2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S Unveiled With Visual and Technical Revisions

The changes revolve around the exterior design, and they’re joined by a few subtle tweaks in the cabin.

Starting on the outside, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S has a new face with a different bumper and fresh LED headlamps. The same goes for the back end, too, which features new LED taillights, a redesigned bumper, and a new diffuser. The best way to tell it apart from its predecessor is to look at the wheel arch trim, which is now painted in the same color as the rest of the exterior.

Mercedes-AMG also mentions the new crest on the hood and the fresh wheel options. The standard alloys measure 20 inches in diameter, and they're backed up by the same beefy brakes with red calipers. A 19-inch set is also available, with a matte black and high gloss finish, as well as a different 20-inch set. Rounding off the offering is the 21-inch multi-spoke set.

On the inside, the Affalterbach company gave it a revised MBUX infotainment system with wireless smartphone integration. The sporty premium subcompact crossover gets the latest iteration AMG Performance steering wheel, as well as improved charging power for the USB ports and an extra USB-C socket. The vehicle also gets the Artico faux leather and Microcut microfiber upholstery in Bahia Brown in a premiere, with additional colors completing the range.

Mercedes-AMG's 2024 GLA 45 S carries over with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mill has remained untouched for the 2024 model year, so it still steams out 415 hp (421 ps/310 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Transmitting the power to the front-biased all-wheel-drive system tuned by AMG is an eight-speed DCT. The car manufacturer says the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) takes 4.3 seconds, and it can hit 270 kph (168 mph) flat-out. The combined fuel consumption is 10.0-9.5 l/100 km (23.5-24.8 mpg US), and it emits 227-215 g/km of CO2.

The United States currently misses out on the GLA 45 S, as the lesser GLA 45 is offered here instead, alongside the GLA 35 and the normal Benz variants. We have yet to learn whether they plan on introducing the facelifted iteration in our market, and if they do, then expect the model to carry a hefty premium over the 382 hp (387 ps/285 kW) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) GLA 45, which is one-tenth slower than the GLA 45 S and starts at $56,650. Pricing details for the European markets, as well as the launch date, have yet to be released.