The 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is an INSANE Hatchba- uh, SUV...

This week I test the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45, which as it turns out, is one of my favourite cars so far this year. It's silly quick, and makes childish noises, all while looking ridiculous from the cockpit. Therefore it suits me perfectly...
SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE THROTTLE HOUSE
/ @throttlehouse
Check out the Throttle House website for lots more content!
thethrottlehous...
Buy Throttle House T-shirts!:
shop.spreadshi...
(proceeds will go to fixing my broken BMW, so it can then just break again for your entertainment)
Instagram!
/ thethrottlehouse
Facebook!
/ thomashollandproductions
Music from Epidemicsound.com

[@nornibres]

I bought my 2016 GLA45 used in 2018 with low kilometers for basically half price. I love the car, especially its ability to be a complete hooligan in sport plus mode, to a pussycat in comfort. Some days you don't want the theatre of a high-strung performance car, you just want a relaxing ride. The GLA45 excels at both. The only change I made was going from 20-inch rims to the factory 18-inch rims. I live in the pothole capital of Canada, (Winnipeg) so a taller sidewall helps absorb some of the bumps. A good set of snow tires makes this car as fun in winter as it is in summer. I like this car so much that I would buy another. The car is also very rare. I have only seen a few in my city, you definitely won't see one on every street corner.

[@dsaccomando]

Throttle House! Having never sat in this car, I just bought one based off this review! 2018 and all! Was looking at an M4, but impulsively bought this with the big spoiler and all. It is a child's car and I couldn't be happier. Thank you for the review, its impact will add loads of fun to my life!

[@peterconka6315]

Get a stage 1 tune i have a eurocharged and it makes the car a monster

[@alidanish6303]

can you comment on the comfort mode suspension feel? you can comment on how similar it is to some particular model of some x brand if you want.

[@renajforbesceoofmobay9814]

I have a tuned 2015 250 with intake and exhaust mods and a tune it’s a beast of a car , I’m stepping up to the amg model next

[@TheLumberJacked]

As blind purchases go, this is one of the best I’ve heard of. Fantastic car. Do you still like it? Have you moved on since?

[@dsaccomando]

@@TheLumberJacked I had no intention of moving on from this car. But, after driving a Huracan Evo Spyder in vegas for 24 hours and 400 miles, I wanted a more aggressive car. Not that this isn't, but I want to feel like I'm riding on the edge of performance and mania. I have moved on to an Alfa Romeo Giulia QV in Ocra GT, what I think is the greatest everyday driver ever. I do miss the GLA45 sometimes, though. 10/10 highly recommend, it's amazing. Unless you're going to track the car, get the normal seats, not the Sparaco racing seats.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

Great review! Almost a year into ownership of this car and I'm completely happy about my decision. I was contemplating between an STI, Focus RS, Golf R, and RS3, and I'm glad I made the right choice. Just completed Service B yesterday with about 900 miles short of 20,000 miles and it feels like the car just got over the break-in period. It's a good balance between performance and practicality. Great daily driver and even greater weekend track car. I'm going back to the Nurburgring in 2 weeks, where this car most feels at home, to experience the green hell before they shut it down for winter.

[@matthowell8985]

Just bought one. Black with red accents.

[@TheLumberJacked]

Ya this car gets zero attention and yet it absolutely destroys all of the aforementioned cars IMHO. Truly a superb car. I want to buy a 2020 or 2021 used as a fun about town car. But the AWD and size basically make it a winter supercar. I do not believe any review that says this car is 0-60 in the low 4sec range, the 2019 to 2022 C43 4 door sedan does high 3sec range with the same power but more weight. I have no doubt this little monster exceeds that handily.

[@matthowell8985]

@TheLumberJacked if you have the amg track package, in race mode with the launch control kicking you out at 4k rpm you can get 4.1 under good conditions. I have one, it's real. The 12.4 quarter mile time is real also.

[@matthowell8985]

@TheLumberJacked even crazier, if you dump 5k into the ecu, exhaust and intercooler parts you can beat a Nissan gtr. I'm not there yet though🤣

[@ihopetowin]

A Very accurate review. I just bought one of these in Jupiter Red and am currently running in the engine. Mine is hand built by Martin Toft.

[@HAWX4]

wish I could pronounce my builders name lol

[@blizbiggy]

I have the same engine builder #AMGBuddies

[@MrFibben]

How has it held up over the year?

[@con2719]

This video is B.L. (Before Limey).

