2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is one of the two trims that the AMG GLA offers. They are GLA 35 and GLA 45. The GLA 45 is much more powerful and performance-oriented as compared to the GLA 35. It is priced at an MSRP of $57,800. The standard features include a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, speed-sensing variable steering, 19-inch AMG-style alloy wheels, heated windshield washer system, sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, ambient interior lighting, and 10.25-inch instrumentation and infotainment screens.

There are several optional packages available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45.

AMG Line package includes:-

•  Sport body styling
• 19-inch AMG alloy wheels
• Sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters
• Speed-sensing variable steering

 Exterior Lighting package includes:-

• Adaptive headlights
• Automatic high-beam headlights

Premium package includes:-

• 10.25-inch dual displays
• Auto-dimming and power-folding exterior mirrors
• Hands-free liftgate
• Hands-free keyless entry

Multimedia package includes:-

• Navigation system
• Augmented-reality video overlay for navigation display
• Traffic sign reader

Driver Assistance package includes:-

• Adaptive cruise control 
• Lane-keeping system 
• Evasive steering assist 
• Blind-spot intervention 
• Active speed limit assist

We Recommend

The best trim for the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 remains the more potent GLA 45 which is priced at an MSRP of $57,800. The GLA 45 comes with a 2.0L Inline 4 engine with several performance enhancements. Some of the features of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 include a heated windshield washer system, a sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, and ambient interior lighting.

Release Date

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is available for purchase.

The 2.0L Inline 4 engine is standard for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. It generates 382 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft of torque. To compare, the GLA 35 makes 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The GLA 45 gets a standard AWD with 8-speed manual transmission. The brand claims to reach the 60 MPH mark in 4.3 seconds. It gets a top speed of 155 mph that is electronically regulated. The gear ratios are well-balanced, resulting in lightning-fast acceleration.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 offers a better power delivery than the Porsche Macan, and the BMW X3. The GLA 45 performs well in terms of acceleration and surpasses both of its rivals in 0-60 time. However, the data for its quarter-mile timing is still unknown. Amongst the rivals, the Macan leads the X3 in terms of quarter-mile timing. The top speed of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is at par with the segment.

2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Ride and Handling

The ride quality of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is all composed and comfortable. The brand did a great job at improving the old drivetrain which was front-wheel biased, to 4Matic+ which is much more engaging and provides the utmost confidence. The steering response is nice, and accurate as well. The body roll, to our surprise, is also minimal despite its SUVish exterior. There are a number of drive modes including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. You can get the Race Mode by opting for the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package.

2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Braking Performance

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 comes with four vented disc brakes for each of its wheels. The brake pads of the 2023 GLA 45 are expected to last about 40,000-70,000 miles. This solely depends on how you drive your car. It comes with 13.8 inches and 13.0 inches of brake rotors in front and back respectively. The stopping distance data for the GLA 45 is not yet available. Additional features include Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Hill Hold Control, and Brake Assist.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 provides bigger brake rotors as compared to the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3. The GLA 45 comes with a significantly lesser curb weight than the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3. This helps to reduce the total momentum generated, which ultimately helps in braking. Amongst the rivals, the Macan covers less distance to come to a halt when at 60 MPH.

The 2.0 Inline 4 engine of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 offers 20 MPG in the city, 25 MPG on the highways, and 22 MPG combined. Its sibling GLA 35, on the other hand, offers a gas mileage of 22 MPG in a city, 29 MPG on a highway, and 25 MPG combined. The car also comes with a 13.5-gallon tank. It is estimated that the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 can travel on a full fuel tank up to 270 miles in a city and 337.5 miles on a highway. 

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 dominates in all aspects of gas mileage as compared to the Porsche Macan. The BMW X3, however, provides more fuel economy on a highway than the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. The GLA 45 also gets the smallest fuel tank capacity which is reflected in the overall range of travel as well. The best range is provided by the BMW X3.

