The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is For When You Outgrow Your STI or EVO - One Take

[@vivas202]

Shame you dont get the A45S there in the US. 421hp in a little car. Its a riot

[@TheYummyBrand]

We have 1000hp Hondas over here bud... we're doing ok 😉 but thank you for the concern

[@jaimykok6533]

@@TheYummyBrand Wanna drive that on a daily basis? I thought we were talking about small AMG's.

[@godsavemefromgenZ]

@@TheYummyBrand uh nobody here cares about Honda’s

[@DouEditz]

@@godsavemefromgenZ i care about Honda’s.... but Jacob is insane

[@Chris-hw4mq]

@@TheYummyBrand your honda can drive 1 mile and spend 1 month repairing that shit.

[@undergroundoutlaw411]

I love how Matt brings in an intellectual explanation of smooth vs crisp in DCTs. Honestly love the way he describes these cars

[@eclecticcars9527]

I always watch Matt’s ad segments because he invariably finds an opportunity to talk about his balls

[@mikehertz6507]

Sounds gay

[@JoseLopez-vp8vu]

@@mikehertz6507 it’s America you’re all gay now 🌈🦄😩

[@mikehertz6507]

@@JoseLopez-vp8vu where do you live?

[@JoseLopez-vp8vu]

@@mikehertz6507 New York , 🌈🦄😩🤸‍♀️

[@mikehertz6507]

@@JoseLopez-vp8vu NYC?

[@MichaelThomas-hz3zl]

Congratulations for hitting 1M Subs.. Great channel Great Content

[@Cobrastarzz1]

This is the highest hatchback ive ever seen 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@nathandunn9743]

Immediately put some lower ohlins on it 👉

[@gustavoflorio5383]

I was thinking: "first we got coupé SUVs, now hatchback SUVs"

[@PigglyWigglyDeluxe]

Because it’s not a hatchback. This is an SUV through and through no matter who tries to tell you otherwise.

[@everydaybodybuilding2282]

@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe aren’t SUVs a type of hatchback?

[@integrafreak1]

Needs the TJ Hunt mod, bags and wheels

[@everydaybodybuilding2282]

That spoiler looks a little goofy to me lol

[@wobblysauce]

Tacked on... for that hot hatch/suv market

[@Kobayashi360]

It’s awful

[@jlopez1017d]

It’s my only gripe with this car.

[@CamoPuffins]

veloster vibes lol

[@matwajda4269]

In regards to “ leaving extra room “ for downshifts, you don’t even need to. When you’re in manual mode, and you have the gear indicator on the dash, if the number left or right of the current gear is illuminated in white, it’ll let you go into that gear ( let’s say dash says 5th and you can see 4th is white [ not grey ] and 6th is white; it’ll let you go to either 4th or 6th )

[@The_Stanman]

It's possible that illuminated number doesn't come on until there's a few 100s extra RPMs though yeah? Doesn't really bother me either way,, I never find myself trying to downshift straight to redline, especially in a turbo motor.

[@matwajda4269]

@@The_Stanman yea thats quite possible truthfully, I haven't been able to test the exact numbers. At least in the M139 engine ( A45 amg ) you * shouldnt * downshift all the way to or close to redline, but the M177 series and the new rendition of it in the black series with the flat plane crank, theres no harm downshift close to redline. for being turbo'd and a medium displacement V8, they do like sitting at higher revolutions

[@Danu01c]

This must be the best sounding modern turbo 4 cyl right now. The rest sound like a freaking blender. This one at least sounds like a throaty 4cyl

[@zphil200]

Definitely need the Recaro seats (Performance seat package) in the GLA or CLA 45s... the front camera is the Augmented reality which turns on at lights so if you're too close you can see the light change, it can be shut off

[@brandonwalter8532]

We had one at our dealership for a while. Didn't get to drive it but the next one we have come in I'm going to drive it. Also, the camera popping on is called traffic light view. It's for lights that are too close to you and the camera comes on. You can turn that off in either the assistance menu or vehicle menu just an FYI. Sure wish we got the 420hp 4 bangers here in the US.