[@ihopetowin]

@@blizbiggy I wondered if there was anybody out there with the same engineer as me.

[@torquespec4721]

I bought a 2017 GLA45 AMG in Jupiter Red with all the fixings (LSD, Aero Package , Recaro Seats, blah blah) 2.5 years ago. Ended up selling it and trying various Porsche products. The amg made such an impact that when my exact vehicle came out for sale again (magically) I scooped it up within 2 hours of it being listed. I won't make that mistake again!

[@yitroyasharahla5404]

I seen your vids on the GLA before reading this comment;) . It is hard to beat a Porsche but AMGs are nice. 👍🏽 i currently have a 45 too and 911s are the dream. Great to hear you purchased the exact one you had, crazy story! Mod it and make some vids!

[@dns15r]

still has mine since 2015 new, love it to this day, only thing I did was down size from 20" to 19" for comfort and more aggressive offset, look and drives lovely. Only thing that broke were abs speed sensors and exhaust flap actuator , other than that not much issues. Gear and diff fluid change more often than normal car but it's worth it.

[@alexeverson2015]

How many miles are you up to? Im eyeing a 2018 model but it has 85K miles so am a little hesistant

[@dns15r]

@@alexeverson2015 I am about 50k KM into it, it's my wife's daily now, from what I learnt other than the things I mentioned (speed sensor and exhaust flap), they are pretty well built. If you get an aftermarket catback with some sort of by-pass to the exhaust flap which is a very popular mod you'd not have to worry about broken exhaust flap any more. and abs speed sensor is a very straight forward thing to replace if and when it breaks.

[@alexeverson2015]

@@dns15r thanks so much!

[@drumflip1253]

Just bought one used. This review helped so much. Ultimate hot hatch for me.

[@Balabok]

I'm thinking about getting one used. The only thing holding me back is the reliability since It will probably be out of warranty.

[@drumflip1253]

@@Balabok I bought an extended warranty.

[@Spooon10]

@@Balabok Hi! I hope you did buy one. As far as AMG goes these are the cheapest AMG you can get into as far as maintenance is concerned. I bought mine and I honestly dont think Ill own a different car in the future.

[@Balabok]

@@Spooon10 Yes I did! I bought a 2017 with 12k on the clock that was loaded with Recaros, redcut leather, carbon fiber dash/seat back, Night Edtion, AMG aero kit, etc... I've had it for 3 years this July and I'm about to a 30k service. So far it's been a solid car!

[@jerrygill4256]

I’ve done the weistec ecu tune, added a turbo smart blow off valve, and this car has become a vicious monster. It is so much quicker and better responsive. I absolutely love this car. I’ve had many cars, and this one tops them all. Next car will definitely be a McLaren

[@juntak6387]

This, the Type R, Focus RS, Golf R, Veloster N. The 4 cylinder hatchbacks are always the more fun to drive. Also I see why Mercedes is trying to market it as an SUV(lol) in NA, it's because the hatchback market is not doing well there unlike in europe.

[@GlennsCarCollection]

Great car. I used to own one, made a great daily. I have a few long term reviews posted, 12 months and 18 months

[@bogdanobogeanu5758]

I saw them 😄👍

[@MrBinwong]

Thanks guys ~~ Because of u i bought this 2018 gla45 ~~ loving it ~ u guys are the best local Ontario ppl

[@spittinvenom9843]

I’m looking at one now, you still like it? Fully loaded 2018 with wing etc

[@MrBinwong]

@@spittinvenom9843 yea it is my daily now still love it

[@Topendz]

I actually convinced my wife we needed one of these based on me watching KZbin videos like this one. We purchase a 2019 black one with all the performance packages. Over four years in and still love it. I normally change my cars every 2-3 years but this is an exception. This particular video isn’t 100% correct there is a slight delay in comfort mode which actually can be annoying in traffic so I tend to drive in sport mode in traffic and then your golden no issues. The car has been very reliable and we are at 83,000km. The high tone horn did fail a couple of weeks ago but the dealership agreed to change under warrantee even though it’s just expired. Nothing I don’t like about the car except maybe the thin wheels and bug eye rear lights. It’s one of those cars that you just love to drive and drive fast. Forget fuel economy as this thing forces you to be heavy footed

[@raunakmaskey2686]

@Topendz have you had any issues with the car so far? My current car is falling apart and this just popped up and the test drive was phenomenal

[@Topendz]

At 101k 5 years old no issues except for the horn. The paint is quite thin and very prone to paint chips but that’s all I can complain about

[@raunakmaskey2686]

@@Topendz Thank you so much for info!!!

