The Mercedes-AMG GLA has grown up. What started as a sporty compact crossover based on the original GLA has become, in the current generation, a genuinely quick small SUV that splits the difference between hot hatch pace and usable family-car practicality. The GLA 35 and GLA 45 S sit at the entry point of the AMG SUV range, and both have built dedicated followings among buyers who want AMG performance in a smaller, more affordable package.
This article looks at the current state of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35, GLA 45, and GLA 45 S, what the latest news from Affalterbach is, and what current and prospective buyers should know about the model.
Where the GLA Fits in the AMG Lineup
The GLA is Mercedes-Benz’s subcompact luxury crossover, positioned below the GLB, GLC, GLE, and GLS in the SUV range. The AMG variants – GLA 35, GLA 45, and GLA 45 S – are the performance versions, using turbocharged four-cylinder engines with the most powerful output of any series-production four-cylinder engine in the world.
For buyers, the GLA sits in a unique position. It is smaller and more affordable than the GLC 63, but offers genuine AMG performance and the full AMG chassis and interior treatment. It competes with the Audi SQ2, BMW X2 M35i, and various hot hatchbacks that buyers cross-shop with small performance SUVs.
The GLA 35: The Entry Point
The GLA 35 uses the M260 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with an AMG-tuned 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The 0-60 mph time is around 4.7 seconds, and the top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (or 168 mph with the optional Driver’s Package).
In real-world terms, the GLA 35 is a fast and well-balanced small performance SUV. It is not as focused as the GLA 45 S, but it offers most of the everyday usability at a significantly lower price point. For many buyers, the GLA 35 hits the sweet spot between AMG performance and family practicality.
The GLA 45 and GLA 45 S: The Four-Cylinder Flagships
The GLA 45 and GLA 45 S use the M139 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, which is the most powerful series-production four-cylinder engine in the world. The standard GLA 45 produces 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The GLA 45 S raises that to 415 hp and 369 lb-ft. Both use the AMG Speedshift DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with a rear-biased torque distribution.
The GLA 45 S hits 60 mph in around 4.0 seconds in independent testing, putting it in serious performance-car territory despite the SUV body. The chassis is heavily modified compared to the standard GLA, with unique suspension geometry, larger brakes, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential on the front axle, and AMG-specific drive modes.
Current News and Updates
The current H247 generation GLA 35 and GLA 45 have been in production since 2020, and the model has received minor running updates and special editions since launch. There has been no official announcement of a second-generation GLA, and the current generation is expected to continue for at least another model year before any major update.
Recent news coverage has focused on the limited-run special editions, particularly the Manufaktur editions that have brought unique paint and interior combinations to the GLA range. The model’s continuing popularity in markets like Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States has kept it visible in the enthusiast press.
Real-World Ownership Considerations
For prospective buyers, the GLA 35 and GLA 45 S share the general ownership profile of other AMG models. The 2.0-liter turbo engine has proven durable in service, though maintenance costs are higher than for non-AMG compact cars. The dual-clutch transmission requires attention to fluid changes and is generally robust but expensive if it ever needs major work.
Common ownership considerations include tire costs (the high-performance summer tires are expensive and wear quickly), brake wear (the upgraded brake system is effective but consumes pads and rotors faster than a standard car), and the cost of optional packages. The Driver’s Package, which raises the top speed limiter, is one of the more common options on used examples.
How the GLA Compares to Other Small Performance SUVs
In the small performance SUV segment, the GLA 45 S is the most powerful option by a significant margin. The Audi SQ2 produces around 300 hp from a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The BMW X2 M35i is rated at around 302 hp. The MINI Countryman JCW produces around 301 hp from its 2.0-liter turbo. None of these can match the GLA 45 S on power, though each has its own character and appeal.
For buyers cross-shopping these cars, the choice usually comes down to brand preference, interior design, and the specific driving character. The GLA 45 S is the most aggressive of the group; the others are more refined or more playful, depending on the model.
What Comes Next for the GLA AMG
Mercedes-AMG has not announced a second-generation GLA 45. The current model is expected to continue in its current form, with periodic updates, until the next-generation GLA is released. Whether the next GLA AMG will continue to use a four-cylinder engine or move to a different powertrain configuration is an open question.
The broader AMG strategy of electrified powertrains suggests that the next GLA AMG, if it exists, will likely use some form of hybrid or plug-in hybrid assistance. There has been no official confirmation of this, but the trend across the industry makes it the most likely direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most powerful AMG GLA?
The GLA 45 S is the most powerful, with 415 hp from the M139 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It is, by output, the most powerful series-production four-cylinder in any car.
Is the GLA 45 a practical family car?
It is more practical than its performance-focused image suggests. The rear seats accommodate two child seats or two adults for shorter journeys, and the cargo area is reasonable for a small SUV. It is not a large family car, but it works for many family use cases.
How fast is the GLA 45 S?
Mercedes-AMG quotes a 0-60 mph time of around 4.0 seconds for the GLA 45 S. Independent tests have generally confirmed this figure. The top speed is electronically limited to 168 mph with the optional Driver’s Package.
What is the difference between the GLA 35 and GLA 45?
The GLA 35 uses a less powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbo engine (302 hp) with a less aggressive chassis setup. The GLA 45 uses the more powerful 382 hp version of the M139 engine, and the GLA 45 S adds the 415 hp version. The 45 and 45 S also include the limited-slip differential and other chassis upgrades not found on the 35.
Is the GLA AMG reliable?
Early production examples of the M139 engine had some reported issues, but these have been largely addressed through warranty and software updates. The current models are generally considered reliable, with the usual caveats about high-performance car maintenance costs.