[@mikehawk120]

Other than tuning. I wonder what the differences are between the S and mon S engines are.

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

@@mikehawk120 2.9 Bar vs 3.1 Bar of boost and tuned for 93 US (98 EU octane). Everything else identical.

[@mikehawk120]

@@genderlessyoutubefanperson thank you kind sir!

[@johnnyr25]

I hate this dishonest lifted hatchback/wagon trend amongst automakers. The standard argument always has been, "Well...SUVs are people want!", but I'm not totally sold on that. Almost every other lifted wagon/hatchback seems to disappear 2-3 years after being introduced only to come back 4 years later to do it all over again. That tells me that SUV intenders aren't fooled and neither are folks who genuinely want a hatchback or wagon.

[@ahdnoh]

Call this the Juke sport.

[@MPPJ1931]

It’s impossible to get an affordable wagon here. People don’t seem to buy wagons because manufacturers charge outrages prices for them. E class 450, or what jag tried to do with the XF sportbrake, Volvo V-60, T6. Nobody buys them here. Believe me I wish we had more of them. Would love a CLA wagon, our USA Dealer Networks tell the manufacturers SUV CUV’s all day long. People need to put their money where there mouth is.

[@macaron3141592653]

We should've gotten the A45. Even a few inches of extra height throws a cars handling off.

[@ramanmonkey]

Just lower it?

[@rpitneyjr]

Without 3 pedals, it'll won't convert many WRX/Evo peeps.

[@jlopez1017d]

I had a wrx I traded it for a BMW with an 8 speed and I only miss the manual when I want to do canyon driving. This car is very intriguing to me I would definitely consider it

[@markweisgram155]

Exactly, no manual, no chance of replacing in my mind!

[@glh_somemore]

Then I guess you will be very familiar with how this car looks from the rear. Seriously, I repaced my manual trans 2016 Golf R without of these. The sound alone will make you a believer

[@kingsalami142]

It really is a "rich man's STI" as described by both Matt and Engineering Explained. My biggest knock on the '20+ model is that it looks like a rolling potato. But I'm extremely happy with my '18 GLA 45 AMG (it replaced my 400 hp '09 WRX). The Merc was the first non-manual transmission car I bought for myself in 35 years, and I don't miss a manual gearbox at all. On a twisty road, this thing will flat-out embarrass many sports cars--it's just so capable right out of the box (it had better be for the price-$$$). Seriously ferocious performance (with a plug n play tune), excellent comfort, and surprising utility--the damn thing still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it!

[@spittinvenom9843]

I’m picking up my 18 today, great deal on a car with upgrades all around

[@khronin]

I just got a 22--traded a Kona n for it and paid the diffrence----its got NA V8--American mucle car acceleration--plus with AWD its getting off the line quicker.They are a bargain used because I have 3 more years of warranty and paid half of what it costs new.Mine was also a MB buyback cause a sensor malfunctioned with the first owner and the sensor took a month to get--MB bought it back cause the first owner bought a new GLC 63 AMG.Traded a 22 Kona N I owned and paid 9k and have a 22 with 7k miles.Plus on the car report--it had a dr on the buyback--meaning even tho it needed a sensor it was drivable.I just drove mine in a rainstorm today and it was excellent--totally stable--my Kona n would have spun the front tires and would shimmy in the weather we had today--very happy.

[@DouEditz]

You can surprise a lot of V8s with this package! Its not heavy for today.... 500 Hp is a tune away

[@jdavidblais]

the 1st gen is able to achieve 500 hp without internal change in the engine, and it won 3 time best 2.0L i4 of the year.

[@Affalterbach1967]

Nice shirt. Almost JayEm quality there.

[@VerryJerry90]

*yoooo this sounds really good for a firecracker 4 banger!*

[@bigcmlg]

This looks like the GLB. This looks to be higher than the previous Gen GLA45

[@jdavidblais]

the 1st gen look good, not this one imo...

[@esupra773]

I just can’t imagine who the buyer is for a $68k hatch/crossover like this. What niche are we filling.