[@spittinvenom9843]

I’m looking at a loaded 2018 with 92,000km for 40k CDN all in with lots of extras, thoughts?

[@raunakmaskey2686]

@@spittinvenom9843 I just bought a 2018 base model with the night package for 29K USD with 35K miles and it runs and drives great! I would recommend a pre-purchase inspection if the one your looking at isn’t a Certified Pre-Owned, because they found a couple things wrong with mine that I was able to haggle the price down with!

[@moimeme7839]

Probably one of the fastest car for the bucks in used market, suits me perfectly😎

[@ValFinale]

debating between this and a c43

[@actarusqc]

One of your best review, love your channel from a french Canadian.

[@ThrottleHouse]

Thanks for watching!

[@petermoygannon698]

I got yellow night gla45 track package love it after 2 years .

[@flawedreviews9651]

I loved my 2017 gla 45. Too small but such a great car. In some ways more entertaining than my C63s and W211 E63

[@DJVigna]

The Mercedes infotainment system is a lot better if you're an owner rather than an auto journalist/youtube reviewer. When you have more than a week at a time to get used to where everything is, not being a touchscreen device is not a hindrance. By interacting with the infotainment system with a knob you can adjust everything by feel and memory without having to try to use a touch screen. I've driven a ton of rental cars/my girlfriend's Escape with touchscreens and no matter if I know where the touch point is or not, I always have to take my eyes off the road and put them onto the system in order to interact with the device. This is significantly more dangerous than just reaching down and scrolling a wheel over by feel while being able to verify position at a glance. People that spend a limited amount of time with a car hate the German systems (I'm only familiar with Mercedes COMAND and BMW's iDrive) but as an owner/long-term user, the interface is much better to use from a driving safety standpoint.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

I agree, initially I frowned upon the fact that it did not have touch screen but a after couple of days, I realized that I didn't even need that feature.

[@LennyCow]

Very much agreed. Now that I have the hang of it I like having a dial right there

[@TheWombatCredenza]

And I’m ...Thomas? I totally agree - I drive mine every day and it’s not far behind my 992 in the fun category,

[@Spooon10]

I bought a 2017 this year as my first car purchase after driving a ford escape for the last 5 years. What a car it has been. It will be hard for me to not buy another in the future.

[@Script192]

I have the 2015 A45 AMG and it’s technically the hatch version of this. It’s really great i have to say

[@YuriTereshyn]

Awesome intro!

[@ThrottleHouse]

☺️

[@AndRootPro]

I would do this as my job. Its a beautiful car

[@jamesk3491]

I take delivery of an 18 with 14k miles on it in 5 days. Can't wait, I'm coming from a 400whp evo x mr

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

It is time for a video of 2023 GLA 45 AMG....let's go. :)

[@dreiz.]

This is a great car for someone that wants a one car garage CUV. Wish non-luxury manufacturers made something to compete with this, like maybe a Subaru Crosstrek STI version. Audi RSQ3 is coming soon to compete in this segment but again both are expensive for common car enthusiasts.

[@MrThepervv]

Couldn’t agree more.. my brother owned this car for three years and cringed every monthly payment

[@dreiz.]

How was the reliability for those 3 years?

[@MrThepervv]

He ordered the first model year (355hp)and he also drove it extremely hard, but yeah it was in and out quite often. I don’t know all the details but I think it was mostly small stuff. I’m certain Mercedes would have addressed any lingering issues. And the limited slip diff option in the front is great in the winter. It just digs into the snow and goes like a tractor .

[@groovymotion5706]

Yes! I am a Crosstrek owner and I would love an STi version but we all know it will never happen! 😞

[@Jayzero7]

subaru forester xt comes with the same engine as wrx i believe

[@Lettered_Routes]

I love your videos! i Bought an e46 because of your videos and dont regret it in the slightest, awesome channel, awesome content, keep it up!

[@SOMEBILO2]

same :)

[@manxcanadian]

That's literally my car. I have a GLA45 2018. It's surreal to see you literally review my car. The infotainment is GARBAGE!! Andriod auto makes it awesome. I had the GLA250 before and the inside is basically the same. That engine and Turbo is a blast and the noise brings out my inner 12 year old. I love it!!!!

