Call It What You Want, But The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA 45 Is The Ultimate Hot Hatch

[@roccovaselino]

I traded a 2019 Corvette Z06 in on a white 2021 GLA 45 AMG just like the one in the video. This is flat out a better vehicle than my Z06, with far more features, a more solid chassis, and it doesn't pound the bejeezus outta you on a long trip. I liked the 650 hp of the Z06, but in Race Start, this thing feels quicker than the Z06 to maybe 35 mph. (After 35 mph, game over, though.) It's a sleeper capable of stoplight shenanigans! The biggest surprise is the totally logical algorithms in the 8-sp DCT. Shifted automatically, it's always in the right gear, depending upon driving mode. I've owned 17 new cars in my life, 15 of them manual trans, and this is easily the best vehicle and the most fun.

[@khronin]

I am waiting on when they bring this up to 400 HP in a year or 2.I just sold a Stinger and was going to get one--but I settled on a Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus and pocketed thousands of dollars.These little fast CUV's are a ton of fun and with AWD and a competent driver you can beat a lot of folks in these types of vehicles.I do not think I can sit low off the ground anymore in Daily taffic--plus with the money i saved--I can afford the extra 1k when I goto a track and rent a GT/Race car or exotic for the day or weekend.I just put an exhaust on my cX-30 and just did 120 today and it did it with ease in comfort mode--have vids of it.Hopefully they continue to upgrade this vehicle cause it definetly sits at the top for sport (small) CUV's.

[@sammiemilano3456]

You’re seriously comparing a Z06 to a 4 cylinder Mercedes? This can’t be real

[@sammiemilano3456]

@@khronin the GLA 45 can’t even compare to a corvette of any kind let alone a Z06. Saying that it can beat a Z06 in a quarter mile is just plain ignorance. Z06 runs high 10 second quarter miles which very few cars out of the box run quarter miles less than 11 seconds. Plus my point was comparing a daily to a track vehicle (z06) is stupid. He was stating it’s more comfortable, better on gas etc. Well obviously a Z06 isn’t a daily driver and it’s made or built for comfort. And obviously a 4 Cyl has better gas mileage than a supercharged V8. They’re not even in the same segment they’re polar opposites. Stupid comparison

[@khronin]

@@sammiemilano3456 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqivlmlun6hkfMVh-but I do not know what I am talking about--get real and actually try owning one of these vehicles you mention--comment is ignorant and laughable.

[@Mr44rr]

How's it doing reliability wise? I'm thinking of getting one.

[@bhongtastic]

This is an excellent review and video for the GLA 45 AMG as well as the hot hatch market in general. We are blessed to have Alex!

[@myroadtours6147]

My son just bought one of these, he went with the GLA 45. Its a really nice peppy car, more so than my WRX. We use this type of vehicle as a daily vehicle/winter car. We haven't tested it in weather yet other than rain, so hopefully is does well on the snow and ice...well be switching the tires out for that though.

[@mikehawk120]

How is the 45 working out?

[@Mean_Bean279]

I have to say Mercedes has turned around quite a bit in my mind. I purchased one last year (a CLS63S) and it’s been incredibly reliable. Some minor cases or things needing repair, but much better than the horror stories I’ve heard. The GLA was very high on my list and I definitely want to test one…

[@supadude23]

Isn't that a fairly recent car? Minor cases or things needing repair does not sound like incredibly reliable. Hope it holds up for you though.

[@donaldcallahan7412]

I'll pray for you sir....

[@WitchYuki22]

@@supadude23 Let me guess you'll recommend a boring ass car like a civic or a camry lmao

[@supadude23]

@@WitchYuki22 I have no problem with recommending a 'boring ass car' like a Civic or Camry if that's what fits a person's needs. I was just pointing out that 'incredibly reliable' isn't how one should describe a relatively new car that had any issues or repairs.

[@sammyg4806]

@@supadude23 The civic is not a boring car. I changed leases from an RDX 2021 to a GLB 250 (2023) with about 15k in options. Which makes it pricier than an A spec RDX. I think the RDX was peppier (50hp more) but I like the transmission and brakes on the GLB more. The RDX was fun to drive, definitely not boring. The pluses for the RDX were that it had a lot of tech packed in it, and amenities such as panoramic roof as standard, while I had to pay a few thousand dollars for that in the GLB. That said, we wanted something more upscale, equally practical, and with a similar monthly payment. The GLB turned out to be more expensive, but indeed it had a better finished interior, some impressive tech, and even a third row for small (very small, 6-8 year old) children. The experience has made us consider a GLE in two years when we can renew the lease. We will be staying with Mercedes.

