I've heard questions about the differences between the GLA's asked and discussed, but wanted to give a detailed write-up of the major differences between the different year GLA's. I've owned two different GLA 45's, one a 2015 and one a 2017, so got to experience a lot of these differences first hand and a big reason I'm deciding to do the comparisons. I'm in the US so the packages I'll be referring to are for that market, but should be pretty similar across all GLA's.
For some background, 2015 was the first model year of the GLA 45 AMG. It bolstered the most powerful production 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine at the time (355 hp and 332 ft-lb of torque). Funny thing, Mercedes got away with calling it an SUV for the states, when cmon, yeah its a little bigger than the cousin A45, but slap the wing on there and you scream hot hatch.. especially in the US market. 2016 saw an increase in power to 375hp and 350 ft-lb torque from the same M133 motor which holds all the way through 2019. In 2020/2021 we will see a brand new 2.0 liter 4 cylinder that will push 382 hp and 354 ft-lb torque from the base M139 engine, and 416 hp and 369 ft-lb torque from the S variants. 0-60 is projected to match the 2017 because the new gen GLA got heavier and taller. Due to the differences in the year models, I like to break them up and think of them as..
Although the GLA45 didn't really get a facelift until 2018, there were some significant updates that make 2016/2017 different enough than the very first generation 2015's to break up 2015-2017 into 1.0 and 1.5. I'm going to discuss some major mechanical, exterior, and interior differences between the GLA's through 2019, as the 2020 was just announced and not released yet.
Mechanical:
- As already mentioned, 2015 had 355hp/332 ft-lb torque vs 375hp/350 ft-lb torque in the 2016-2019. The 2015 had an advertised 0-60 of 4.8 seconds and I could consistently hit 4.9 without launch control or brake boost, just foot down from 0. The power increase from the 2016-2019 shaves a half second off the 0-60 to an advertised 4.3 seconds. I haven't tested this, but bet it could make that easily. It's not a super dramatic increase in power but definitely enough to feel it. This is probably in part to 2016+ getting a new driving modes in Sport+ (and RACE w/ dynamic package) versus just C/S/M in the 2015.
- There are two different transmission codes for the GLA45, 15 and 16. 2015's have Code 15 and 2016-2019 have Code 16. This is one of the biggest differences between the 2015's and 2016-2019, as the transmission was updated and remapped in the low gears. The 2015 can be a little laggy and jerky in low gear when starting from a stop, not overwhelming but something you have to get used to and if you daily it your foot gets accustomed to it pretty quick (something I heard on here called '45 foot' and that stuck with me). It would be something like if you're the owner of the car you can drive it fine and you wouldn't think of it as an issue, but toss your keys to someone who isn't used to DCT or performance cars and they might say their slush box automatic was 'smoother'. My 2017 'grabs' a lot better in low gear/from start than my 2015 and can literally feel times when the 2015 would've 'lurched' but the 2017 stays smooth.
- Sport vs Performance Exhaust system: My 2015 had the stock AMG Sport Exhaust system, and my 2017 has the AMG Performance Exhaust system. The main difference between the two mechanically is the Sport system has two decent size resonators one in the front and one in the back of the mid section, while the Performance system only has one small, skinny resonator in the front of the mid section. The electrical difference between the two is the Performance system has a button on the dash that operates a sound generator that mechanically enhances engine noise into the cabin. The sport system is definitely more muffled when comparing the two, and while rev'ing from park/neutral the Sport system is more 'deep/low' burbly tones and the Performance is 'loud/snappy' crackly tones. Under load, upshifts on the Performance system are **** near like gun shots, and loud crackly pops on decel/downshift. The Sport system still throws off a nice pop on the upshift, and if it had an 'advantage' over the Performance is that its easier to get the exhaust 'singing' on the decels/downshifts as its easier to get small burbles going. Overall, if you like noise, ticking the $650 box from factory for the Performance would be stupid not to do.
- AMG Dynamic Plus Package: This (somewhat rare) package gives a little bit extra performance from the factory with 2-stage dampening sport suspension, increased top speed, RACE mode, and a limited slip front diff. This package is the only way to get the LSD from the factory, and a big reason its sought after. RACE mode is super aggressive and always wants to be in a low gear. It's too aggressive for most driving situations, hence why its called RACE lol. If you want to track your 45 this is a package you want to have/look for. The sport suspension could also be added as a standalone option for $850.