[@mikehynek]

I have the same car, bought it two months ago... I laugh (or at least smile) every time I drive it. I love that it says "Sport handling mode" when you turn off traction control...LOL.

[@GLA45Amg716]

It is worth it ?? Is the infotainment that bad ?

[@GLA45Amg716]

@@mikehynek is it worth it ? Infortainment that bad ?

[@manxcanadian]

@@GLA45Amg716 is not great... The car is though and makes up for it.

[@manxcanadian]

@Mike hynek. You have to keep you finger on the button for a few seconds.

[@robgindc1]

I wasn't watching for 10 seconds before the sound of the first shift made me bust out laughing. I'm now shopping online for a used one.

[@russellp2825]

Do it, I have no regrets about getting one. So much fun every time you drive! I feel spoiled every single time I go anywhere.

[@jasonLJ]

whenever I take someone for a ride in mine and floor it, they all w/o fail laugh at the first upshift

[@MrBinwong]

😂 owned one 18 gla45 for 6 months already it still puts on a smile on my face every time

[@IGLOOMotorsports]

I turned my into a time attack car! Absolutely love it!!!!

[@NamsTheTalisman]

I'm going to laugh like this in mine when it pops it just adds to the fun of the car

[@TheWombatCredenza]

Thomas ruled even before James (who also rules). TH rules. …as we all know.

[@makatron]

Love this engine but in the CLA45 AMG variant, needed the trunk since I hate this hatch shape. Insane power for a 2.0L turbo and so nimble around the corners.

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

Hatch>Trunk, not even a comparison. It is like having an SUV capability in a small car. Amazing.

[@makatron]

@@genderlessyoutubefanperson yeah kinda grew on me ever since, even though it's as deep of a trunk as I'd like.

[@iceberg4736]

Now we wait for the expected 2020 GLA with a revised facelift, display readout (like the A & C-class) and 10 (or more) additional horses in tow.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

it's rumored to have at least 410

[@madcap2003]

@@autofficinaportafortuna 421hp

[@GLA45Amg716]

It’s ugly

[@petermoygannon698]

gla45 yellow night edition love it goes great

[@juanlouw9756]

The screen, I prefer not to touch it, Smudges etc. Great review sir. Drove my aunts exact one. Even when you start up the car, it crackles. Wet dream confirmed.

[@ericmichel3857]

I actually just test drove one of these and a Golf R back to back (dealer had both slightly used on the lot), and I had already seen your review. I have to say I feel like you kind of over sold it a bit, granted the one I drove did not have the sport exhaust. That apparently makes a big difference, because it did not sound half as good as on the video, and no snaps or pops. The acceleration was good but I never felt a huge torque surge, it just pulled well everywhere with very little turbo lag. I know it is a bit faster than the Golf, but because of the way the Golf torque is less linear and lags a bit, it actually felt faster, even though I am sure it is not. Also without the sport exhaust the Golf actually sounded better (even if it is fake) and I think that also helps with the perception of speed and acceleration so... I had watched a few other reviews of this car and some others described it as a higher end more powerful EVO, so that was my handling expectation going in, so needless to say I had very high expectations and wound up a bit underwhelmed. I re-watched your review and saw that you did say the turn in was similar to the Golf, which I agree it is good but not among the best. Then there was the interior, I found it a bit cramped and the visibility was limited, not Camaro level bad, but close. The materials and overall feel was okay but it did not feel like a $60-$70K USD car to me. Honestly I actually enjoyed driving the Golf more than the A45, and the Golf was roomier and more comfortable overall. I guess th A45 is for folks that want a car like the Golf R but want the prestige of a Mercedes badge. It is a cool car, but not worth the extra money IMO. Maybe if it had the sport exhaust and my expectations weren't so high going in I would feel differently? I am curious about who is buying this car and what they cross shopped it with? BTW I started watching your stuff back when you were just talking about your "bargin" M5, the quality and creativity is really improving, I am surprised you don't have a lot more subscribers. I would say you are among some of the best, I wish you success.

[@ThrottleHouse]

Thanks Eric ! And yes I think the exhaust is what makes this car seem really special. I would opt for it if I were to get one. But honestly if I was buying i would seriously be considering a golf R as a daily too.

[@whygamewhy]

Mine has no sport exhaust and it still crackles and pops. And it pulls very well in low torque. The stock exhaust will start to crackle and pop when u open the butterfly valve and warm up the engine.

