Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG, a compact SUV that packs a serious punch. If you're looking for a vehicle that blends practicality with exhilarating performance, then you've come to the right place. Buckle up, because we're about to explore everything this hot little number has to offer, from its engine and design to its interior and overall driving experience.

Overview of the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is a high-performance variant of the GLA-Class subcompact SUV. It's designed for those who crave the versatility of an SUV but don't want to compromise on speed and agility. This model year brought some enhancements, making it an even more compelling option in its segment. The GLA 45 AMG stands out with its aggressive styling, potent engine, and sport-tuned suspension. Mercedes has a knack for blending luxury with raw power, and the GLA 45 AMG is a prime example of that.

Under the hood, you'll find a handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It's not just any small engine; it's one of the most powerful production four-cylinder engines in the world. This powerhouse delivers impressive horsepower and torque, allowing the GLA 45 AMG to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just a matter of seconds. The engine is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission, offering quick and precise gear changes. The GLA 45 AMG also features AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability, especially in challenging driving conditions. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling winding roads, this SUV offers exceptional grip and control.

Inside, the GLA 45 AMG boasts a sporty and luxurious cabin. The seats are designed to provide excellent support during spirited driving, and the materials used throughout the interior are of high quality. You'll find features like carbon-fiber trim, aluminum accents, and red stitching, all contributing to the vehicle's performance-oriented character. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a high-resolution display and intuitive controls. The GLA 45 AMG also comes standard with a range of advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. From its powerful engine to its stylish interior, the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a thrilling and practical SUV.

Performance and Engine Specs

When it comes to performance, the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG truly shines. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details of what makes this car so special under the hood. The heart of the GLA 45 AMG is its handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This isn't your average four-banger; it's a high-performance machine that churns out an impressive 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The engine's power is delivered smoothly and instantaneously, making it incredibly responsive and fun to drive. The engineers at AMG have worked their magic to extract maximum performance from this relatively small engine, resulting in a driving experience that's nothing short of exhilarating.

One of the key components of the GLA 45 AMG's performance is its AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This transmission offers lightning-fast gear changes, both in automatic and manual modes. Whether you're accelerating from a standstill or downshifting for a corner, the transmission responds quickly and precisely, ensuring that you're always in the right gear. The dual-clutch design allows for seamless transitions between gears, contributing to the car's overall smoothness and responsiveness. The GLA 45 AMG also features AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which helps to distribute power to all four wheels, maximizing traction and stability. This system ensures that you can confidently put the power down, even in challenging driving conditions.

The combination of the powerful engine, quick-shifting transmission, and advanced all-wheel-drive system results in impressive acceleration figures. The GLA 45 AMG can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, which is incredibly quick for a compact SUV. The car's top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, providing ample performance for both street and track use. Beyond the raw numbers, the GLA 45 AMG offers a driving experience that's engaging and rewarding. The engine's throaty exhaust note, the precise steering, and the firm suspension all contribute to a feeling of connection with the road. Whether you're commuting to work or tackling a twisty backroad, the GLA 45 AMG delivers a thrilling and memorable driving experience.

Interior and Exterior Design

Let's talk about how the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG looks and feels, both inside and out. The exterior design of the GLA 45 AMG is aggressive and sporty, setting it apart from the standard GLA-Class models. At the front, you'll find a distinctive AMG grille with twin louvers and a large Mercedes-Benz star. The front bumper features large air intakes, which not only enhance the car's appearance but also improve airflow to the engine and brakes. The headlights are sleek and modern, with LED daytime running lights that add to the car's overall presence. The GLA 45 AMG also features flared wheel arches, which give it a wider and more muscular stance.

Moving to the side, you'll notice the AMG side skirts, which add to the car's sporty profile. The GLA 45 AMG rides on large alloy wheels, typically ranging from 19 to 20 inches in diameter. These wheels are designed to complement the car's performance capabilities, with lightweight construction and high-performance tires. The rear of the GLA 45 AMG is equally aggressive, with a prominent rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets. The rear bumper features a diffuser, which helps to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. Overall, the exterior design of the GLA 45 AMG is both stylish and functional, reflecting its high-performance nature.

Inside, the GLA 45 AMG offers a sporty and luxurious cabin. The seats are designed to provide excellent support during spirited driving, with aggressive bolsters and premium materials. You'll find features like carbon-fiber trim, aluminum accents, and red stitching throughout the interior, all contributing to the car's performance-oriented character. The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and features a flat-bottom design, providing a comfortable and sporty grip. The instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, with a central display that provides important information about the car's performance. The infotainment system is user-friendly, with a high-resolution display and intuitive controls. The GLA 45 AMG also comes standard with a range of advanced technology features, including navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system. Whether you're driving or simply relaxing in the cabin, the GLA 45 AMG offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The combination of sporty design elements and luxurious materials makes the interior of the GLA 45 AMG a great place to be. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the cabin, from the stitching on the seats to the finish on the trim pieces. The GLA 45 AMG truly embodies the spirit of AMG, combining high performance with refined luxury.

