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The 2021 Mercedes GLA45 AMG SUV has a fuel mileage claim of 20/27 mpg. (Photos by C.A. Haire)
Extraordinary Rides The 2021 Mercedes GLA45AMG is worth the money By C.A. Haire
W
ith its compact size and a tiny, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, this Mercedes GLA might not impress at first look. But the quad exhaust tips sticking out of the body suggest there is more than meets the eye. If not, the price tag of $59,560 is convincing. The starting fee of a base GLA is $36,000, and that includes a 2.0-liter, 221-horsepower engine. Next up is the GLA35 with 302 horsepower. Our test example shown here is the top-of-the-line GLA45 AMG. Here, this little 2.0 motor is built by hand from a German craftsman (or possibly a craftswoman).
It is also turbocharged to create an impressive 382 horsepower, hooked to a dual-clutch, eight-speed gearbox and 4Matic all-wheel drive for maximum traction. With all that power, this compact SUV will need all the traction it can get. Mercedes claims a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, but a skilled driver can beat that. Driving this vehicle is a blast. With its small size, it can zip through heavy city traffic with ease. Thanks to that massive horsepower, it can do so in a hurry. There is also a drive program for Powerplant is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder comfort, sport and sport+ modes, as turbocharged engine rated at 382 horsepower. well as slippery for wet/sand conditions. drive this powerful vehicle slow enough to get Because this is an SUV, it can these figures. be taken off pavement, and we did so In 2,600 miles of fleet use, the computer successfully on desert trails. stayed steady at 20 mpg using super premium There are some disadvantages here. First, blend. But this AMG is so entertaining to a spare tire is not included, which limits operate, few will care. It’s well worth the off-road trips. Also, the fuel mileage claim of 20/27 mpg seems reasonable, but it’s hard to money. NORTHVALLEYMAGAZINE.COM JUNE 2021 | JULY 2021
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