[@sarary]

Interesting. I’m in the market for a fast Daily that is practical. I wanted a golf r initially but have falling in love with the ride height of my wife’s Tiguan. So I want something more like a small suv powerhouse. This and the rsq3 are my top picks. I really like this car it’s perfect. But I am scared of the reliability and running costs. Anyone know if it’s expensive to run these cars ? And how does it compare to the rsq3

[@ericmichel3857]

@@sarary They call it an SUV, but this does not have SUV ride height, it is maybe an inch or two higher than the Golf. Here is a video comparing it to the Subaru STI hatchback kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJTLamOHhcqdhqs (2:00) and like I said it is a bit cramped with small windows. It is nice but if you are looking for a power house SUV this is not it. As for running cost, it is a low volume specialty Mercedes with a hand built AMG turbo engine, AWD, DCT, if you are worried about maintenance costs, I would not have one without some sort of warranty. You really need to go test drive them but it sounds like the RS Q3 might be more of what you are looking for, or a Macan Turbo, BMW X3M, X5, The Alpha Romeo Stelvio is a fun SUV, not so sure about reliability but you can get the price (especially used) reflects that and if you can get an extended warranty.... Something about that Italian handling and style, there is nothing else like it, and even the turbo four feels very quick. Nothing fun, fast, reliable, is going to be cheap, especially in SUV form. Or if you really want a big SUV with a lot of power at reasonable cost maybe a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT.

[@sarary]

@@ericmichel3857 yeh I Think your right. Wow that is pretty low ride height. I think I might test the rsq3 otherwise might just go with the safe option and stick to golf r or s3

[@jamesryanwigley]

SOLD!!

[@MrDsan1985]

It's a the same time fun and pretty frustrating to hear that it's nearly priced like the Civil Type R and Focus RS in Canada. In Denmark the Focus RS and Civic Type R are both around 125.000 CAD and the GLA45 AMG is around 212.000 CAD. That's a crazy difference. A Porsche Taycan though is only 153.000, so that's almost a steal compared to these cars 😅

[@Dingbobber]

Bro what? A Civic Type R in Canada is the price of a Porsche 911 in America?

[@TheLumberJacked]

Woah…I’m assuming your are having a conversion issue there. Cars cost way less than that.

[@MrDsan1985]

Nope, that's official danish list prices converted via Google to CAD - cars are just insanely expensive in Denmark @@TheLumberJacked

[@Pk1998AMG]

Recently bought the smaller brother, the CLA 45. 2 owners, 50k miles, clean carfax for 22 grand. I think its an absolute steal when compared to the audis and bmws.Thing is insanely fun. People like to shit all over the interior, but I don't get it. The BMWs and Audis I looked at had plenty of plastic too. And when it comes to handling, this thing is much more planted than the M235is and S3s. Can't wait to throw some super sticky tires on it this summer.

[@jondoe705]

I’m getting one after my 22 Veloster N for sure.

[@splatbubble]

4:35 you have a great channel. And right here you sound like that scene from Amadeus. :)

[@Saro2023]

Nice car.. good job bro..thank you. For your videos

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

It's a hatchback. I hate how everyone likes to call everything from a crossover to a shopping cart an SUV.

[@IsolestiK]

those phone number buttons have got to go seriously. this car is great except that.

[@BermudaGuyDIY]

oh God yes. What is the point of them

[@beefbroth6539]

The new interior is a hell of an upgrade in terms of looks

[@elnogo9196]

Getting one with racemode 😮

[@xd40xbdcef]

I need it now!

[@lKingRichardl]

I'd rather have a C43...basically the same money but you get a much more substantial vehicle overall...and since you can't get any of these AMGs with a manual, you might as well continue the trend and max out on comfort and convenience.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

I've driven both and decided on the GLA45, nothing wrong with the C43 but in comparison, the GLA45 has better fuel mileage, more powerful, has higher cargo capacity, and is a full fledged AMG. AMG doesn't offer manual transmission not because they want to offer comfort and convenience, it's because DCTs shift faster than any human can.

[@whygamewhy]

C43 is a C450 with AMG kit and tuning. It is still a luxury sedan while the 45 is a full AMG aimed at being as pretentious as possible. Just listen to the exhaust note and u will understand.

