Mercedes GLA AMG. New dimensions of driving
Mercedes GLA AMG is a powerful series, based on the compact GLA crossover designed by the German Mercedes-Benz. It is produced since 2014. As of 2020, the second generation is of the compact GLA crossover AMG 2019 is available on the Israeli market.
First generation
The first generation was produced from 2014 to December 2019 and was restyled in 2017. The turbocharged version of the GLA 45 AMG crossover, first shown at the Detroit Auto Show, had 4WD and a 2-liter bi-turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 360 hp, supplemented by a 7-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission with two clutches. designed using modern technologies, this engine can produce 450 Nm at once. Moreover, the maximum torque was available in the range from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. In standard driving mode GLA 45 AMG was actually front-wheel drive, but as soon as the need appears, the electronically controlled Haldex clutch instantly shifted up to 50% of the traction to the rear axle. Sports version of AMG GLA 35 with 2.0-liter gasoline engine rated at 302 hp and 400 Nm of torque was supplemented by a 8-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive, could accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds, gaining speed to 250 km/h.
Unlike the conventional GLA crossover, the AMG model has a chassis fairing with front splitters, big air intakes, spoiler, double exhaust piping, enlarged 21-inch discs with low-profile tyres, new brakes, and a harder suspension. The interior is equipped with sporty leather seats with stylish red seatbelts. Customized seats with extended lateral supports and sports steering wheel are available.
Second generation
The second generation is available from December 2019 until now. (as of 2020). The second-generation Mercedes GLA AMG 2019/2020 was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show. Two modifications are available at once: the basic AMG GLA 45 version and a more powerful one - with the letter ‘S’ in the name. The novelty is easy to tell from the former crossover by an aggressive front bumper with large side air intakes, splitter, and small flaps. The branded Mercedes grille with vertical ribs decorates the front of the car. Unlike the ‘conventional’ GLA on the AMG-version, there are black side mirrors, a large spoiler over the glass of the fifth door, and four round exhaust pipes in a sporty rear bumper instead of two. The new 2020 Mercedes AMG GLA 45 S sports 20-inch wheels, and you can get 21-inch wheels for an extra charge.
Mercedes GLA AMG 2020 is a comfortable SUV. Behind its elegance exterior, there are impressive off-road capabilities. The reinforced undercarriage, 15 mm lower ground clearance, adaptive shock absorbers, and intelligent steering enhancement open up new dimensions of driving.
The interior of the ‘charged’ crossover shows off its sporty steering wheel and seats, metal pedal pads, and AMG-specific interior design elements like special dasboard display.
The car is powered by a petrol 2-L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine in combination with an AMG Speedshift DCT-8G 8-speed transmission with two wet clutches and AMG Performance 4Matic+ 4WD with individual rear-wheel clutches. Special mode for drifting is not provided here, but it is possible to control the traction vector. The top version of the 2020 AMG GLA 45 S crossover uses a supercharging pressure of 2.1 bar, so the power here is increased to 421 hp and 500 Nm. As a result, acceleration to 100 km/h has been reduced to 4.3 seconds, and the top speed is now 270 km/h.
In addition, the most powerful version of the crossover has 6-piston brakes with 360 mm disks at the front, while a simpler version has 4-piston brakes and disks of 350 mm. On the rear axle of both cars, there are single-piston brakes with discs of 330 mm. Other features of the new AMG GLA 45 include a stretch between the ‘cups’ of the front suspension, diagonal stretches under the bottom of the car and an aluminum panel under the power unit. In the base cars are equipped with a function of quick start ‘Race-Start’, and for an extra fee AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and three modes of operation are offered.
Mercedes GLA AMG 2020 is a comfortable SUV. Behind its elegance exterior, there are impressive off-road capabilities. The reinforced undercarriage, 15 mm lower ground clearance, adaptive shock absorbers, and intelligent steering enhancement open the new dimensions of driving.
