2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S Receives Mild Refresh
With Mercedes-Benz having updated volume models GLA family earlier this year, everyone knew it was a matter of time before changes were made for the high-performance AMG variants. But how much would change was the big question. With Mercedes having promised to electrify everything new AMG produced from 2025 onward, the model is poised to become an EV during its next re-imagining.
This is reflected in the refresh. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4Matic+ doesn’t see a lot of mechanical changes and has instead adopted some new styling cues and updates to the interior.
Considering the carry-over powerplant 2.0-liter turbo still produces 416 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque starting at 5,000 rpm, we doubt that’s going to leave a lot of long faces. Mated to the vehicle’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the unit is supposed to be good for 4.3-second launches to 62 mph and a top speed of 168 mph.
But those are European specifications. Americans have been denied the GLA 45 S and have had to make do with the standard GLA 45’s 382 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. There’s also the lesser GLA 35, which bumps up the performance just enough to feel unique over the non-AMG GLA 250. Fortunately, it sounds as though Mercedes is at least considering how to get the top-tier AMG to our shores — perhaps as a last hurrah for the combustion model before the brand continues to pretend it’ll only be manufacturing EVs in the coming years.
So the 45 S would be all new to us were it ever to arrive. But the rest of the world is seeing the model abandon its old front fascia for one sporting a different grille and unique air intakes. The compact performance crossover has also done away with black cladding around the wheel arches. While the design element has been popular of late, and a lot easier to fix than a scuffed metal panel, it’s been polarizing on certain models. Mercedes has opted to have those bits painted to match the rest of the bodywork, giving the model a more car-like appearance.
Additional exterior changes include the addition of the AMG crest on the vehicle’s hood, standard 19-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and new LED tail lights. Multibeam LED headlights are optional now and so are a couple of sets of five-spoke, 20-inch wheels. There’s also a 21-inch set available for customers not interested in owning tires with sidewalls.
Inside, the GLA 45 receives an infotainment screen using the latest version of the MBUX operating system. That includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for anyone terrified of having to use a manufacturer’s proprietary user interface. Upholstery and trim configurations have also been expanded beyond Mercedes’ already extensive list of options.
Sales, which don’t yet include the United States, are supposed to commence later this year. Pricing is TBD. But don’t expect a 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S to be priced any lower than the standard GLA 45 at roughly $48,000 (USD) no matter where you live. Based on how the S+ model has been priced in the U.K., finding one priced below the regional equivalent of $90,000 (USD) might be a challenge and may help explain why the model never migrated here.
[Images: Mercedes-Benz]
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A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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Will 21-inch wheels cope with 21-inch potholes?
416 HP. 4 banger. Turbo. Mercedes. Hard f ing NO.