[@AS-oo4gv]

Teenagers with rich dads

[@Khan.WrathOf]

Dads trying to justify a "family car" purchase to the ol' lady...even though a taller car doesn't necessarily mean more space and certainly crappier mpg.

[@puga4202]

@@AS-oo4gv teenagers buy Cla45 instead. 99% of them don't even take a second look at "another small SUV".

[@johnl.38]

Old comment but if you buy cpo it's like 50k with virtually no miles (currently)

[@spittinvenom9843]

People with more money than you, 😉

[@bimmerfan729]

Something about watching that thing squat on the launch is so satisfying.

[@evanneiswanger]

‘This video was unofficially sponsored by “The Complete Cookie.” Get one at your local gas station today.’

[@zacharyohare2118]

My wife has been wanting a Benz wagon, A hatchback, A Subaru alternately last few years... I think this is the ticket, and won't bore me to death.

[@TrashHeapCustodian]

not gonna lie, I had to do a double take to make sure I was seeing a before/after shave in the ad there, my brain got hella confused for a sec

[@razerone49]

The Golf R, 335i/340i, Audi RS3, Lexus RC, Lexus IS are what I’ve seen plenty of sti and evo owner friends upgrade to. Literally any other German coupe or sedan make better cars for previous evo/sti owners. But I don’t have a KZbin channel so who gives a f. It is damn impressive how they get so much damn power out of their AMG 4 bangers

[@dragospahontu]

The new RS3 with the 2.5 20V is the real deal.

[@kangri08]

i own a evo x and i would never upgrade? to any of those cars i’d keep my evo AND buy one of those for a daily but my evo wouldn’t go anywhere for any of those.

[@NoEdits704]

Golf r would not be an upgrade, Audi gets a hard pass due to maintenance and Lexus, this has to be a joke. Only 1 type of person buys Lexus. Turbo 4 cyl, 4 door, awd, holds its value. Evo/STI are much better options than any of those. Whp buys a new 335i knowing it'll be worth about 5k someday.

[@kangri08]

@@NoEdits704 u just spoke facts!!! 🙌🏽 i got my evo x a lil over 4 years ago with 23k miles for 29k it currently has 51k miles i’ve searched it every now and then on car guru and they have evo x’s with 70-90k miles going between 28k and 32k and i have way less miles then most of them listed and its a gsr (manual) BTW.

[@dragospahontu]

@@NoEdits704 man let me remind you that the RS3 has a 5 cylinder that VW has been making for a long time and it's a proven design.

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

That has to be the highest horsepower I4 engine with a warranty in the market

[@americansmark]

I think it needs the 21s to fit the big brakes. My 4 pistons barely clear on my 19s.

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

6 pistons with 360 MM fit under 19" no problem. 4 pistons with 350mm are very effective.

[@marcuswynn89]

I really like these i have a 17 GLA 45 AMG

[@Aiyahhh]

Will be purchasing this because it comes with cookies where typical manufacturers place a wireless charging pad

[@marknel4324]

Well said brother, great vid, I been hoping something came out review wise on this. Awesome points, excellent work product as usual. U da man

[@Trendyflute]

Repeating over and over you gotta get the dynamic package...it's been a thing for ages but it's happening more and more with every passing year, "you want an M/AMG/RS? Yeah well the BASE M/AMG/RS is kinda watered down, you REALLY need the competition/dynamic/S-plus+ package to make it a REAL M/AMG/RS, it's only $10k extra" so every one of these cars has a fake base price, really.

[@mikehertz6507]

Looks like Matt has dropped a few lbs and is getting in shape. Good work Matt.

[@razerone49]

Please bring the youngin back for One Takes! He adds a great dynamic to the opinions of these cars and often has a much different perspective on the same car you guys are reviewing.

[@davidsteinhour5562]

Zack and Matt are both like 37. They're the same age.

[@JTM610]

@@davidsteinhour5562lmao

[@joeljacobs478]

"Outgrow" my evo......You crazy! Always good content though. Thank you sir

[@antwonlewang1390]

😂😂😂 damn Matt!!! Let Zack have a stab at it

[@wbwright79]

Matt does a great detailed review on this one. Well done mate!

