The 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLA45 Turbo 4 Matic+ SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: Who is AMG? AMG is the performance and special trim division of Mercedes Benz. AMG Mercedes Benz automobiles are tuned in a specific way and upgraded for additional power. These vehicles also provide extra sporty handling and more stylish aesthetics. Plus the AMG engineering team invests the time and effort necessary to personally hand build every AMG engine.
AMG branded cars are much different than other Mercedes Benz vehicles. They are designed to be high performance vehicles that offer superior handling, power and performance. Hence, the name AMG is synonymous with HP high performance.
AMG’s are the best cars to drive in their respective line ups, and are also the quickest. If you love driving, want a Mercedes Benz, and have a fat wallet, the AMG models are really the only way to go.
This week Mercedes sent me a 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLA45 Turbo 4 Matic+ SUV to test drive and review. This is an all new for 2021 redesigned, second generation GLA Class vehicle, and it now slots into the Luxury Subcompact SUV class. The base window sticker price for this model starts at $54,500, with standard AMG power and trim. The extra cost options on this 2021 AMG GLA45 are: Metallic paint for $720
21” AMG Cross Spoke Matte Black Alloy Wheels for $2,050 SiriusXM Radio for $460 Adjustable second row seats for $360
MBUX Interior Assistant for $200 Burmester Surround Sound System for $850
Wireless Charging Pad for $200 USB-C Adapter cable for $25 Driver Assistance package for $1,700
Exterior Lighting package for $900 Multimedia package for $1,295 AMG Night package for $750 AMG Aerodynamics package for $1,550
AMG Performance Seat package for $2,770
AMG Dynamic Plus package for $2,050
The total cost of options came to: $15,880. As we all know Mercedes Benz is the King of Options. On this car the option list adds nearly $16K to the base price. After you add in the destination and delivery charge of $1,050, the total MSRP manufacturer’s suggested retail price came to: $71,430. Then add in the state and local sales tax, DMV and dealer registration fees, and you’re out the door and parked in your garage price came to: $80,359.
So, what do you get in a MBZ AMG GLA SUV for $80 Grand? A lot. To start with, AMG hand builds you a 2.0L liter inline 4 cylinder Turbo engine with 382 HP horsepower with 354 lb-ft of torque. Then they bolt it to an AMG Speed Shift 8 speed DCT dual clutch transmission with an AMG performance enhanced 4Matic+ AWD all wheel drive system with Dynamic Shift Select traction control. And to maintain stability at all times, this SUV is fitted with an AMG air ride sport suspension system.
Then add in the Driver Assistance Package with active brake assist with cross traffic function, active distance assist, active steering assist, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, active lane change assist, active speed limit assist, active emergency stop assist, and active evasive steering assist. Basically the car knows what to do to keep you safe and sound, before you even know that a collision is being avoided.
Next up is the AMG Night Package, AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Performance Seat Package with Recaro multi contour front seats, and the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. This last one adds in a larger AMG brake system with Red Brake Calipers, a AMG Performance Steering Wheel wrapped in Nappa Leather, Red Seat Belts, Red interior contrast stitching on all the seats and interior trim, a AMG Drive unit with race and drift modes, and an AMG Track Pace digital time and speed recorder.
The Multimedia Package adds a Burmester Premium Surround Sound System with 13 high quality speakers and two digital amplifiers, totaling nine channels and 590 watts. This system helps fill the cabin with pure surround sound while compensating for ambient noise. The system also features aluminum speaker grilles that are both appealing to the eyes and ears. Leather, special trim, power, performance, safety and stability are the hallmarks of all AMG cars and SUVs. This model has all of that, and more.
So, when you are ready to buy a new Luxury SUV the 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLA45 4 Matic+ SUV should be on your ride and drive list, as it is one of the best luxury subcompact SUVs on the market today. Call, click or visit your local Mercedes Benz dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the all new for 2021 Mercedes Benz AMG GLA45 SUV.
A word to the wise is sufficient: Be Smart, Stay Safe, and Just Breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive ©” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense © editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net