Exterior:
- 2015-2017 didn't really see much else besides a few subtle exterior changes. The main way to tell the difference between a 2015 and 2016-2017 is the 2015's have AMG in their side badge under TURBO, while 2016+ has 4matic under the TURBO. 2015 has GLA 45 on the left and AMG badged on the right side of the rear and the 2016's+ have those badges switched so AMG is on the left.
- 2018/2019 saw a true facelift, with a more aggressive front diffusor/vents and updated headlights. The rear gets an updated diffusor but this is actually smaller than the one on the 2015-2017 and actually adds more plastic in the rear, like the tailpipes used to be enclosed in diffusor and now they're enclosed in plastic. The tail lights are probably one of the nicest parts of the facelift, with a stardust/crystal appearance in the twin running strips that is really sharp. These model years also saw a new rim with a nice multispoke 19" available.
- An option on all GLA's is the aero wing on the rear. This is a personal preference option, but definitely adds a more sporty/race look to the car vs without. If you want a sleeper, don't have the wing. If it's installed from the factory it's kind of permanent unless you want to bondo and paint drill holes.
- A pretty rare exterior option is the AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package. This package is $3700(USD) from the factory and also requires Night Package. A pretty expensive option for a GLA so usually was reserved for a custom build vs a dealer build for showroom. This adds carbon to the mirror caps, front splitter, side trim, and rear diffusor. The carbon weave is super high quality and everyone loves carbon.
- One thing that seems to be a pretty popular option for GLA 45's is the panoramic sunroof. This adds glass to pretty much the entire top, and opens the car up to sunlight/moonlight unless the shade is covered. If its warm weather its nice to have to cruise around or open up to take pics but also somewhat impractical for any type of cold weather climate and/or high speeds. You do get more headroom without the sunroof because the glass slopes more and also get a painted roof with two body styling lines that flow well with the hood/front.
Interior:
- GLA's can be spec'd pretty different in their interior's, and most options can be had across all model years, but 2016+ saw some extra tech upgrades that really helped refine the GLA 45 into a true AMG feel.
- COMAND NTG 4.5 vs NTG 5/5.5: There are two different COMAND systems available, the 2015 has the NTG 4.5 and the 2016+ has NTG 5/5.5. NTG 4.5 was clearly in it's last years, and only got used in the GLA its first year release. At this point 5 years later it definitely feel outdated. Some might say NTG 5/5.5 is getting outdated too but comparing the two is a big difference. If you like tech you want the NTG 5/5.5... it has some things like an engine data screen to show live hp/torque, vehicle data to show telemetry, navi is better, you get a favorites tab to save in, etc etc etc. The screen got a lot higher quality with NTG 5/5.5 too.
-CarPlay: Apple/Android CarPlay was also introduced with the NTG 5/5.5 and a pretty nice feature but a little clunky to use with the COMAND knob because it feels like its made to use with a touch screen.
- AMG Performance Seats: These seats are Recaro's, and can be had in either Dinamica/alcantara, black leather, or AMG red-cut leather. They are super nice, and hug you in place rather than feeling more like your sitting on top of the seat with the standard comfort seats. On top of the normal adjustments they also have electronic side bolstering adjustments as well. The headrest slopes less dramatically than the standard comfort seats so your head gets pushed less forward. I was fortunately the right height for the headrest but on longer drives my gf would complain that her head was pushed too far forward and would have to sit with her head at a weird side angle to be comfy. The Recaro's help add a more sporty look to the car too. I had the comfort in my first one, have Recaro's in the new one, didn't think I'd like the Recaro's and now wouldn't buy a 45 without them.
- MB-Tex Top Stitched Dash: This option is usually paired with the leather package, and adds a nice leather stitched dash in either white or red. This is another option I didn't have, then now have, and adds a way more premium feel to the interior with it versus without it. The stitching can glare a little bit on the windshield in the sun as a small complaint but not too bad.