[@timb8095]

Surely the A45s is a hatchback, this is an SUV

[@security_threat]

This or the current Macau GTS? They both seem like hot hatches to me. This GLA seems like some serious savings vs. Macan.

[@skyscourge5663]

I'd go for the GLA if not getting the Macan Turbo,but the interior is better in the Macan either way since this is a low level Mercedes

[@Ficon]

That's a cool Aston Martin. $68K is bananas money, the GLA is cheap inside and out at it's base $35k price.

[@c0c0asauce]

You are growing in the wrong direction if you get an SUV or crossover. Get a van or a wagon if you want useable space. How many people will use the extra ground clearance for anything besides jumping a curb to hit some pedestrians?

[@MPPJ1931]

What wagon would you get to grow out of an STI or EVO? You mustn’t live in the states. We don’t get shit by the way of wagons.

[@c0c0asauce]

@@MPPJ1931 I do live in the states and I agree the options are scarce. I would probably go for a used car. Something with a bit of character like a 2016 Mercedes E class estate or 2014 BMW 5 series touring. If I couldn't afford those then a Buick Regal TourX was surprisingly attractive last time I saw one and you can probably get one really cheap already.

[@MPPJ1931]

@@c0c0asauce considering the last 5 series wagon we got here in the US was the e61 wagon that ended its run in 2010 I’d love to Know how you’d get a the f11 “touring”model here.

[@c0c0asauce]

@@MPPJ1931 I've seen a couple and I'm in Oklahoma so it can't be that hard to get one. Maybe it was a Canadian import?

[@MPPJ1931]

BTW No one calls wagons in the US estates, sport brakes, or touring. Might see Avant used for an Audi. Maybe the manufacturers do, but in car vernacular amongst people, it’s rare.

[@bruen77]

To bad it looks like a early 2000’s rag 4

[@thereignofdando]

This and the Megane RS are the only 4 bangers that sound any good. God damn I want an A45 AMG

[@jdmandsuch6739]

From the front big mean AMG GTR. From behind , it looks like a Mazda CX-5

[@timkinley1779]

Kinda. Until a CX-5 is parked beside it.

[@dogsandcars202]

You should add 0 to 60 timing gear in your car when you first take off. That would be very interesting

[@KDuB9I6]

2.0 liter 4-cylinder with 382hp!!?? unbelievable...

[@ScottZ370]

A45S has 420hp

[@TheYummyBrand]

Mercedes is killing it with the 2.0L output

[@maybelive765]

Not really.... an STI would make 450hp+ if they wanted merc-like reliability

[@saratov99]

@@maybelive765 STI is 2.5l. Mercedes would hit 530hp with that displacement.

[@mikehertz6507]

@@maybelive765 "would" but don't

[@abe_ismain]

I’m glad for this video cuz I have the gla 2015

[@AGCrean]

I’m glad you’re glad

[@artagain8977]

@@AGCrean I’m glad that you’re glad that he’s glad.

[@abe_ismain]

@@artagain8977 I’m glad that your glad

[@Bolek989]

Does it come in a Manuel?

[@Bolek989]

@Roberto Vidal Garcia jajajaja

[@TurboPersonalTraining]

how do you squeeze that much power from a 2.0? thats nuts.

[@jareknowak8712]

Thats not much. Mitsibishi in Europe had 440hp out of 2.0L already 15 years ago. Google: EVO FQ MR 440

[@jareknowak8712]

@Roberto Vidal Garcia Thats also true.

[@the6cow6god6]

Okay so whats the difference between the gla amg and the glb amg other then body shape?!

[@dannyferguson9415]

The plastic fender trim looks tacky and cheep.

[@joevanseeters2873]

Hey Matt, (off topic here) what model of Sunglasses are you wearing there? I'd like to get a pair of those. Thanks

[@knight2386]

Search Dillon optics. I got a pair myself after seeing him wear them. Cool shades 😎

[@joevanseeters2873]

@@knight2386 Thanks, I appreciate the information.

[@kinscoufbrew675]

I’d be scared to drive in those mountains, no rails on the curves 😲😲 Would be nice to open her up on the Southern state pkwy or Jackie Robinson pwky..

