Mercedes-Benz's AMG division has made big business out of big V8 sedans but more recently, it has turned its attention to the compact segment with the GLA-Class being the latest to join the A-Class as well as the CLA-Class.
The A45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG have led the charge for Mercedes-Benz and a record-breaking one at that. Given the recent trend of crossover popularity, the GLA45 AMG may just oust its two siblings. But does it deserve to?
Exterior
By far the smallest crossover in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the GLA is scarcely larger than an average small hatchback but AMG has certainly weaved its magic on the GLA45 AMG's sheet metal to increase its road presence.
The test car we have is an 'Edition 1', which is only available for its first year of production and there's no question about the car's sporting potential with the usual array of styling upgrades.
With a unique front apron and a front splitter, the AMG twin blade grille as well as large air intakes, the GLA45 AMG looks as though it's raring to go anytime. Even with its raised ride height, it seems more aggressive than its two compact siblings.
The profile sees the addition of side sill inserts and aluminium roof rails as well as decals as part of the 'Edition 1' package. Summing the racy bits up at the rear are quad AMG exhaust tailpipes and a huge rear spoiler that lend the car some extra sportiness.
Interior
Similar to the AMG versions of the A-Class and CLA-Class, the cabin of the GLA45 AMG is tight and cosseting, providing average rear-quarter vision from the hip-hugging, all-electric AMG Performance front seats - the generous side bolstering of which can be easily adjusted as well.
At the same time, they provide a superb driving position so while the bonnet may seem raised, you never feel as though you're perched up at true SUV height, even though you are 40mm higher than in an A45 AMG.
The seats also look the part, with red contrast stitching on the perforated black leather upholstery matching the racy red seatbelts as well as the standard AMG Night Package cabin finishes with a mixture of carbon fibre and brushed aluminium.
Similar to the AMG versions of the A-Class and CLA-Class, the cabin of the GLA45 AMG is tight and cosseting, providing average rear-quarter vision from the hip-hugging, all-electric AMG Performance front seats - the generous side bolstering of which can be easily adjusted as well.
At the same time, they provide a superb driving position so while the bonnet may seem raised, you never feel as though you're perched up at true SUV height, even though you are 40mm higher than in an A45 AMG.
The seats also look the part, with red contrast stitching on the perforated black leather upholstery matching the racy red seatbelts as well as the standard AMG Night Package cabin finishes with a mixture of carbon fibre and brushed aluminium.
Of course, the GLA45 AMG wears a completely different bodywork from the A45 AMG. Although it shares the same 2,699mm wheelbase, it feels roomier inside. It is also 80 litres larger in the boot - living up to the 'utility' in its SUV tag.
In a further attempt to differentiate its third MFA model, Mercedes-Benz has fitted all GLAs with a powered tailgate as standard, which provides greater convenience during loading and unloading.
The Drive
Just like its compact AMG siblings, all the familiar ingredients are present, such as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces more power than any other series production engine of its type, the variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as well as the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In standard Comfort mode, the engine is reasonably quiet and has great low-rev pulling power to allow the gearbox to shift early for better economy.
Flick it into Sport or the full Manual mode, and the AMG Performance exhaust becomes more vocal as it whooshes towards the red line. At the same time, it cracks like a whip on the upshift and gargles unburnt fuel when you back off.
The GLA45 AMG is quite the missile with a brutal 'launch control' mode and if you get the formula right, all hell breaks loose as the car screams away to the 100km/h from standstill in 4.8 seconds.
Just like its compact AMG siblings, all the familiar ingredients are present, such as the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces more power than any other series production engine of its type, the variable 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as well as the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
In standard Comfort mode, the engine is reasonably quiet and has great low-rev pulling power to allow the gearbox to shift early for better economy.
Flick it into Sport or the full Manual mode, and the AMG Performance exhaust becomes more vocal as it whooshes towards the red line. At the same time, it cracks like a whip on the upshift and gargles unburnt fuel when you back off.
The GLA45 AMG is quite the missile with a brutal 'launch control' mode and if you get the formula right, all hell breaks loose as the car screams away to the 100km/h from standstill in 4.8 seconds.
The steering loads up nicely and offers plenty of heft and feel at higher speeds, with a relatively stiff ride that comes across as better controlled than in the A45 AMG. There is greater shock absorption over potholes, and less severe rebound, so the ride feels more settled.
That said, the slightly taller ride height means that this car has a tad more body roll than the A45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG, but it's not enough to stop the driver from having fun.
Conclusion
Mercedes-Benz ups the ante by offering the GLA45 AMG. With a small, but potent, powerplant under the hood, the brand brings high-performance to a segment not typically known for such.
Alas, there is a small price to pay. The GLA45 AMG's extra height and weight mean that it's never going to be quite as sharp as its AMG siblings, but it offers improved practicality, comfort and everyday usability for a trivial loss in dynamics.
That could very well be the reason for it deserving to be the most attractive of the three for car buyers out there.
