Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 2021 review - Forget the hot hatch - this is the hottest small SUV available!

00:00 Intro
01:17 Price & Features
03:43 Design
05:32 Practicality
07:04 Safety
07:33 Engine specs
08:52 Ownership
09:19 Driving
10:20 Verdict
You have to feel a bit sorry for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. After all, it shares the same platform and engine as the A 45 S and CLA 45 S, but gets none of the limelight.
Maybe it’s because it’s a small SUV, and by virtue of pure physics, it will never be as fast or fun as its two cousins.
But what it does offer is practicality, thanks to a larger boot and comfort, due to its increased suspension travel.
Wouldn’t this make it a better buy then?
We spend some time behind the wheel of the second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S to see if can truly have its cake, and eat it too.
Priced at $107,035, before on-road costs, the GLA 45 S not only sits atop the Mercedes-Benz GLA range, but is also the priciest small SUV available in Australia.
For context, the second-most expensive GLA - the GLA 35 - costs $82,935, while the previous-generation GLA 45 was priced at $91,735 - meaning a $15,300 leap for the new-gen version.
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S also easily blows away its Audi RS Q3 in the pricing department, but also for performance (more on that below).
For the price you are paying, you’d expect a long equipment list, and Mercedes doesn’t disappoint in this regard.
Highlights include an automatic tailgate, keyless entry, push-button start, wireless smartphone charger, illuminated door sills, electronically adjustable front seats with heating, LED headlights, and a panoramic glass sunroof. But at this price you are also paying for a kickass engine and prodigious performance.
As with many of Mercedes’ new models, the GLA 45 S makes use of the 'Mercedes-Benz User Experience' multimedia system, which is outputted across a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
Functions on this system include satellite navigation, digital radio, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
Users have many input options, too, from a central touchpad with haptic feedback, the touchscreen, capacitive touch buttons on the steering wheel, or with voice commands.
Being an AMG, the GLA 45 S also picks up a unique steering wheel with yellow contrast stitching, leather interior, snazzy sports seats, as well as unique instrumentation readouts such as engine oil temperature.
Our test car also came fitted with the optional 'Innovation Package', bundling a head-up display and an excellent augmented reality overlay that shows streets in real time on the multimedia screen.
Visit our Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 hub: carsgui.de/3ceDpg1
Check out our Prestige and Luxury car guide: carsgui.de/2lu7CcL
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[@fritzmouton430]

Very nice review, thanks!

[@Satchafunkilus]

Great review Tung, thanks! I test drove the A45 S today but I'm now going to buy this GLA instead!

[@limpunsing224]

Great review

[@shubhadeepdasgupta3746]

Nice review Tung. Would be great to see a comparison video with the Audi SQ3 and BMW X1 M/BMW X2 M

[@cargogh]

Crisp review; thank you. Entering the back seat was like spelunking and needs additional headroom for wearing a headlamp.

[@honguenloh4612]

Wunderbarr

[@idkbirdman795]

Family booster ! Would look right in Matt color Disign still Like the a45 shooting brake better

[@elrebelde4610]

110K and you get blank switch instead of cooling seats :(

[@Q8ArBaWe]

Pricing ain't right at all

[@MathewBT81]

>100k and they still plaster it with plastic skirts/guards & rear end :/

[@ahh1180]

Tung you think this is a better buy - dude get off the pipe...

[@autonewstv86]

This has to be one of the most pointless cars going.

[@stuartferguson7947]

It’s putting the Sports into SUV which most don’t, but it’s still a Mercedes 👎

[@liamwindsor5854]

Which would be a good thing

[@hmaccas738]

Homosexuals will love this

[@mrsimpson7717]

😂