Facelifted Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S Debuts with Minor Design Tweak

Debuting into the global automotive market today is the facelifted version of the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S performance SUV. This update follows the facelift treatment given to its baseline mode – the Mercedes-Benz GLA SUV – earlier this year, featuring minor design tweaks, as well as some equipment upgrades.

The newly-updated GLA 45 S sports a slightly-tweaked front face, featuring redesigned front grille

Starting with its visuals, the facelifted GLA 45 S sports a new front face, featuring a newly-designed front grille and lower air intakes – both akin to what we saw on the standard GLA facelift model. The LED headlights have also been changed, featuring new light signatures and optional Multibeam LED upgrade.

From the side, this updated manic SUV gets flared-out wheel arch extensions finished in matching body colour instead of black like we saw on the previous model. Elsewhere, the AMG GLA also gets snazzy 19-inch wheels as standard, which can be upgraded to 21-inch ones upon customers’ request. Meanwhile, nothing much has changed at the rear part of the AMG GLA, with the exception of its redesigned LED taillights with new light signatures.

Fortunately (or not), the facelifted AMG GLA 45 S retains its predecessor’s 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged mill, featuring no upgrade whatsoever. Touted as the most powerful four-pot mill ever produced, this familiar power plant still delivers 416 HP and 500 NM, allowing this manic SUV to propel from nought to 100 KM/H in just 4.3 seconds and a capped V-max of 270 KM/H. Mated to this engine is a familiar eight-speed DCT gearbox that facilitates power delivery to its rear wheels (RWD).

Additionally, this facelift treatment also grants the GLA 45 S with some new cabin equipment. Key highlights include the new AMG Performance steering wheel, revised MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific graphics and wireless mobile connectivity support (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), as well as multiple USB-C charging ports. Besides, the cabin is now offered with a slew of upholstery options, including the Sage Grey/Black Artico leather combo, Bahia Brown Microcut microfibre, as well as new Red Pepper/Black option for its leather seat covers.

As of writing, Mercedes-Benz has yet to reveal the price tag for this updated Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. Not only that, the German marque also did not specify when this AMG-powered SUV will be available for purchase, though we suspect deliveries may begin later in 2024.

As for the Malaysian market, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) only offers the less-potent variant of the GLA 45 S, which is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 4Matic. Locally-assembled (CKD) in MBM’s Pekan facility, the pre-facelift GLA 35 4Matic is tagged at RM370,888 on-the-road sans insurance. Should MBM decide to eventually introduce the updated GLA 45 S into our market, we can expect them to fetch a much more handsome asking price.