- AMG Performance Steering Wheel: This option adds the true AMG steering wheel to the GLA, with Dinamica inserts on the sides, a 12 o'clock band, and an AMG badge on the bottom. The side inserts are molded nice to your hand. Overall, this adds another premium AMG feel, mostly because you're constantly staring at the AMG badge in the wheel. All wheels have shift paddles, and got a little more refined in the 2016+ vs 2015.
- Ambient Lighting Package: This package was first a standalone option for less than $200, and then later got bundled with a much more expensive premium package. This is one that you hear about on the forums that people want to try and add later on, because changing the colors in your Benz is something everyone wants to do. All GLA's have the ambience package that give ambient light in all the same spots as the colors, but only come through as orange. With the package, you get a selection of 12 colors. A feature that definitely gets used more when the car is 'fresh' to the new user still messing around with the settings, but I still mess around with the color on night drives every so often.
- Auto Dimming Mirrors: The convenience package gives auto dimming rear view and driver side mirrors for night driving. A super nice feature, very easy to get used to, and if you have the old-school flap dimmer it's tough to say it doesn't feel a little cheap. The dimming mirror can be retrofitted.
Overall, the sweet spot for the GLA is probably '17-'19, as it loses its hatch feel from '20 on growing up and becoming more like a true SUV, and it also took a couple years to become completely refined into a true pocket rocket AMG. The 2015's are still nice, and at this point a nice price too, so don't overlook them.. especially if you've never had a 45 before.. a lot of the gripes I have are little nit-picky since I can directly compare a 2015 and 2017.
For the US market, the GLA sits in a pretty niche spot, without a lot of direct competition. Some people will call it the 'budget AMG', and others will call it a 'rich man's WRX/STI'.
I probably missed a few things so comment/add in, or feel free to ask me to expand on anything else.
Have fun!
- AMGOwner
For some background, 2015 was the first model year of the GLA 45 AMG. It bolstered the most powerful production 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine at the time (355 hp and 332 ft-lb of torque). Funny thing, Mercedes got away with calling it an SUV for the states, when cmon, yeah its a little bigger than the cousin A45, but slap the wing on there and you scream hot hatch.. especially in the US market. 2016 saw an increase in power to 375hp and 350 ft-lb torque from the same M133 motor which holds all the way through 2019. In 2020/2021 we will see a brand new 2.0 liter 4 cylinder that will push 382 hp and 354 ft-lb torque from the base M139 engine, and 416 hp and 369 ft-lb torque from the S variants. 0-60 is projected to match the 2017 because the new gen GLA got heavier and taller. Due to the differences in the year models, I like to break them up and think of them as..
- GLA 1.0 - 2015
- GLA 1.5 - 2016/2017
- GLA 2.0 - 2018/2019
- GLA 3.0 - 2020/2021+
Although the GLA45 didn't really get a facelift until 2018, there were some significant updates that make 2016/2017 different enough than the very first generation 2015's to break up 2015-2017 into 1.0 and 1.5. I'm going to discuss some major mechanical, exterior, and interior differences between the GLA's through 2019, as the 2020 was just announced and not released yet.
Mechanical:
- As already mentioned, 2015 had 355hp/332 ft-lb torque vs 375hp/350 ft-lb torque in the 2016-2019. The 2015 had an advertised 0-60 of 4.8 seconds and I could consistently hit 4.9 without launch control or brake boost, just foot down from 0. The power increase from the 2016-2019 shaves a half second off the 0-60 to an advertised 4.3 seconds. I haven't tested this, but bet it could make that easily. It's not a super dramatic increase in power but definitely enough to feel it. This is probably in part to 2016+ getting a new driving modes in Sport+ (and RACE w/ dynamic package) versus just C/S/M in the 2015.
- There are two different transmission codes for the GLA45, 15 and 16. 2015's have Code 15 and 2016-2019 have Code 16. This is one of the biggest differences between the 2015's and 2016-2019, as the transmission was updated and remapped in the low gears. The 2015 can be a little laggy and jerky in low gear when starting from a stop, not overwhelming but something you have to get used to and if you daily it your foot gets accustomed to it pretty quick (something I heard on here called '45 foot' and that stuck with me). It would be something like if you're the owner of the car you can drive it fine and you wouldn't think of it as an issue, but toss your keys to someone who isn't used to DCT or performance cars and they might say their slush box automatic was 'smoother'. My 2017 'grabs' a lot better in low gear/from start than my 2015 and can literally feel times when the 2015 would've 'lurched' but the 2017 stays smooth.
