2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Review: Nothing Else Like It

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 competes in its own little segment of one. A car usually has a list of direct rivals, but this 382-horsepower compact crossover has none. Elsewhere in the world, it competes directly with the Audi RS Q3, which isn't available in the USA. If BMW made an X1 M or X2 M, those would compete with the GLA 45. This, then, is the cheapest way to get yourself into a fully-fledged AMG product. Yes, we're aware that the GLA 35 exists, but that doesn't follow the "one man one engine" ethos, and it misses out on the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package and its "Race" driving mode. The GLA 45's 382 hp and 354 lb-ft get it to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds. There is another way to look at the GLA 45, however: Think of it as a hot hatch, and it makes a lot more sense. Since Mercedes-AMG won't sell its mighty A45 hatch in the USA, this is as close as a rival Mercedes-AMG has to the likes of the Honda Civic Type R and the upcoming Golf R. It also comes with the latest MBUX infotainment system and much sleeker styling than the previous-generation GLA.

What's the Price of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45?

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 has an MSRP of $54,950, excluding the $1,050 destination charge. As mentioned earlier, it has no direct rivals but you can make a case for the base Porsche Macan, which isn't nearly as quick but retails for $54,900. The Macan is a segment up, but with the Porsche badge pasted to the front, it's arguably the sportiest of the compact luxury crossover segment.

The GLA 45's size, power, and body style make it difficult to pin down a direct rival. This counts in Merc's favor. It blows a similarly-sized and shaped rival like the X2 M35i ($46,450) out of the water. Rivals from a segment above can be had for a similar price. Examples include the aforementioned Macan, Audi SQ5, and BMW X3 M40i. Even these cars struggle to keep up with the potent GLA 45 and we're keen to see whether this interesting strategy pays off in the long run.

2022 AMG GLA 45 Exterior

Dimensions

2022 AMG GLA 45 Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

Call us crazy, but the GLA 45 is what the Subaru WRX STI should have been. A four-cylinder turbocharged engine with standard AWD in a body style people prefer these days. This may be branded as a crossover but only in name. The laughable ground clearance, stiff damping, and racy rubber will all respond with a resounding "nein" the moment you hit gravel.

This Benz belongs on the tarmac, and even then, it toes the line between firm and uncomfortable. There are various driving-mode settings - too many for our liking. You can select what kind of damping you want, how much you want the ESP to interfere, and finally, the AMG Dynamic Select with its various driving modes. We'll focus on the latter, as it automatically changes the damping and ESP as well. The standard modes are Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. If you opt for the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, you also get a Race Mode and more powerful brakes. We urge you to tick that box.

The GLA 45 has a wide range of talents. It has no problem coping in cold weather conditions with the right tires. Comfort is a relative term, but it's not as unforgiving as the Mini Countryman JCW, for example. You could easily live with it daily. Its sportier side is much better than the car that came before. The previous-generation model had a basic AWD system, and by that, we mean it was essentially a front-wheel-drive car that only activated the rear wheels when the front ones couldn't cope anymore. The new 4Matic+ system is more advanced. It does a better job of seamlessly transferring power between the front and rear. The 2022 GLA 45 also boasts torque vectoring for the rear wheels, so it can even control the percentage of power sent to the left or right rear wheel.

Grip levels are immense. The only oddity is the higher center of gravity. If you're used to a hot hatch, the body lean will feel strange at first. Not dangerous, just strange. We found ourselves liking a bit of lean, as it serves as a subtle warning that you may be pushing too hard. Suffice it to say that most people's bag of bravery will be empty long before the GLA 45 stops gripping.

2022 AMG GLA 45 Interior

2022 AMG GLA 45 Trunk and Cargo Space

Warranty

Verdict: Is the 2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 A Good SUV?

We find it odd that Mercedes-AMG doesn't sell the normal A45 AMG in the USA. But then you sit back and realize that the hot hatch segment is also under threat. Only a few are left: The Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, and the Hyundai Veloster N. The average consumer is far more interested in performance SUVs, even though they may not be as engaging as a low-slung hatch.

The GLA 45 is as close to a hot hatch as you'll get. It's right there when it comes to straight-line performance and not that far behind in the corners. The GLA is not as practical as an old-school hatch, but it offers similar interior space. And while that elevated driving position is no more useful than a tire iron made of rubber, people seem to love it. We love the 45's dedication to the business of going fast. SUVs that are this focused are usually high-end models that retail for more than $100,000. The GLA 45 is a full-fat AMG crossover SUV at half the price. The GLA 35 was already a niche product, and the 45 takes it up a notch. It has no direct rivals in the USA, and that makes it unique. Other car nerds will look at it and know exactly what it is. It's worth mentioning that you can get a more engaging driving experience and improved practicality for a lot less, but you'd have to forego the alluring compact crossover body.

What Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Model Should I Buy?

There's only one model, but it's worth looking at the available optional extras as the price can escalate fairly quickly if you aren't careful. We'd have the AMG Aerodynamics Package, which automatically includes the AMG Night Package. The 21-inch alloys look good, but the standard 19s provide a better ride. The AMG seats look cool, but they rob the rear passenger room. We'd stick with the standard seats in Classic Red/Black leather. Finally, we'd add the Driver Assistance Package and the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. The total price of this build comes to $65,095, including destination.

2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 Comparisons

2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 vs Mercedes-AMG GLA 35

Retailing at $47,950, the GLA 35 represents a decent saving over the GLA 45. You could also make the argument that it's all the GLA you'd ever need. The 35 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, but it only produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It uses the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission but a less advanced version of Merc's 4MATIC system.

The deficit in power means it takes 5.1 seconds to get to 60 mph, which is still quite brisk.

On the inside, the cars are virtually identical, sharing most of the same standard features.

If you're simply looking for a cool and rapid SUV, the 35 should do just fine. But suppose you're looking for a proper driving tool with torque vectoring, and the most powerful four-cylinder without electric assistance. In that case, you'll need to fork over the extra $7,000 for the GLA 45.

2022 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 vs Porsche Macan

At this price level, you'll only be able to afford the base Porsche Macan, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The Macan slots into the compact luxury crossover segment, making it larger overall than the GLA. We've driven loads of Macans over the years, and we were pleasantly surprised by this late non-six-cylinder addition. First, the downsides. The Macan uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing only 261 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It takes a leisurely six seconds to get to 60 mph, which is laughable compared to the GLA's 4.3 seconds. But, as we've said many times before, sprint times are meaningless, and the Porsche perfectly demonstrates that. In many ways, the four-pot Macan is the best of the lot.

You see, it still has that inherent Porsche DNA. It grips and handles like a properly sorted hot hatch. Thanks to the lighter engine under the hood, the front end is more responsive and less prone to understeer. The Porsche also has a larger 17.6 cube trunk and a useful 4,409-lbs tow rating. And let's not forget the allure of that badge. Would we take the Macan over the GLA 45? That's a tricky question. The Macan is getting on a bit, but it's still an excellent SUV. Our advice is to drive both and decide which vehicle's talents work better for you.