[@Platelunchexpress]

Better hope that thing never breaks

[@CloudyMcRowdy]

with how insane the pricing is on this, I would just buy a stinger. This is like a family-SUV sports car... it just doesnt look right. Too many real hatchbacks with good storage. GIVE USA A SERIES. I want an A 35/45 S AMG so damn bad.

[@thebeldam5823]

Never buy a Mercedes.. lease it! Then get another one in 2 or 3 years🤘

[@razerone49]

Totally agree. It’s stupidity to buy a newer model Merc unless it’s an older flagship like an E55, C63, etc. Take that from someone who’s owned and leased Merc’s and have talked to people who only drive Merc’s (Merc brand whores)

[@thebeldam5823]

@@razerone49yessir. I fix these cars everyday and this shit ain't cheap to fix when you own it.. Thats why you just fork up 370 a month to drive a brand new car every 1-3 years🤷‍♂️ You're damn right id lease a Mercedes though.. works of art

[@all-flat-engines]

Or just wait and buy a used CPO warranty vehicle at 1/4 the price

[@kristians2704]

isn’t this true for every luxury brand these days?

[@thebeldam5823]

@@kristians2704 oh no doubt all of them are horrible cars

[@ShaiyanHossain]

a golf r on stilts for people who hate being seen in hatchbacks

[@ron25-33]

on launch control, the transmission is laggy like a slushbox and at 68k it is very pricey for a hot hatch

[@Dudeman9339]

I'd LOVE to put this engine in a Miata or a burzz mated to a nice DCT designed for a RWD car.

[@wolfenstein731]

I saw one of these on the road the other day and couldn't stop laughing at the hatchbacks wing

[@DouEditz]

What were you in when you were laughing at it?

[@Kobayashi360]

Honestly I think it’s a pretty compelling package… without the wing it might look decent and if it could do soft-roading and ski shuttle duties it would be a great all arounder. The thing I can’t shake with these econobox based Benzes is the “my first Mercedes” look. Just has an image that you were desperate to been seen in an MB, which overshadows any actual merits the car might have.

[@Xenon0000000000001]

I wouldn't let the thoughts of insecure people stop me from getting the car I want. The A Class is the 3rd best selling car in the UK at the moment, so you'd have to be pretty ignorant to think that people are buying them for any other reason than they like them.

[@Isaac-bt7bt]

Hey Matt, can you review the Mercedes S63 AMG sedan?

[@artagain8977]

Ordered a GLA35. Trading in my MK6 GTI. No more hatches for me.

[@Vision33r]

It's because Subaru did not grow up. After STI's 2004 debut, even in 2020 the last year it made the same HP and torque as it did back in 2004 because of the same engine. Subaru should've put in a 400HP engine. When you look at the WRX today 271HP back in 2015 it also had about 270HP.

[@papermind4010]

Oh yeah, as a Subie guy I agree

[@BrendanEvan]

Wonder if this is the same engine as the new Lotus Emira Edit: came here for the car but I actually need a trimmer right now.

[@Kobayashi360]

It is the same engine

[@Venturi11]

Vs Macan GTS?

[@matteugenio]

Love it!

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Not a bad car in general but for the money eh.

[@AlmightyFSM]

Lol.. sneaking in those 1 min infomercials half way in. Cheeky.

[@SpazMonkeyxd]

I would take that over a STI or an EVO I would take a golf r over an STI or an EVO

[@TheDriveByGuys]

Its lacking 150% in the not being a Japanese car department

[@madcap2003]

Well someone Opted for Beat ass seats, you can still get real seats!! lol!!

[@MichaelBaranski]

Digging the orange band what you wearing today?

[@8draco8]

Bigger spoiler stacked on top of smaller spoiler looks hilarious

[@santiagoluna3599]

No surprise MB has the tallest hot hatch

[@madrx2]

Ugliest hatchback? Yes.

