The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is For When You Outgrow Your STI or EVO - One Take
Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары
Click bit.ly/BeardscapeBundle_Matt10 and enter code MATT10 at checkout for 10% off your total order! Thank you Brio for sponsoring today's video!
The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is marketed as a "compact crossover," but in reality, it's a hot hatch with big rims and a bit of extra suspension travel. It's got an exceptionally hot turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 382hp, going through an 8-speed Dual Clutch transmission and AWD, so it's a bunch of fun in the canyons. But because of the extra travel, height and ride, it's also quite practical in the city. Though we don't get the A45 (or the GLA45S) in the US, the GLA45 AMG is the answer to the question of what happens when a luxury brand builds a hot hatch.
Mercedes-Benz of North America provided the vehicle, insurance, and a tank of fuel for this review.
Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to off-the-record.sjv.io/c/27655...
Follow us!
T: @thesmokingtire @zackklapman
IG: @thesmokingtire @fakezackklapman
Check out our PODCAST! Over 100,000 listeners and counting!
KZread: / thesmokingtirepodcast
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4nl2Rna...
Apple podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Google Podcasts: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0...
NEW SHIRTS!
www.blipshift.com/tst
The Mercedes GLA45 AMG is For When You Outgrow Your STI or EVO - One Take
#GLA45
#GLA45AMG
Пікірлер: 315
Shame you dont get the A45S there in the US. 421hp in a little car. Its a riot
@jacobwalls452
3 жыл бұрын
We have 1000hp Hondas over here bud... we're doing ok 😉 but thank you for the concern
@jaimykok6533
3 жыл бұрын
@@jacobwalls452 Wanna drive that on a daily basis? I thought we were talking about small AMG's.
@godsavemefromgenZ
3 жыл бұрын
@@jacobwalls452 uh nobody here cares about Honda’s
@DouEditz
3 жыл бұрын
@@godsavemefromgenZ i care about Honda’s.... but Jacob is insane
@Chris-hw4mq
3 жыл бұрын
@@jacobwalls452 your honda can drive 1 mile and spend 1 month repairing that shit.
I love how Matt brings in an intellectual explanation of smooth vs crisp in DCTs. Honestly love the way he describes these cars
"It's just a crossover, honey. I swear"
@paladin3116
3 жыл бұрын
It is
@butt5810
3 жыл бұрын
then she asks "why does it fart?"
@popcornfps
2 жыл бұрын
Haha my wife didn’t fall for it
I always watch Matt’s ad segments because he invariably finds an opportunity to talk about his balls
@mikehertz6507
3 жыл бұрын
Sounds gay
@JoseLopez-vp8vu
3 жыл бұрын
@@mikehertz6507 it’s America you’re all gay now 🌈🦄😩
@mikehertz6507
3 жыл бұрын
@@JoseLopez-vp8vu where do you live?
@JoseLopez-vp8vu
3 жыл бұрын
@@mikehertz6507 New York , 🌈🦄😩🤸♀️
@mikehertz6507
3 жыл бұрын
@@JoseLopez-vp8vu NYC?
Congratulations for hitting 1M Subs.. Great channel Great Content
That spoiler looks a little goofy to me lol
@wobblysauce
3 жыл бұрын
Tacked on... for that hot hatch/suv market
@Kobayashi360
3 жыл бұрын
It’s awful
@jlopez1017d
3 жыл бұрын
It’s my only gripe with this car.
@CamoPuffins
3 жыл бұрын
veloster vibes lol
This is the highest hatchback ive ever seen 🤷🏻♂️
@nathandunn9743
3 жыл бұрын
Immediately put some lower ohlins on it 👉
@gustavoflorio5383
3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking: "first we got coupé SUVs, now hatchback SUVs"
@PigglyWigglyDeluxe
3 жыл бұрын
Because it’s not a hatchback. This is an SUV through and through no matter who tries to tell you otherwise.
@everydaybodybuilding2282
3 жыл бұрын
@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe aren’t SUVs a type of hatchback?
@integrafreak1
3 жыл бұрын
Needs the TJ Hunt mod, bags and wheels
This must be the best sounding modern turbo 4 cyl right now. The rest sound like a freaking blender. This one at least sounds like a throaty 4cyl
Definitely need the Recaro seats (Performance seat package) in the GLA or CLA 45s... the front camera is the Augmented reality which turns on at lights so if you're too close you can see the light change, it can be shut off
I hate this dishonest lifted hatchback/wagon trend amongst automakers. The standard argument always has been, "Well...SUVs are people want!", but I'm not totally sold on that. Almost every other lifted wagon/hatchback seems to disappear 2-3 years after being introduced only to come back 4 years later to do it all over again. That tells me that SUV intenders aren't fooled and neither are folks who genuinely want a hatchback or wagon.
@ahdnoh
3 жыл бұрын
Call this the Juke sport.
@MPPJ1931
3 жыл бұрын
It’s impossible to get an affordable wagon here. People don’t seem to buy wagons because manufacturers charge outrages prices for them. E class 450, or what jag tried to do with the XF sportbrake, Volvo V-60, T6. Nobody buys them here. Believe me I wish we had more of them. Would love a CLA wagon, our USA Dealer Networks tell the manufacturers SUV CUV’s all day long. People need to put their money where there mouth is.
