GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz A, CLA and GLA 45 AMG

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What’s better than an AMG? Three AMGs, of course – and right now, there’s no better trio to emerge from Affalterbach than the trinity that is the Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG, CLA 45 AMG and GLA 45 AMG. The first to be launched in Malaysia was the A 45 AMG hatch in 2013, followed by the CLA 45 AMG in early 2014. Last but not least was the GLA 45 AMG, launched alongside its vanilla siblings in November 2014.

Obviously, the biggest difference between the three models are the varying body styles with the A being a typical five-doored hatch, the CLA a coupe-like sedan and the GLA a slightly lifted variant of the former – the GLA is only 40 mm taller than the A despite Mercedes-Benz reinforcing the fact that it is a SUV.

Click to enlarge images.

All three models are powered by the same turbocharged 2.0 litre M133 four-cylinder engine with 355 hp at 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm at 2,250 to 5,000 rpm. Said mill is paired to an AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with power sent to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic system. Zero to 100 km/h takes 4.6 seconds on the CLA and A 45 (4.8 for the GLA 45 AMG) while all three are limited to 250 km/h.

Hardcore fans of the A 45 AMG might have noticed that this particular hatch is missing the usual smattering of red graphics seen on the exterior of the Edition 1 model. For 2015, the regular A 45 AMG replaces the aforementioned variant but to be honest, it doesn’t really matter as it still soldiers on with the AMG Aerodynamics Package and AMG sport exhaust system.

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As for the CLA 45 AMG, it stands out from the other two models by being the only one equipped with an updated steering wheel design, complete with AMG lettering on the bottom spoke. Elsewhere, it also gets actual carbon-fibre trim and a larger 8.0-inch centre display screen.

Think the CLA and A are a bit too civilian in their appearance? Then the GLA 45 AMG in Edition 1 trim could be right up your alley. Said car arrives on the scene decked out with a large front splitter and a rear aerofoil along with rather extravagant grey and red AMG-themed decals on the outside – the dashboard inside receives a similar treatment. It is, arguably, the most useable model of the three, though.

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Equipment wise, the GLA 45 AMG gets a powered sunroof, a Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system and an electronically-operated tailgate. Also, the GLA 45 AMG possesses a tad more interior space compared to its siblings thanks to a slightly larger body.

Now, you may be wondering to yourself as to the reason why we’ve decided to bring you a gallery of AMG’s entry-level triplets, right? Well, without giving it away, let’s just say that it’s got something to do with this

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG

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Gregory Sze

An “actor” by training, Gregory Sze realised that he has had enough of drama in his life. Following his number one passion (acting was actually number two), he decided to make the jump into the realm of automotive journalism. He appreciates the simple things in life – a simple car with nothing but back-to-basics mechanical engineering and minimal electronics on board.

 

Comments

  • Having the chance to drive my friend’s GLA45 AMG recently, I can only heap praise on this beast. Slight turbo lag is negligible and once it picks up speed, the satisfaction is high!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • I ate on Sep 17, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    Those decals ruin the show for me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • sudonano (Member) on Sep 17, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    I still find it difficult to accept the GLA just on the outlook of it. Doesn’t look well sorted.

    On the other hand, the A class is seriously good looking. Especially in AMG or even in the A250 Sport.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • SAM VHL Loo on Sep 17, 2015 at 11:33 pm

    45 AMG series from A-siblings (A, CLA and GLA class) are aimed at those Mercedes owner who wants a hilariously fast car at lower price compared with the next AMG that cost roughly RM800k brand new (that is C63 AMG). In general, here’s my personal brief review for A, CLA and GLA class (i’d driven both A200 and GLA200 this year, but never drove CLA class before)

    W176 A-Class – Generally, A200 performance is enough for normal usage although it’s acceleration was slightly bogged down by it’s 18″ rims (where it shouldn’t be a problem with A250). In short, A200 is for those within budget (those with RM200k budget and want a Mercedes cars) as well as lower fuel consumption while A250 is more towards driving enjoyment.

    C117 CLA-Class – Only CLA200 and CLA45 AMG is available from official distributor although there’s also CLA250 available from parallel imports (but it will cost between RM260k to RM300k for 1 – 2 years old reconditioned CLA250). Roughly same with A-Class (technically) with bigger boot but limited headroom for rear passenger compared with A-Class.

    X156 GLA-Class – Those going for GLA-Class, i will recommend at least GLA250 as GLA200 performance is seriously lacking (many times i need to use paddle shift to downshift if faster acceleration is required based from my test drive experience)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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