382 Horsepower for the GLA!
FRONT
The Mercedes GLA is a strong mid-size SUV provided in three variations. We obtained their top-tier mannequin, loaded with all of the goodies.
Textual content and photographs by Chad Haire and MB USA
ENGINE
All three variations of the GLA include a bit 2.0-liter engine. The distinction is within the horsepower output. The bottom GLA250 places out 221 ponies, the GLA35 302, with our GLA45 AMG cranking a wholesome 382. It is a lot of spunk for such a small motor and required some wonderful engineering to develop. Connect a slick 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive for safe traction. The gas economic system is claimed to be 20/27 mpg.
Mercedes claims this rig can fly to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. That quantity is faster than the Mercedes S-Class with a twin-turbo 496 hp V-8 at 4.5! We did not use our stopwatch, however the time appears fairly correct. This child strikes! What’s much more spectacular, the real-world gasoline mileage was higher than the much less potent GLA35 with a 302 hp motor, which was 25 vs. 23 mpg on freeway journeys. That is for regular commuting after all. Urgent the gasoline pedal down could make this SUV run fast, however could make the gas gauge run fast too, sucking the tank dry!
ENGINE II
All AMG engines are handmade, with the craft individual’s title stamped on prime. So if that motor blows up, we all know who accountable!
PRICE
So how a lot does it value to go the AMG route? The bottom GLA250 begins at about $37K. The $54K payment requested for this GLA45 appears affordable, however there’s at all times that pesky possibility sheet to ambush your pockets. A few of these extras are extra helpful than others, however most Mercedes items on the vendor are maxed out with all of the goodies, so that you simply should pay the piper. On this case a tidy $59,960.
CONTROLS
For this excessive value, we get a nice-looking cabin, with sufficient buttons and knobs to fill an area shuttle. This management cluster positioned on the console seems sophisticated however is straightforward to function after some apply. A swap supplies completely different modes of operation: Consolation, Sport, Sport+, Particular person and Slippery.
SEATS
The facility seat switches are positioned on the within door panel. Whereas that is an uncommon spot, it really works higher than different preparations. The controls don’t transfer however are locked strong in place as a substitute. It is a system that depends on a “finger contact” sensor, which may be complicated to first-time customers who cannot perceive why the knobs received’t transfer.
WHEEL CONTROLS
These thumb controls on the steering wheel do an extended listing of features too lengthy to listing right here. The operation is complicated at first, however simple to make use of as soon as the motive force has some apply.
HEADLIGHTS
These LED headlamps crank out loads of mild. On a automobile that accelerates this shortly, you want all of the illumination on the pavement you may get.
OFF ROAD
With raised floor clearance and all-wheel traction, all GLA fashions may be taken off-road. However the lack of spare tire means it should not wander too far into the wild.
GRILLE
AMG variations of the GLA have a bigger grille and this enormous emblem tacked on so everybody will know you’re driving a Mercedes.
SIDE VIEW
The underside line is, that this AMG model of the GLA is simply superior, an actual blast to drive if it’s pressed. But it may be used for day by day commuting in consolation. It is one of many higher values within the Mercedes lineup.
>>Be part of the dialog concerning the GLA 45 AMG proper right here on MBWorld.org
For assist together with your upkeep and restore tasks, please go to our How-to part within the discussion board.