[@kerby2333]

All i see is the cookie in the phone slot place :-)

[@bb-vf1hb]

This is one of the worst looking cars ever created. The proportions are absolutely horrific. Look at that rear 3/4 view…

[@wearesecret6481]

Yes the Mercedes design department fell asleep on this 2nd gen gla45, the body lines are terrible. I have the 1st gen gla45 a 2018 and looks way better.

[@bb-vf1hb]

@@wearesecret6481 I love the first gen design. Sucks that it had to end up like this

[@Kobayashi360]

I think it would look decent without that absurd wing.

[@mister_ray]

So lame MB does not import the AMG A45S into NA.

[@dragospahontu]

If you compare this to a Subaru it's like comparing a car to a tractor 😅

[@KeySoz]

That's not fair, a tractor will break way less than a Subaru.

[@dragospahontu]

@@KeySoz lol

[@timkinley1779]

However, people blindly buy both brands. For the most part, people who want a Subie, get a Subie. Same with MBs. Not alot of cross-shopping.

[@dragospahontu]

@@timkinley1779 Subaru's have character but objectively this Mercedes-Benz is better.

[@jordanthomson7682]

yeah!! 😁

[@MatrixDiscovery]

$68k??? LMAO

[@Dudeman9339]

"... fun little car"... he said about a 4000 lb monster

[@SMUDESS]

Badly needs some coilovers

[@2811JPR]

That thing looks like a mini minivan

[@lordhenry6040]

My next Mercedes suv GLA 45 s

[@MrRaitzi]

looks like RC car. So goofy :D Not for me.

[@FreshlySnipes]

A manual and they’d be getting somewhere.

[@TheThunderwars]

The engine is great, but it does look ugly.

[@skyscourge5663]

The old one looked better,but didn't have MBUX.Hard decision

[@jareknowak8712]

Skłodowska Curie!

[@blewyd]

I dont trust an engine that is 2 liters and makes 380 horsepower that also happens to be build by mercedes.

[@blewyd]

@Roberto Vidal Garcia I've had my fair share German preformance engines. They're great when they are working. The problem is that they dont work perfectly a lot.

[@reecea5432]

I took this title very differently

[@dragospahontu]

The Subaru sill has better steering feel

[@dragospahontu]

@@festuspunky boxer engine is better for handling

[@memememine1]

Sti is more agile but I drove a 2016 and the steering was nothing special. Never driven this gla but Mercedes surprisingly is known to have some of the best electric steering available.

[@dragospahontu]

@@memememine1 *electric* isn't as good as hydraulic

[@memememine1]

@@dragospahontu my bad I actually drove a modified Wrx that said STI all over 2015+ Wrx are electric. Older cars def have better steering feel. I'm sure old sti and old amg have better steering than both the new cars.

[@jareknowak8712]

Uncomparable cars, tbh.

[@sachas_garage]

I’d rather have a JCW Clubman!

[@wbwright79]

the GLA45 is a beauty and will outperform others in class. unfortunately, for me, wings, splitters and racer boy ascetics will always hold the purchase off.

[@alexhalbleib2398]

Seemed like it was crawling off the line for the $ point. At least the Subi has a shifter that isn't attached to the wheel

[@cold02rex]

Not the greatest looking vehicle kinda like a Subaru but maybe even less... cohesive. Like Mercedes plugged an Evo into a GTI and then put their "parents bought me this after I texted them what I wanted" sprinkles all over it. It looks like an ultimate Kia Soul with a big aftermarket wing for the sake of nothing. The owner maintenance costs and resale would very much not be at all comparable to a turbo Subaru I would hazard to assume. But I drove a modded bugeye wrx for over a dozen years. And sold it at 220k... in fully working order... for some money.

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Too bad we don’t get the A45s

[@marcusmcneal7453]

This first gen GLA 45 is the closest thing we have to them, which is why I bought one. Zero regrets. It’s great.

[@SturbokSensei]

What is this, Mercedes looked at the Nissan Juke and said "hey we wanna make a car as ugly as that too!"???

[@Matt-rk3de]

I’d rather have a loaded s5 sport back for less $

[@good_roads]

Yo you is mobbing 😂😂😂😂

[@solidsnake3861]

all these cars cost a gazillion dollars most people cant afford them