[@taelorwatson9822]

I want one, but I'm going to wait. I found one with 500 miles on it for 52k. It would be tempting to have it tuned up to the 415 horsepower level. I would want one with the smaller wheels and the factory seats

[@darrell9616]

I would have to drive the competition back-to-back to be sure; however, when you get over 65K, there are some serious heavy hitters available that make the GLA a hard sell on paper.

[@donkaras2583]

I love the comparisons you make to comparable vehicles in addition to the review itself!

[@mavsguy842]

I like you calling a hatchback a hatchback. Guess what America, you finally like hatchbacks.

[@mountainhobo]

We have always liked them. It is the greenies who hated hatchbacks and wagons and regulated them out of existence while preferring big SUVs (yes, that's what CAFE regulations did). Now they are coming back in a smaller format. And guess what, this, too, will be slapped by greenies with special fines for being evil, but ginormous SUVs won't, because greenies are morons.

[@Tinrs80]

I do Like this GLA.. thanx for the Review Alex and hope you has a Great July 4th.

[@Astke]

a moment silence for USA that doesn't get an A45 S

[@artagain8977]

Yes, and THAT model is the Mercedes hot hatch. Not this.

[@MinhNguyen-fv4js]

Pain

[@64mikecowart]

Just get an previous generation GLA45 and put a renntech tune on it. Remove a couple hundred pounds and you got an A45S

[@eddstarr2185]

Alex, I like the spec on the GLA 45 you're driving, but that sticker price! Thank you for mentioning the alternatives, my heart will follow my wallet.

[@josht717]

Good lord that MSRP! What is MB smoking??? That's M3 or C63 money.

[@garrettw99]

I’m in the market for a subcompact hatch/crossover. It’s either the $20k Nissan Kicks or the $70k Mercedes GLA45 AMG.

[@wst8340]

Tough decision,

[@steventomlin4845]

In this price range, there are too many options to mention that are far less compromised in the name of AMG. But, if the badge makes your "naughty bits" tingle then go for it I guess.

[@laithdavis9105]

What cars would you recommend at this point under 35k that perform around the same as the GLA 45 AMG

[@NetLiege]

This revised engine also has port injection now. You know what that means. Clean internals!

[@stefanfalldorf6573]

Out here in europe there are more models on this plattform. There is the A-Class hatch and sedan. CLA 4 door coupé and a CLA shooting brake. GLA and GLB. Finaly there is the compact van B-Class.

[@sjp3003]

Thanks for the helpful video. I am about to order one. This will be a daily driver. I need a compact, powerful car that can manage urban commuting and frisky runs on winding roads during the weekend. My last such car was a Mini GP3. It was wonderful but had a hard time launching with only fwd. Am looking forward to 4wd, more practical dimensions and taller ride height for rural driving.

[@gene978]

Ok, I am very Confused here! AOA is at the TOP of all Car Presenters! He’s well spoken, he don’t drag out the reviews with nonsense. He is one of the few that does comparisons. Alex should have MILLIONS of SUBSCRIBERS and that’s what Confuses me.

[@wst8340]

Alex,your the best Auto Reviewer.🇨🇦

[@edmpropertymanagementltd803]

great video packed full of all the information I wanted and no BS.

[@mountainhobo]

Consider that Honda Civic Type R is selling in real life for similar prices, and it puts a different spin on the Mercedes price.

[@th3m3du54]

You gonna tell me you have to pay 70k for a type R in the US?? 😵‍💫

[@mountainhobo]

@@th3m3du54 That's what many dealers want.

[@th3m3du54]

@@mountainhobo that’s crazy… here in Switzerland I could go get one right now for 52k. New with full body wrap. 2021 version. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@th3m3du54]

If I had that kind of money burning a hole in my pocket that is 😂😂 I am (have to be) happy with my 06 Accord 2.0i…

[@mountainhobo]

@@th3m3du54 I am sure the crazy markups are temporary. As for me, I wouldn't buy it for $52K, either. ;)

[@Adventure-Mom]

I know people will be hating on me for posting this but ... I think the Tesla Model Y performance would be a competitor ... I am currently trying to decided between the GLA45 and the Tesla Model Y performance.

