ON THE ROAD – IAN LYNAS PREVIEWS A COMPACT SUV FROM MERCEDES AMG

The most powerful version of the GLA is the Mercedes-AMG 45 S 4MATIC+ which has been upgraded with visual and technical innovations for the exterior and interior. This has given this fast lane contender from the German carmaker a very pronounced on road presence, you will certainly notice this set of wheels.

The distinguishing feature is the newly shaped front apron and the AMG crest on the bonnet. LED technology is now used for the entire lighting system and the new light signature for the headlights and the rear lights adds subtle visual accents. You have the option of further improving lighting with the multi beam LED main headlights. Viewed from the side, the wheel arch extensions emphasise the vehicle’s powerful character and these components are now painted in the colour of the body; black on the predecessor model. Three new light-alloy wheels to choose from, the 19 inch version feature a AMG ten-spoke design in matt black with high-gloss burnished surfaces.

Also available are two new AMG twenty inch wheels in a five-twin-spoke design. Choose between bi-colour matt black with high-gloss burnished surfaces or with high-gloss burnished rim flanges. The wheel range continues to include AMG 21 inch multi-spoke or cross-spoke wheels. At the rear, the round twin tailpipe trim and the spoiler lip on the roof reveal that this is the most powerful version available in the GLA line-up. There is power aplenty thanks to the two litre AMG turbo engine with 421bhp at the command of the right foot. This compact SUV sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.3 seconds with top speed fixed at 270 km/h (168mph). Power is transmitted via the agile AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The standard driving programme RACE and the fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ with AMG Torque Control add significantly to the dynamic driving experience. The rear axle gearbox features two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches, each of which is connected to a drive shaft on the rear axle. This design means that the engine power is not only distributed variably between the front and rear axles, but also selectively between the left and right rear wheels.

We all enjoy and appreciate the creature comforts of the modern car and with this Mercedes, no one will be disappointed. The interior is extremely well appointed with a decided sporty feel. You are greeted by the latest generation of the AMG Performance steering wheel as standard and the steering wheel buttons stand out with bright displays and an intuitive operating logic; these buttons let you control important driving functions as well as all driving programmes. With its new AMG-specific screen design and extended range of functions, the MBUX infotainment system is even more powerful than before. My experience of MBUX, it is currently the best I have tested in any vehicle to date. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, smartphones can interface wirelessly with the car; effortless to operate and higher USB charging power and an additional USB-C port improve connectivity. Comfort i something we all appreciate this and with a member of the Mercedes GLA family you will certainly not be disappointed. There are new upholstery covers for the standard sports seats or the Option of AMG Performance seats , both of which lend the interior a modern feel. For the first time, the combination of Artico artificial leather and Microcut micro fibre can also be ordered in Bahia Brown and the new colour for the Artico artificial leather is Sage Grey / Black. Red Pepper / Black is also available for the first time for the leather seat covers. Completing the range of options, open-pore lime wood in brown for the trim elements.

Ian Lynas