[@flawedreviews9651]

I Cross shopped and also chose the GLA 45. It is a proper sports car. The c43 is more of a c class with more power. The gla is wild and handles better than the c43 and is faster and makes a sweeter , more childish sound track which I loved and miss

[@MrBinwong]

Yes way better mileage mix hwy - local with 7.8L per 100km

[@Raz0rking]

I think the engineer building the engine of your testcar built mine too =D

[@jordycaicedo3700]

Nice review. U should review a lexus GS F. Haven’t seen a good review about that car.

[@shift6131]

Jordy, check out (savagegeese) great car content including good Lexus GS F review

[@ModernVintage31]

This car is a lot of fun to drive. What’s not fun? Replacing pads, rotors and tires every 20k miles or less. Also, getting your teeth shaken out if you have to go over brick pavers or less than ideal roads.

[@TheLumberJacked]

You should easily get through 2 sets of pads on one set of rotors. Take it to an independent to just do brake pads and let the rotors ride. This seems to be a common sentiment on MB forums. This isn’t real advice, you gotta make your own call, but it’s worth looking in to.

[@skreech01]

375 from a 2 liter

[@takay_the_loko]

The new cla45 s makes 421 , crazy crazy

[@lyalminchinton8825]

New a45 amg has 421, with a tune it’s 496hp.

[@brutustheoldeenglishbulldo8672]

Too bad we don’t get the a45 in Canada. So we’re stuck between the a35 and the GLA45 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@kevinfarrell9304]

Trying to decide between one of these or a mk7.5 golf R 🫠

[@brutustheoldeenglishbulldo8672]

@Throttle House, I’m in the market for a hatch/5 door. Would you do 2018 GLA 45 or Kia 2020 Stinger GT Limited. They’re both priced at 51k +/-

[@effa114]

@@alto6562 That's seriously debatable. GLAs are totally underrated because people get caught up on them being SUVs. Massively overpriced new, but tempting as hell used.

[@effa114]

@@alto6562 Ah, we don't get the Stinger in RWD form in Canada, so when it's AWD it loses some of that differentiation to me, even with the rear biased platform. But yes, I'd be tempted by something RWD over the GLA as well... Depends if AWD is very important to a buyer.

[@brutustheoldeenglishbulldo8672]

Dhyaan , I’m definitely comparing AWD to AWD. I have my LongHorn for harsh harsh winter days but all other times it would be one of the aforementioned options

[@MrBinwong]

I was comparing between those 2 but went with the gla45 i m loving it

[@Marshal_Dunnik]

Drove one on the track at Mosport. The motor is stupendous. You almost want to open the hood and count the cylinders, it's unbelievable that it's a 2.0L 4 cyl. But the interior is dated and cheap, and in the end it's let down by physics. Even with it in Race mode with the dampers on their lowest setting, there's a significant amount of body roll. There's a limit to which you can engineer yourself out of a high ride height and centre of gravity, and this car is it. If you want a sports car, get a sports car. If you want an SUV, get an SUV. In my opinion, getting a car like this one is falling between two stools.

[@DJ170]

No lag ??? Floor it at 2000 rpm and you will feel the lag !

[@faruktutuncu8820]

I think dash screen is being not touchable make sense, Mercedes is a classy car and no finger prints when u look at the screen 👌

[@faruktutuncu8820]

Dhyaan I agree! U gotta give up one or the other.

[@K03sport]

This needs to be the baby e63 wagon, not a gl-something...just give it to us as the c43/53/63 wagon

[@shotsfiredandmissed9068]

if it's their highest end GLA, then why no panamericana grill?

[@madcap2003]

Its Coming in 2020

[@flawedreviews9651]

It is pre panamericana...

[@BarooqNation]

Another squirrel! 😂

[@ThrottleHouse]

I know! And only in Mercedes press cars!

[@ronaldjfletcher1]

I know it's not an SUV but I pack twice the stuff in it than a hatchback. I call it a Micro/Compact SUV

[@francoiscordeau1121]

You can track mine if you want! Its moded

[@jamesshotbolt1005]

Loved this review. I am seriously considering buying a 2018/68 version of these cars. Please can anyone tell me if this is any larger/more practical than the A45. I like both and it looks to me like the GLA45 might have a slightly larger boot and maybe sit slightly higher? The A45 is a couple of tenths quicker to 62mph on paper too which isn’t a big deal to me but I’d probably rather have the slightly better performance of the A45 if I’m not gaining much else by having the GLA.