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45’s interior feel plush and of high quality. The fit and finish are on point. Furthermore, even for tall adults, the space seems to be on point. We liked the design layout of the center console which gives it a modern look. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 does not fall short on the features either as it comes with several of them which include ambient interior lighting, premium leather upholstery, and automatic climate control.

The cabin of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 offers you more front and rear legroom as compared with the BMW X3. The X3, on the other hand, leads in terms of front and rear headroom and legroom. The interior dimensions of the Porsche Macan are yet to be determined. Quality-wise, we would vouch for the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45. The design layout of the X3 is appealing as well, but the GLA 45 looks a bit more attractive.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 include:

• Ambient Lighting
• Heated front seats
• Power adjustable seats
• Premium upholstery
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
• Automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 infotainment system?

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 has a 10.25-inch instrumentation cluster and infotainment screen, which means a large part of the cabin is covered with the screens. The GLA 45 supports essential connectivity features such as Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and Bluetooth Connectivity. Furthermore, it gets a voice-activated feature that enables when you say ‘Hey, Mercedes’. It also gets HD Radio and four USB-C port. The overall infotainment system is based on the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system which is responsive and user-friendly. 

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 include:

• MBUX system
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless internet access
• Voice activated feature
• HD Radio

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is a blend of muscular appeal with an aggressive personality. Being a crossover SUV, the dimensions of the car might confuse you to think of it as a hatchback. The front face of the car comes with an aggressive front grille design, while the LED headlights are incorporated with the daytime running lights. The four rings brand insignia sits in the center. The side profile is where you will find it as an SUV, It comes with 19-inch AMG alloy wheels. The midsize SUV stands at a height of 62.5 inches. 

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and the BMW X3 look a bit boxier and more muscular than the sleek-looking Macan. Furthermore, we found the front fascia of the X3 the most appealing among the three rivals. The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 comes with the smallest wheelbase, which further limits its road presence when compared to the competitors,

Some standout exterior features include:

• 19-inch AMG alloys
• Daytime running lights
• Adaptive headlights
• SIgnature Audi grille design
• Panoramic sunroof 
• LED tail lights

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 comes with seven airbags including Dual-front, dual-side, and front/rear curtain airbags. These are available for both rows. The standard safety features of the GLA 45 include rain-sensing wipers, LED daytime running lights, forward-collision warning with automatic braking, a rearview camera, adaptive traction, and stability control, blind-spot monitoring, attention assist, LED headlights and taillights, and crosswind assist. The GLA 45 has not yet been crash tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS,

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 include:

• Rain-sensing wipers
• Blind spot monitor
• Traction Control
• Forward-collision warning with automatic braking
• Parking Sensors
• Rearview camera

2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 vs Porsche Macan 

The 2023 Porsche Macan is a more expensive option as compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45. The GLA 45 comes with better power and torque delivery. It also manages to reach the 60 MPH mark much quicker than the Macan. As per the handling, both vehicles provide you with a swift ride. However, The GLA 45 is a bit firmer than the Macan. As per the cabin, the GLA 45 is surely the one you should opt for.

2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 vs 2023 BMW X3

The BMW X3 comes with a less expensive price tag as compared to the 2023 GLA 45. Furthermore, the BMW X3 is more economical on a highway than the GLA 45. Both cars come with aggressive front fascia, and it is solely up to you which one you will prefer. The ride quality of the X3 is better, especially on rough terrain. The interior of both vehicles comes with extensive features, but we liked the Mercedes’ MBUX software more.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 is an appealing vehicle that has technically created its own segment in the automobile market. It is highly recommended if you are looking for a compact performance-driven vehicle that can provide you with loads of features. The cabin is plush and comfortable, but you will miss the headroom which Macan or X3 will offer. The seamless experience on the large infotainment screen which is based on MBUX is truly worth a shot. Furthermore, on the outside, it is sturdy, yet sporty. The handling characteristics of the SUV are also impressive, to say the least.