The Strongest All-Rounder in its Class

The production model of the concept car, which debuted as the "Concept GLA 45 AMG" at the LA Motor Show in November, has already been unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show. The name has been shortened to "GLA 45 AMG", and as previewed, it features the "M133" 1,991cc inline-4 direct-injection gasoline turbo engine, the most powerful production four-cylinder engine globally, delivering 265kW (360ps) and 450Nm (45.9kgm). This engine enables the GLA 45 AMG to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (limited).

The M133 allows the GLA 45 AMG to accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).


Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, stated: "In the compact SUV segment, this car offers the most outstanding performance. However, we have not only focused on delivering unparalleled driving dynamics but also on fuel efficiency and emissions. It is a powerful SUV, yet we are releasing it as a model with excellent overall balance, minimizing environmental impact, including its production methods."

The GLA 45 AMG is the third model variation featuring the four-cylinder turbo engine, appealing to a younger demographic, following the " A 45 AMG" and " CLA 45 AMG". Concurrently, with the addition of the GLA 45 AMG, AMG has expanded its SUV lineup to five models, including the "ML 63 AMG", " GL 63 AMG", " G 63 AMG", and " G 65 AMG", establishing SUVs as another major pillar alongside their sports models.

The Most Powerful and Cleanest Engine

The highly anticipated AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine is the world's most powerful production four-cylinder turbo engine. As mentioned, its 1,991cc displacement generates a maximum output of 265kW (360ps) and a peak torque of 450Nm (45.9kgm). This translates to an output of 132.5kW (180ps) per liter, performance comparable to that of a supercar. True to AMG's traditional "One Man, One Engine" philosophy, it is hand-assembled at the Affalterbach factory.


While delivering such high performance, this unit is also part of the "BlueDIRECT" family and features an ECO start/stop function. It has been developed with a focus on reducing emissions of harmful substances like CO2, NOx, and PM. It already complies with the second stage of the Euro 6 emissions standard, making it, in essence, the cleanest high-performance engine available today.


Incidentally, the M133 engine employs lightweight components also found in other AMG models, such as an all-aluminum crankcase, forged crankshaft, and forged pistons. It also utilizes a spray-guided gasoline direct injection system with piezo injectors, delivering fuel at a high pressure of 200 bar into the combustion chamber. The precise control and reduction of fuel injection, enabled by the latest technology, effectively contribute to reducing PM emissions.

The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap that regulates the rear silencer flap based on load conditions and engine speed. The dual pipes of the AMG sports exhaust system produce a captivating exhaust note during acceleration, a characteristic already proven in the A 45 AMG. Furthermore, an optional AMG performance exhaust system is available, offering an even more distinctive exhaust sound.


The 4WD unit is a compact and lightweight system. The power take-off unit (PTU), which Mercedes refers to as its 4WD system, is integrated into the 7-speed DCT and manages power transfer to the rear drivetrain. Under normal driving conditions, it operates in front-wheel drive for optimal efficiency, but when additional traction is deemed necessary based on driving conditions, it distributes torque 50:50 between the front and rear axles.


The suspension and brakes have also been enhanced by AMG. While the GLA 45 AMG features specially tuned dedicated suspension, an optional AMG performance suspension with stiffer springs and dampers is also available. The brakes utilize cross-drilled discs, and the brake calipers are painted gray as standard, with an option to have them painted red.

Exclusive Equipment and Extensive Options for Both Interior and Exterior

The wheels are high-gloss titanium gray painted 5-twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, paired with 235/45 R19 tires. Additionally, through the AMG Performance Studio, optional 235/40R20 tires and 10-spoke wheels in titanium gray with a high-sheen chrome or matte black finish are available, allowing for customization to the user's preference.


Other exterior features exclusive to the GLA 45 AMG include the AMG twin-blade radiator grille and front splitter, AMG front apron, "TURBO AMG" emblems on the fenders, and aluminum roof rails and side sill panels.


The exterior offers a rich array of options, including the "Carbon Fiber Package" with a silver chrome radiator grille, twin-blade carbon fiber front splitter, side sill panels, and rear apron trim; the "Night Package" featuring privacy glass, black anodized waistline trim strips, louvers on the silver chrome radiator grille, high-gloss black front splitter, side sill panel covers, rear apron trim, and tailpipe finishers with black rectangular trim; and the "Aerodynamics Package" which adds a larger front splitter and spoilers on the front apron to the Night Package.

The interior comes standard with sports seats featuring red topstitching and seatbelts, upholstered in artificial leather and microfiber fabric, and a multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather with a 3-spoke design. Similar to the exterior, the interior also offers numerous options, including a performance steering wheel in black nappa leather/Alcantara and carbon fiber trim, allowing for personalization.



Mercedes-BenzSimilar to the debut of the A 45 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is launching a special edition model, the "Edition 1", to commemorate the arrival of the GLA 45 AMG. This edition features a large front splitter, front spoiler, gloss black rear spoiler, AMG racing stripes on the sides, and red accents on the radiator grille, mirrors, diffuser, and rear spoiler. The wheels are 20-inch center-lock design with 235/40R20 tires.


The "GLA 45 AMG Edition 1" is scheduled for delivery starting in July 2014 in the North American market. While the introduction of the GLA 45 AMG to Japan is undecided, the base model, the "GLA Class", is expected to be released in Japan this summer.

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

Engine│1,991cc Inline-4 DOHC Direct Injection Engine

Bore x Stroke│83.0 × 92.0 mm

Max Output│265 kW (360 ps) / 6,000 rpm

Max Torque│450 Nm / 2,250-5,000 rpm

Transmission│7-speed AT (AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed Sport Transmission)

Drive│4WD

Suspension (Front/Rear)│MacPherson / 4-link

Brakes (Front/Rear)│Vented Discs / Vented Discs

Tires (Front/Rear)│235/45R19

Fuel Consumption (NEDC)│7.5 liters/100km (13.3 km/ℓ)

CO2 Emissions│175 g/km

0-100km/h Acceleration│4.8 seconds

Top Speed│250 km/h (electronically limited)