2nd-gen 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 unleashed, 421 PS/500 Nm, 8-speed DCT, AWD

The latest offering from Affalterbach comes the all-new second generation GLA 45, which shares many similarities with the A 45 and CLA 45.

For starters, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque in its most powerful S variant. Drive is sent to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

0-100 km/h is dusted in 4.3 seconds, onwards to an electronically limited top speed of 270 km/h.

The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system is able to transfer power to not only between front and rear wheels, but between left and right wheels as well. The system will detect which individual wheel needs power the most and adjust accordingly.

On the S variant, brakes are 6-piston calipers on 360 mm discs up front and a single piston caliper on 330 mm discs at the rear. The adaptive suspension has 3 modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.

Drivers can choose between 6 different drive programs through the AMG Dynamic Select from “Slippery” to “Race”. The program alters the powertrain characteristics, steering, stability control systems, suspension and exhaust note.

On the outside, the new GLA 45 gets LED headlamps as standard and features the Panamericana grille, which can be identified by the vertical slats on the front grille.

Wheels are 19-inch standard, 21-inch wheels optional. And over to the back, the spoiler and diffuser boost aerodynamics while the quad exhaust tips complete the look.

Inside, it gets the AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather/microfibre combination with yellow stitching and top marking. The bucket-like AMG Performance seats are available as an option.

Moving to the centre console, there are additional switches to fiddle with the aforementioned drive programs.

Elsewhere in the cabin, it is similar to the standard GLA sans the yellow highlights, with MBUX system and dual screens across the dashboard.