Driving Experience and Handling

Okay, let's get down to what it's like to actually drive the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG. The driving experience is where this car truly shines, offering a blend of performance, agility, and comfort. From the moment you start the engine, you're greeted with a throaty exhaust note that hints at the power lurking beneath the hood. The steering is precise and responsive, providing excellent feedback from the road. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling winding roads, the GLA 45 AMG feels planted and confident.

The suspension is firm, but not harsh, providing a good balance between handling and comfort. The GLA 45 AMG is equipped with AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension, which features adaptive dampers that adjust to the road conditions and driving style. This system allows you to fine-tune the car's handling to your liking, with settings ranging from Comfort to Sport+. In Comfort mode, the suspension is more compliant, providing a smoother ride on rough roads. In Sport+ mode, the suspension is stiffened, reducing body roll and improving handling in corners. The GLA 45 AMG also features AMG Dynamic Select, which allows you to choose from a variety of driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Each mode adjusts the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering to provide a different driving experience.

One of the standout features of the GLA 45 AMG is its agility. The car feels nimble and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, allowing you to confidently put the power down, even in challenging conditions. The brakes are strong and provide good stopping power, inspiring confidence in emergency situations. The GLA 45 AMG is also surprisingly comfortable for a performance SUV. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives enjoyable. The cabin is relatively quiet, with minimal wind and road noise. Overall, the driving experience of the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG is both thrilling and rewarding. The car offers a great balance of performance, handling, and comfort, making it a joy to drive in a variety of situations. Whether you're commuting to work or hitting the track, the GLA 45 AMG delivers an engaging and memorable driving experience.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG by looking at its pros and cons. Every car has its strengths and weaknesses, and the GLA 45 AMG is no exception. Understanding these pros and cons can help you make an informed decision about whether this car is right for you.

Pros:

• Impressive Performance: The GLA 45 AMG boasts a powerful engine, quick-shifting transmission, and advanced all-wheel-drive system, resulting in impressive acceleration and handling. The car is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, making it one of the quickest compact SUVs on the market.
• Sporty Design: The exterior design of the GLA 45 AMG is aggressive and stylish, with a distinctive AMG grille, flared wheel arches, and quad exhaust outlets. The interior is equally sporty, with carbon-fiber trim, aluminum accents, and red stitching.
• Luxurious Interior: The GLA 45 AMG offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin, with premium materials and advanced technology features. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making long drives enjoyable.
• Agile Handling: The GLA 45 AMG feels nimble and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction, inspiring confidence in corners.

Cons:

• Ride Quality: The suspension is firm, which can result in a bumpy ride on rough roads. While the adaptive dampers help to improve ride quality, the GLA 45 AMG is still not as comfortable as some of its competitors.
• Fuel Economy: The GLA 45 AMG is not the most fuel-efficient SUV on the market. The car's high-performance engine consumes a significant amount of fuel, especially during spirited driving.
• Price: The GLA 45 AMG is relatively expensive compared to other compact SUVs. The car's high price tag may put it out of reach for some buyers.
• Limited Cargo Space: The GLA 45 AMG offers limited cargo space compared to some of its competitors. The car's sporty design and compact dimensions result in a smaller cargo area.

In summary, the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG is a high-performance SUV that offers a thrilling driving experience and a stylish design. However, it also has some drawbacks, including a firm ride, poor fuel economy, high price, and limited cargo space. Ultimately, whether or not the GLA 45 AMG is the right car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize performance and style over comfort and practicality, then the GLA 45 AMG may be a great choice. However, if you need a more comfortable and fuel-efficient SUV with plenty of cargo space, then you may want to consider other options.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG? This SUV is a unique blend of practicality and performance, making it a compelling option for those who want the best of both worlds. It's not just about getting from point A to point B; it's about enjoying the journey. With its potent engine, responsive handling, and eye-catching design, the GLA 45 AMG delivers an exhilarating driving experience that's sure to put a smile on your face.

Of course, it's not without its flaws. The ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads, and the fuel economy isn't the greatest. But if you're willing to compromise on those aspects, you'll be rewarded with a car that's both fun and functional. The GLA 45 AMG is perfect for those who want a daily driver that can also handle weekend track days or spirited drives on winding roads. It's a car that's equally at home in the city and on the open road. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the GLA 45 AMG offers a comfortable and engaging driving experience.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you value performance, style, and luxury, and you're willing to pay a premium for it, then the GLA 45 AMG is definitely worth considering. It's a car that stands out from the crowd and delivers a driving experience that's second to none. However, if you prioritize comfort, fuel economy, and practicality above all else, then you may want to explore other options. Regardless of your decision, the 2017 Mercedes GLA 45 AMG is a remarkable vehicle that deserves recognition for its innovative design and impressive performance.