[@Lillithscorpio]

I just bought the new GLB SUV RED COLOR WHITE SEATER I LOVE THE INTERIOR OF IT THE BEST FROM ALL THE OTHER MERCADES SUVS

[@93455Driver]

Golf Rs are rare and often marked up, the GLA AMG 45 is pricey, but seem to be rarely marked up. Not sure on the AMG35 variants, seem to warmed up as opposed to hot.

[@petermach2581]

Get the 2017-2019 GLA45 AMG before the new facelife and added weight for half the price

[@janoycresnova9156]

$70k for a raised hatchback with a four banger turbo is just way too much.

[@loganmurphy8764]

It's not even raised tho..

[@markwilliams6378]

All I see is problems. A turbo boosted within an inch of it's life and a DCT? Asking for trouble, a mechanic's dream

[@th3m3du54]

Outside the warranty this thing is gonna be a nightmare… but that’s what we get from CO2 regulations - tiny engines that are boosted to hell and back. Noone thinks about the CO2 that is emitted by having to trash these things after 7 years or so and putting new ones in circulation 🤔

[@MjekuMati]

I really like these. But after hearing how loud and rough they ride…I probably wouldn’t buy it in this trim at least. I was kinda considering it. Buying a lower trim sort of defeats the purpose, as it isn’t the styling so much that I like. Though it does look nice.

[@tcams76]

Excellent review

[@TheCapn23]

The price is absurd

[@laloajuria4678]

yup, get a MY instead for that money.

[@Andy-Andeee]

I'd like to see one of these lowered enough to eliminate that hideous wheel gap and give it a more planted stance

[@daveg872]

MB is jacking prices during the automotive chip shortage. The price is outrageous at the moment; it will come down as chips become available. If you buy now you will regret it later.

[@tjs114]

"This vehicle shares very little with the rest of the Mercedes lineup..." ...Then proceeds to list an entire class of cars, plus two other vehicles.

[@2sk21]

There's no spare tire - What happens if you get a flat tire ? Is the tire some oddball size that will need to be special ordered?

[@gianfrancoa]

You just wait a week for the tire

[@SilverScarletSpider]

382 Horsepower from a 4 cylinder Turbo in a hatchback-shaped, lifted-cuv looking package and rear wing. There are V8 engines out there that can't even get these power figures. And this is at the MSRP price of a BMW M3. What a strange recipe from Merc AMG. It's almost like this model wants to carve a niche market-share out of Porsche Macan drivers. I'm sorry Alex, but I disagree, a true Hot Hatch really should be affordable first and foremost, this AMG just priced itself out of the competition against the Volkswagon Golf, Honda Civic Type R, and Hyundai Veloster N. Buyers are far more likely to cross shop a Porsche Macan with this Merc, than a Honda Civic Type R.

[@ronniejaye1]

We get the S with drift mode in Canada. For once we don't get screwed , other than pricing lol

[@mrporsche4236]

The gla 35 is more fun because it has way less turbo lag and more suited for the street and its cheaper

[@gene978]

over $71K and no Lumbar, or Sunroof?????

[@pokerfred68]

The option prices are ridiculous. Why does MB not offer simple things as standard instead of ripping us off on their premium vehicles that should be well equipped to start. And no sunroof for 70+K ?!

[@edwink1467]

Because they know they can. A lot of their options are standard in mainstream cars that cost less than half of the price, but people just want that Mercedes badge to impress strangers on the road. Mercedes’s designs are beautiful on the outside, but often lack in standard features. It’s just how it is.

[@Soh90]

Man Mercedes Benz is out of their mind. This car should not be able to be optioned out to $71,000.

[@Soh90]

@@titaniumspecial4207 I have no desire. The sad part is that this is actually a good car, but it’s way overpriced. The quality isn’t any better than your run-of-the-mill Lexus UX or Audi Q3. Mercedes Benz is basically charging what amounts to about $30,000 for an engine lol. I don’t have to own the car to know that is absurd. I know that we as enthusiasts make irrational choices when buying a car. But $71,000 for this car is beyond the scope of irrationality. That’s Porsche Macan money.