- Sport vs Performance Exhaust system: My 2015 had the stock AMG Sport Exhaust system, and my 2017 has the AMG Performance Exhaust system. The main difference between the two mechanically is the Sport system has two decent size resonators one in the front and one in the back of the mid section, while the Performance system only has one small, skinny resonator in the front of the mid section. The electrical difference between the two is the Performance system has a button on the dash that operates a sound generator that mechanically enhances engine noise into the cabin. The sport system is definitely more muffled when comparing the two, and while rev'ing from park/neutral the Sport system is more 'deep/low' burbly tones and the Performance is 'loud/snappy' crackly tones. Under load, upshifts on the Performance system are **** near like gun shots, and loud crackly pops on decel/downshift. The Sport system still throws off a nice pop on the upshift, and if it had an 'advantage' over the Performance is that its easier to get the exhaust 'singing' on the decels/downshifts as its easier to get small burbles going. Overall, if you like noise, ticking the $650 box from factory for the Performance would be stupid not to do.
- AMG Dynamic Plus Package: This (somewhat rare) package gives a little bit extra performance from the factory with 2-stage dampening sport suspension, increased top speed, RACE mode, and a limited slip front diff. This package is the only way to get the LSD from the factory, and a big reason its sought after. RACE mode is super aggressive and always wants to be in a low gear. It's too aggressive for most driving situations, hence why its called RACE lol. If you want to track your 45 this is a package you want to have/look for. The sport suspension could also be added as a standalone option for $850.
Exterior:
- 2015-2017 didn't really see much else besides a few subtle exterior changes. The main way to tell the difference between a 2015 and 2016-2017 is the 2015's have AMG in their side badge under TURBO, while 2016+ has 4matic under the TURBO. 2015 has GLA 45 on the left and AMG badged on the right side of the rear and the 2016's+ have those badges switched so AMG is on the left.
- 2018/2019 saw a true facelift, with a more aggressive front diffusor/vents and updated headlights. The rear gets an updated diffusor but this is actually smaller than the one on the 2015-2017 and actually adds more plastic in the rear, like the tailpipes used to be enclosed in diffusor and now they're enclosed in plastic. The tail lights are probably one of the nicest parts of the facelift, with a stardust/crystal appearance in the twin running strips that is really sharp. These model years also saw a new rim with a nice multispoke 19" available.
- An option on all GLA's is the aero wing on the rear. This is a personal preference option, but definitely adds a more sporty/race look to the car vs without. If you want a sleeper, don't have the wing. If it's installed from the factory it's kind of permanent unless you want to bondo and paint drill holes.
- A pretty rare exterior option is the AMG Carbon Fiber Exterior Package. This package is $3700(USD) from the factory and also requires Night Package. A pretty expensive option for a GLA so usually was reserved for a custom build vs a dealer build for showroom. This adds carbon to the mirror caps, front splitter, side trim, and rear diffusor. The carbon weave is super high quality and everyone loves carbon.
- One thing that seems to be a pretty popular option for GLA 45's is the panoramic sunroof. This adds glass to pretty much the entire top, and opens the car up to sunlight/moonlight unless the shade is covered. If its warm weather its nice to have to cruise around or open up to take pics but also somewhat impractical for any type of cold weather climate and/or high speeds. You do get more headroom without the sunroof because the glass slopes more and also get a painted roof with two body styling lines that flow well with the hood/front.
Interior:
- GLA's can be spec'd pretty different in their interior's, and most options can be had across all model years, but 2016+ saw some extra tech upgrades that really helped refine the GLA 45 into a true AMG feel.