[@jasonLJ]

p sure the gla is like, baaaaarely bigger on cargo space than the A45. the GLA definitely does sit higher than the A45 though, which I like in mine, because some of the streets around here are shit. if you have the choice of both (I don't), most say to go with the A45 over the GLA. I'd probably agree, unless you need the extra ride height

[@04tsxpower]

Do C43 review

[@AFJDM]

$60-70K gets you a lot of properly fun and fast cars, I'm not sure this qualifies as much, but a good condition 2018 year model in 2021 is as much money as a 2019 Golf R and it seems like this would be the better choice of the two.

[@airdrummond241]

Thomas, Why have you never owned one of these?

[@vampbl7291]

IT is the SUV version since the A class is the Hatchback... however they are almost identical, it is just a lifted A class

[@MDCYF]

And a wide body

[@petesims]

The european one has 381 horse power and different front seats which are more bucket like

[@64mikecowart]

Does this effect the low end power with lack of back pressure?

[@Dingbobber]

No it still has plenty of back pressure. The only time you’d see that is if you got rid of the Catalytic Converter and put a 4 inch pipe on it

[@logut80]

No performance tests!?

[@ChuckTownRC51]

Please do an Elantra Sport vs Civic Si road and track. Paid $20k otd (American) for a fully loaded Elantra Sport with 12 miles on it.

[@HumbleUncle]

I like this video for the driver is an animal lover.

[@Blocktob1]

squirrel!! 😱

[@UNKNOWN-zb3qm]

375hp? Is that converted to Canadian horsepower? Every other source states 355..

[@HyperiusOne]

Older models have 355hp, since 2016 it's 375hp.

[@leonardcheri2118]

cant decide between a 2017 audi s3 and a 2015 gla amg. Same price

[@olivercox2565]

AND IM JAMES

[@isipbatamobrogang5440]

Them ontario houses tho

[@paulF60m23]

He looks like Wil Wheaton

[@janrdoh]

This car is a celebration of internal combustion and a middle finger to EV.

[@nickng5857]

Time to upgrade to the new model, better in every way except sound

[@benjaminwatson2092]

Can you track this car now please

[@gonzos-twin-1]

Id take this over any of the hatches. Cops won't pull this over but will pull over a Honda with a Wang

[@azguitar]

I like your review in most ways, but I'm not enthused by your constant mentioning of Ford's problematic Focus RS. This car is on my radar, while the troubled Ford really has never been.

[@JonnyWuu]

It's actually 381hp

[@aurotosi5980]

"Hi I'm Thomas!... and WHERE'S JAMES?!?!" (CRY FACE)

[@K03sport]

Why can't this be in a real wagon? I'm not ready for mb money but marketing smoke on mirrors doesn't help this car...it needs to be the "baby" e63 wagon not a cuv

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

The "baby" E63 estate is the C63 wagon and the smaller version of that is the CLA45 shooting brake.

[@ti6er1974]

I miss my AMG

[@DJ170]

2:57 No lag ?? You have a lot of lag down low in the RPM.

[@mikealanzo]

That screen is so messed up!!!!!!!

[@kaziupir]

This is crossover

[@luciobertora3959]

BMW 240M or this one?

[@damienmackinnon7652]

Bm

[@skip741x3]

the exhaust popping is for me a Major turn Off... I would want that Gone if it were my car, no way I'd ever own a car doing that...to each his own though, i'm sure many people love it.

[@pierrepino8306]

You can turn it off if you're boring.

[@PhilbyFavourites]

Skip741 x in comfort mode it doesn’t pop. Sport pops quite a bit, Sport+ pops a lot. It really depends what driving mode you put it in. You can go to the shops and drive around town in comfort. Where appropriate dial in sport or sport+ and it’s acts just like my motorbike... with a lid on it! Buy one - you won’t regret it.

[@shinigamiwayne1170]

just a A45 with bigger rims

[@ManuelBasiri]

Not quite. You should drive them both to know it's not about the rims

[@awinis]

Terrible turning circle. The worst I've seen on a modern car. Other than that it's one of the most fun cars around.

[@flawedreviews9651]

Focus rs turning circle could be even worse

[@DJ170]

You clearly don't know who to use the radio and change channel....

[@robgindc1]

The pop & bang sounds are phone sex for car guys. Ok, I'm done (for now).

[@kadedone]

This car needs a stick shift. Looks fun, I really wish it had three pedals and let me get more engaged with the drive. Sometimes I wish I could deal with driving auto for my daily car. But that's too much of a sacrifice for me.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

I used to feel the same but once I got used to the DCT, I completely understood why manual transmission are going extinct. Faster and smoother. A race car driver once said, that if you needed a third pedal to feel a connection with the car, then you can't call yourself a driver. I'd say he doesn't know what he's talking about but his Nurburgring 24-hour race championship trophy says otherwise.

