2021 Mercedes AMG GLA45
For this week’s review we’ve gotten our hands on the 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA45. It’s the ultimate hot hatch although Mercedes would like you to call it a subcompact crossover.
Disclosure: Mercedes Benz Canada provided me with the 2021 GLA45 for a week to test drive, and photograph. All photos in this blog post was taken by me. #MercedesAMGGLA45
ACCELERATION: 10/10
2.0L inline-4 turbo
382 HP @ 6500 / 354 lb-ftAMG Speedshift DCT 8-speed dual clutch
4.1 second 0-100 km/hr
Most powerful turbo 4 you can buy
BRAKING: 9.5/10
105ft to stop from 100 km to 0 which is incredible
HANDLING: 10/10
Handling is epic.
RIDE: 6/10
Since this is the hardcore variant you’ll feel all the imperfections of the road.
Transmission is a bit clunky in slow city driving but it drives like a dream at high speeds
ECONOMY: 8.5/10
20/27/23 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)
Fuel economy is excellent considering how much power
CABIN NOISE: 7/10
Not that quiet. The large tires are generating more road noise than the base version. Wind noise is very well controlled.
EXTERIOR: 7/10
From the back it looks like a round blob but the front is pretty stylish.
INTERIOR FOR DRIVER: 8/10
Equipped with the MBUX infotainment system
Exhaust is piped into the cabin. It sounds good even though it’s fake!
Seats are a bit stiff as a daily drive. The base seats are more comfortable.
INTERIOR FOR PASSENGERS: 9/10
It looks small on the outside but inside it is one of the roomiest rears in a small crossover. It is practical for rear facing child seats, and taller people.
Combined Legroom:
81.2 - GLE
79.9 - XT4
79.5 = GLB
79.0 - GLA
78.1 - GLC
77.0 - X2
76.8 - Golf R
75.7 - E-Pace
73.8 - Evoque
Rear Headroom:
39.6 - GLE
39.6 - GLC
39.3 - GLB
39.3 - XT4
38.3 - E-Pace
38.3 - Evoque
38.1 - Golf R
38.0 - GLA
37.0 - X2
INTERIOR STORAGE: 6/10
15.4 Cu Ft of trunk cargo space. This is easily the smallest in this segment.
Trunk is carpeted. It can help dampen echo noise which is nice but if you have pets it may be a fur magnet.
OVERALL IMPRESSION OF THE 2021 Mercedes AMG GLa45:
The 2021 Mercedes AMG GLA45 is the most ultimate hot hatch even though Mercedes would like you to call it a subcompact cross over because it has less clearance than a Golf R I see it more as a hot hatch. Epic acceleration, braking and handling make this a ton of fun to drive. Mercedes claims it has a 0-60 time of 4.4 seconds but I was able to get 4.1 seconds! The GLA45 really delivers fun to owners. If you can afford one you’ll be smiling from ear to ear!