inch 5-twin-spoke design in titanium grey, wearing 235/45 tyres. Optional 20-inch wheels are among the 3 variants available. Additonal styling options include the Edition 1 package, which for an extra R75 000 adds the AMG Night Package with chrome tailpipe elements, AMG Aerodynamics package, 20-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels in matt black finish, red highlights for the AMG grille and exterior mirrors, side foil trim, and red painted brake callipers.
The interior of the Edition 1 package benefits from AMG performance seats, Edition 1 design trim, AMG performance steering wheel in black nappa leather/Alcantara with AMG shift paddles, and Edition 1 badging – all in addition to the standard trim which includes a 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel, 2-tubr instrument design, and leather interior.
But here’s the dilemma, the GLA 45 AMG, much like its siblings, comes as a fairly barren car. Climate control is an optional extra, as is almost everything else, barring the standard bi-xenon headlamps. At that specification, R740 100 is a rather outrageous price; and if you opt for the Edition 1 package, you’ll be paying R815 100, prior to even ticking any other options boxes. Worth it? We’re sceptical.