[@kadedone]

@@autofficinaportafortuna Completely disagree. It's not about the need to feel more connected it's about the want. Just because you are able to tolerate a computer executing all the shifting for you doesn't mean that's the "best" way. Cars can already steer, brake and accelerate on their own too. When race car "drivers" tell you you don't need pedals or steering wheels to feel connected to a car will you agree with that too? And of course you don't need a stick shift to feel connected to the drive. But without one you are inherently less connected and that is just the tip of the iceberg before we all end up passengers.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

@@kadedone How is the computer executing the shifting when you still control what gear you should be in. You still decide when to change gears on a DCT, you just don't use a clutch to expedite the process. Why would a race car driver tell anybody that they don't need pedals or steering wheel to feel connected with the car? That's just stupid lol You're going on an extreme tangent just to prove your point. My point is, you are still engaged and in control of the car even you don't use a clutch. One flick of the paddle is far more faster than disengaging the clutch manually just so you can shift to the next gear.

[@kadedone]

@@autofficinaportafortuna How is that an extreme tangent when cars can drive themselves these days? It's the truth. We may get to the point in which we don't have any manual controls in our cars. There is nothing wrong with driving auto but you should not pretend flicking a paddle is you really doing anything then asking the computer and systems to change the gear for you. It's faster and has many benefits but it does not involve you in the process like a manual would. For my daily car I still enjoy moving the lever and modulating a clutch. Flicking a paddle is not enjoyable to me and I'd rather leave it in D. You can enjoy whatever you wish but you should be fighting for manual controls as much as I am even if you drive an auto. All the automated systems will keep creeping in and if you think we'll be steering and controlling pedals well in to the future that's the actual stupid position to have.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

@@kadedone you are talking about a completely different subject. Using a paddle doesn't take away any of your control of the car. The driver still decides at which RPM he/she will change gears, much like on a manual car but faster. Modulating a clutch? you know you're just accelerating wear on your disc right? it should be either engaged or disengaged. I don't enjoy flicking paddles either but it lets me focus on driving more. Don't get me wrong I like manual transmissions, but it does not belong in a modern performance car. With your logic, does ABS take away from your driving as well? Do you prefer to modulate the brake pedal when it locks up? Do you prefer distributors over DIS? How about fuel injectors? Do they take away from your engagement with the car, and you feel connected with engines using carburetors? Do feel any less in control when a car has an ECU?

[@johnhunt9674]

That instrument cluster is a deal breaker. Yuk.

[@DutchClawz]

€110k no thanks

[@StigRossi]

This car is certainly the quickest of all the boosted-4, 4-door cars but doesn't drive as well as: the Subaru WRX STI, Golf R, Focus RS, EVO VIII (RIP), or the Type-R. Its for wannabes and I just don't get it. Its a front-wheel biased Haldex AWD system and the idea that this is the "enthusiast's choice" is just absurd

[@ThrottleHouse]

I have driven every single one of those listed above. And this one is as much fun or more Fun than all of them.

[@autofficinaportafortuna]

That sounds like something who hasn't driven the GLA45 would say. I have driven the 2017 STI, Golf R, and Focus RS before deciding on the GLA45. None of those cars felt to be better than the GLA45. Its closest competition is the RS3 and Audi needed an extra cylinder to gain a bit of an edge. If I didn't know any better, I would assume that your opinion is just based on paper and second hand info.

[@Warrior11117]

Waste of money and absolutely not worth $60000 plus. It does not feel special at all. I’ve had it for 2 months and driven it nearly 5000 miles across the country and this car is not a Mercedes Benz. The engine may be a specia but it’s still a 4 cylinder and overal, it feels really cheap especially with creeks and rattle on the interior. Anybody over 6feet tall, will have a head time trying to read the signal because of the poor view from the interior. It’s a street racer’s wannabe car, trust me on this and get something else like type R or golf R or whatever, if you really have to get the hatchbacks

[@flawedreviews9651]

Golfrzzzzzzzzzz

[@ksmuimui7372]

William Lekavich I agree! I have this car myself for over year now and this car is incomparable to anything I’ve ever driven! It does come down to the driver! My kiddo loves the ride too!