[@pbentsonable]

Mercedes needs to make more standard for their crazy high prices.

[@bird718]

i personally think its nuts to spend that much money on a GLA and would go with the CLC for the same money, i understand that the GLA is smaller and more agile etc...

[@mattspeer01]

Not sure how the new 2022 Golf R isn't a competitor to this (other than not being as luxurious inside). CarWow has tested it twice and it does 0-60 MPH in 4.0 secs flat and the 1/4 mile in 12.3 secs, which is slightly faster than this AMG GLA 45. Pretty impressive for a 315 HP hatch, nipping at the heels of the BMW M340i for a lot less money.

[@Astke]

the A45S is quite a bit quicker than the R though. But the R slays all other hatches in the same price range.

[@mattspeer01]

@@Astke Wasn't aware there was an S model. My point is that the new Golf R, as tested, is actually quicker than this non-S A45 in this video. I've looked at a few sets of performance numbers and the new Golf R comes out ahead of all the A45 tests by just a hair.

[@Astke]

@@mattspeer01 The new Golf R is a beast indeed

[@Astke]

@@mattspeer01 there is a race on CarWow between the S and the R

[@mattspeer01]

@@Astke Just skimmed it. Yeah, looks like the S is a bit quicker than the R. I must say I am still more impressed by the Golf R though considering the power deficit and much lower price of entry,

[@eavenhascht]

Mercedes can throw anything into their lineup yet price way too high than the market competition. Is that what "luxury" is?

[@notachannel4u]

Air suspension is standard option or what?

[@sloanNYC]

I liked them better when they looked and felt smaller... ugh. An electric version in the future would be awesome...

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

I think the new Mazda CX-30 Turbo might be said to be a competitor to this GLA 45. If Mazda was to ever wise up, and give the people what they want, they would offer a Mazdaspeed variant. #ZoomZoom

[@blinkblink2255]

Yea small company will build a niche car for 0.X% of their buyers. So wise.

[@MrChristopherMolloy]

@@blinkblink2255 You're right, small companies hardly ever have factory performance packages which help pad the bottom line; what was I thinking? My apologies.

[@mikehawk120]

@@MrChristopherMolloy it would be pretty cool if they did put the 2.3 in it. Would catch my attention.

[@hereigoagain5050]

2L I4 turbo putting out 382 hp: live fast and die young.

[@fitzgoblin81]

I still love the look

[@howlingfantods1969]

GLA45 or X3 m40i?

[@billz6069]

X3 m40i is comparable to CLC 43

[@chrisrooney205]

@@billz6069 Porsche Macan GTS

[@DarkWireWave]

Lol I’d rather save $30k and get a Kona N that’s coming out soon. Or the Ev6 Gt with a 3.5 second 0-60 lol.

[@kristians2704]

the Kona N is way slower and the interior is not as luxurious

[@apexcobra.official]

Got a Kona N.... Faster stock than the GLA35 AMG, not quite as fastnas the GLA45 AMG. My Kona N is tuned and will walk a 45 from a roll, but it launches like crap. That being said, miles are getting high and I'm looking at trading it in for a GLA45 AMG.

[@jcabrera8425]

71k. 🤯

[@dtsect]

Yet another, one of those "let's see if ppl would actually buy these stupid things for $70k" experiment by Mercedes.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Hmmmm....Decisions, decisions. Whether to opt for a loaded AMG 45 or a Golf R plus a GTI with a volume discount. What to do...what to do? 😜

[@Soh90]

I know I already commented lol, but I just have to come back and reiterate just how bad of a car this is for the price. CX-30 Turbo is cheaper. So is the Golf R. If you absolutely must spend $50,000 Tesla would happily sell you a Model Y. If you go to a MB dealership and let some cheeky salesman sell you this car for $70,000 I cry for you.

[@kristians2704]

the CX30 Turbo isn’t even as fast as the GLA35, let alone the GLA45

[@dodgybob]

Does not get drift mode, the 45S has 421BHP plus other inaccuracies. Your opinion is fine, just get the facts correct buddy

[@mister_ray]

Such a disappointment that NA does not the AMG A45S. Instead we get this SUV. No thanks. FWIW the new Lotus Emira gets the AMG A45S motor.