- COMAND NTG 4.5 vs NTG 5/5.5: There are two different COMAND systems available, the 2015 has the NTG 4.5 and the 2016+ has NTG 5/5.5. NTG 4.5 was clearly in it's last years, and only got used in the GLA its first year release. At this point 5 years later it definitely feel outdated. Some might say NTG 5/5.5 is getting outdated too but comparing the two is a big difference. If you like tech you want the NTG 5/5.5... it has some things like an engine data screen to show live hp/torque, vehicle data to show telemetry, navi is better, you get a favorites tab to save in, etc etc etc. The screen got a lot higher quality with NTG 5/5.5 too.
-CarPlay: Apple/Android CarPlay was also introduced with the NTG 5/5.5 and a pretty nice feature but a little clunky to use with the COMAND knob because it feels like its made to use with a touch screen.
- AMG Performance Seats: These seats are Recaro's, and can be had in either Dinamica/alcantara, black leather, or AMG red-cut leather. They are super nice, and hug you in place rather than feeling more like your sitting on top of the seat with the standard comfort seats. On top of the normal adjustments they also have electronic side bolstering adjustments as well. The headrest slopes less dramatically than the standard comfort seats so your head gets pushed less forward. I was fortunately the right height for the headrest but on longer drives my gf would complain that her head was pushed too far forward and would have to sit with her head at a weird side angle to be comfy. The Recaro's help add a more sporty look to the car too. I had the comfort in my first one, have Recaro's in the new one, didn't think I'd like the Recaro's and now wouldn't buy a 45 without them.
- MB-Tex Top Stitched Dash: This option is usually paired with the leather package, and adds a nice leather stitched dash in either white or red. This is another option I didn't have, then now have, and adds a way more premium feel to the interior with it versus without it. The stitching can glare a little bit on the windshield in the sun as a small complaint but not too bad.
- AMG Performance Steering Wheel: This option adds the true AMG steering wheel to the GLA, with Dinamica inserts on the sides, a 12 o'clock band, and an AMG badge on the bottom. The side inserts are molded nice to your hand. Overall, this adds another premium AMG feel, mostly because you're constantly staring at the AMG badge in the wheel. All wheels have shift paddles, and got a little more refined in the 2016+ vs 2015.
- Ambient Lighting Package: This package was first a standalone option for less than $200, and then later got bundled with a much more expensive premium package. This is one that you hear about on the forums that people want to try and add later on, because changing the colors in your Benz is something everyone wants to do. All GLA's have the ambience package that give ambient light in all the same spots as the colors, but only come through as orange. With the package, you get a selection of 12 colors. A feature that definitely gets used more when the car is 'fresh' to the new user still messing around with the settings, but I still mess around with the color on night drives every so often.
- Auto Dimming Mirrors: The convenience package gives auto dimming rear view and driver side mirrors for night driving. A super nice feature, very easy to get used to, and if you have the old-school flap dimmer it's tough to say it doesn't feel a little cheap. The dimming mirror can be retrofitted.
Overall, the sweet spot for the GLA is probably '17-'19, as it loses its hatch feel from '20 on growing up and becoming more like a true SUV, and it also took a couple years to become completely refined into a true pocket rocket AMG. The 2015's are still nice, and at this point a nice price too, so don't overlook them.. especially if you've never had a 45 before.. a lot of the gripes I have are little nit-picky since I can directly compare a 2015 and 2017.
For the US market, the GLA sits in a pretty niche spot, without a lot of direct competition. Some people will call it the 'budget AMG', and others will call it a 'rich man's WRX/STI'.
- Vs. WRX/STI. Stock vs Stock the GLA completely gaps a WRX and still easily doors/gaps the STI, and don't even get me started on the Legacy interior lol.
- Vs. Golf R. This might be the closest comparison to the GLA, and stock vs stock a 2015 GLA 45 doors a 2019 Golf R.
- Vs. Rs3. Although a sedan, probably the closest motor/performance wise you can get in the states. On the highway the two are pretty close unless the Rs3 gets a clear straight to pull away.
- Vs. C43 AMG. This is another somewhat vague comparison with a sedan, but price wise someone looking at GLA's might look at C43's too. The C has the way nicer interior, and pulls away from the GLA on the highway but they are two pretty different cars at the end of the day.
I probably missed a few things so comment/add in, or feel free to ask me to expand on anything else.
Have fun!
- AMGOwner