[@ganuv]

The bmw ZF transmission is better.

[@martin781578]

Audi/VW 2.5 400hp engine is 5 cylinder not 4.

[@WhenItsHalfPastFive]

that plastic body crowning around the wheels and throughout the body is so ugly, why is every brand doing this, disgusting.

[@AboveInShadow]

This ''SUV'' is bigger than a Nissan Qashqai...it's an SUV

[@GLA45Amg716]

Na it’s def a hatch it’s low as hell still.

[@AboveInShadow]

@@GLA45Amg716 2024 models are taller. The Audi Q3 is low too compared to regular SUV's.

[@GLA45Amg716]

@@AboveInShadow I just got one. Shit is lower than some sedans. But maybe mine is lowered idk lol I barely see any

[@AboveInShadow]

@@GLA45Amg716 Weird, I just saw one (2024) next to my Qashqai E and it's almost the same height.

[@GLA45Amg716]

@@AboveInShadow idk I have a 2021 it’s pretty low to the ground lol

[@justinfontaine5539]

Now vented seats in any Mercedes unless you special order it.

[@paulwicklund5044]

You can get a RAM Power Wagon for the money this cost and drive over and crush this SUV. Lol

[@LearnAboutFlow]

If it's not in the shop . . . again

[@paulwicklund5044]

My Weber BBQ grill was in the shop too.

[@Jluislive]

Thank you for calling it what it is: a hatchback, not an suv. Cool car too, but ridiculously over priced.

[@joskjj3625]

It’s a hatchback there is no arguing that

[@kristians2704]

@Toaster more like 6 years

[@ronniejaye1]

European Cars always underrate 0-60 on their cars. American Cars always over rate 0-60 times.

[@rod22lt]

I haven’t found that to be true at all…do you have some examples?

[@kristians2704]

@@rod22lt C8 Corvette, every Tesla…

[@ShanerHulk]

Audi rs 3 2.5 inline 5 cyc

[@hengloose]

Lol for that price I'd buy a model 3 performance n leave this n the dust

[@ttinnovations3310]

Yike, $60K for a 2.0 L. 4 cylinder turbo , you can buy a VW Golf R with a software tune and down pipe to get those HP numbers, booo fake exhaust tips, you will NEVER get 23mpg if you get in the boost, I've had 4 modern cars with a 2.0L turbo and once you get the boost from the turbo to the 230+hp the MPG is terrible

[@havfunonline]

The Golf R is faster to 60 stock (carwow tested it at 4.03 seconds, and I think some people have had times under 4 seconds) you don't even need the tune! But I think this will handle better I think

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Pony car power for only double the price

[@ometofu]

Mercedes and noisy that’s the reason I don’t recommend cheaper Mercedes. C class road noise is maximum I can tolerate

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

I'd get the bmw. Why? 3 years of scheduled maint.

[@brandonyen7837]

No thanks Gla Amg 😂

[@richardhoulton4016]

No it’s not the ultimate hot hatch…but Americans wouldn’t know a great hot hatch if it bit them on the ass. Most of the best hot hatches never made it to the USA.

[@chintetshing1668]

👏👏👏👏👏

[@minniesaab7255]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@RLTtizME]

Frumpiliscious.

[@lee8org]

I have to say that the front of the car is UGLY.

[@peterequations]

I’m sorry if being too honest, but it’s another overpriced garbage Mercedes made

[@kristians2704]

how is it garbage lmao? It has the most powerful 4 cylinder ever made, that’s very impressive

[@peterequations]

@@kristians2704 garbage value wise. It’s a great car, but not for the price

[@Warrior11117]

Gla 45 is a $70,000 garbage. The Kona N will be the ultimate hot hatch

[@kevinW826]

No it won’t. Only makes 200 hp

[@Astke]

Garbage huh. I sense short-sightedness in this one.

[@Warrior11117]

@@kevinW826 look it up first. It is faster than any other so called hot hatches on the planet on the track

[@kristians2704]

the Kona N wouldn’t even catch up to the GLA35, let alone the GLA45

[@Astke]

@@Warrior11117 I never thought I would say this. But I sense a Korean car fanboy here. Korean cars are good. But fanboyism is always terrible.

[@dygardion9130]

It’s sooooo boring