In regards to “ leaving extra room “ for downshifts, you don’t even need to. When you’re in manual mode, and you have the gear indicator on the dash, if the number left or right of the current gear is illuminated in white, it’ll let you go into that gear ( let’s say dash says 5th and you can see 4th is white [ not grey ] and 6th is white; it’ll let you go to either 4th or 6th )
@The_Stanman
3 жыл бұрын
It's possible that illuminated number doesn't come on until there's a few 100s extra RPMs though yeah? Doesn't really bother me either way,, I never find myself trying to downshift straight to redline, especially in a turbo motor.
@matwajda4269
3 жыл бұрын
@@The_Stanman yea thats quite possible truthfully, I haven't been able to test the exact numbers. At least in the M139 engine ( A45 amg ) you * shouldnt * downshift all the way to or close to redline, but the M177 series and the new rendition of it in the black series with the flat plane crank, theres no harm downshift close to redline. for being turbo'd and a medium displacement V8, they do like sitting at higher revolutions
Matt does a great detailed review on this one. Well done mate!
Well said brother, great vid, I been hoping something came out review wise on this. Awesome points, excellent work product as usual. U da man
It really is a "rich man's STI" as described by both Matt and Engineering Explained. My biggest knock on the '20+ model is that it looks like a rolling potato. But I'm extremely happy with my '18 GLA 45 AMG (it replaced my 400 hp '09 WRX). The Merc was the first non-manual transmission car I bought for myself in 35 years, and I don't miss a manual gearbox at all. On a twisty road, this thing will flat-out embarrass many sports cars--it's just so capable right out of the box (it had better be for the price-$$$). Seriously ferocious performance (with a plug n play tune), excellent comfort, and surprising utility--the damn thing still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it!
@spittinvenom9843
2 ай бұрын
I’m picking up my 18 today, great deal on a car with upgrades all around
Something about watching that thing squat on the launch is so satisfying.
We had one at our dealership for a while. Didn't get to drive it but the next one we have come in I'm going to drive it. Also, the camera popping on is called traffic light view. It's for lights that are too close to you and the camera comes on. You can turn that off in either the assistance menu or vehicle menu just an FYI. Sure wish we got the 420hp 4 bangers here in the US.
@mikehawk120
Жыл бұрын
Other than tuning. I wonder what the differences are between the S and mon S engines are.
@genderlessyoutubefanperson
5 ай бұрын
@@mikehawk120 2.9 Bar vs 3.1 Bar of boost and tuned for 93 US (98 EU octane). Everything else identical.
@mikehawk120
5 ай бұрын
@@genderlessyoutubefanperson thank you kind sir!
We should've gotten the A45. Even a few inches of extra height throws a cars handling off.
@ramanmonkey
2 жыл бұрын
Just lower it?
*yoooo this sounds really good for a firecracker 4 banger!*
Nice shirt. Almost JayEm quality there.
Without 3 pedals, it'll won't convert many WRX/Evo peeps.
@jlopez1017d
3 жыл бұрын
I had a wrx I traded it for a BMW with an 8 speed and I only miss the manual when I want to do canyon driving. This car is very intriguing to me I would definitely consider it
@markweisgram155
3 жыл бұрын
Exactly, no manual, no chance of replacing in my mind!
@glh_somemore
Ай бұрын
Then I guess you will be very familiar with how this car looks from the rear. Seriously, I repaced my manual trans 2016 Golf R without of these. The sound alone will make you a believer
‘This video was unofficially sponsored by “The Complete Cookie.” Get one at your local gas station today.’
I really like these i have a 17 GLA 45 AMG
"Outgrow" my evo......You crazy! Always good content though. Thank you sir
Love it!
My wife has been wanting a Benz wagon, A hatchback, A Subaru alternately last few years... I think this is the ticket, and won't bore me to death.
Will be purchasing this because it comes with cookies where typical manufacturers place a wireless charging pad
Me every morning: 4:18
@jrlongmeat
3 жыл бұрын
On God. Those morning shits be hitting different
This looks like the GLB. This looks to be higher than the previous Gen GLA45
@jdavidblais
Жыл бұрын
the 1st gen look good, not this one imo...
I think it needs the 21s to fit the big brakes. My 4 pistons barely clear on my 19s.
@genderlessyoutubefanperson
5 ай бұрын
6 pistons with 360 MM fit under 19" no problem. 4 pistons with 350mm are very effective.
Please bring the youngin back for One Takes! He adds a great dynamic to the opinions of these cars and often has a much different perspective on the same car you guys are reviewing.
@davidsteinhour5562
3 жыл бұрын
Zack and Matt are both like 37. They're the same age.
@JTM610
3 жыл бұрын
@@davidsteinhour5562lmao
You can surprise a lot of V8s with this package! Its not heavy for today.... 500 Hp is a tune away
@jdavidblais
Жыл бұрын
the 1st gen is able to achieve 500 hp without internal change in the engine, and it won 3 time best 2.0L i4 of the year.
not gonna lie, I had to do a double take to make sure I was seeing a before/after shave in the ad there, my brain got hella confused for a sec
Repeating over and over you gotta get the dynamic package...it's been a thing for ages but it's happening more and more with every passing year, "you want an M/AMG/RS? Yeah well the BASE M/AMG/RS is kinda watered down, you REALLY need the competition/dynamic/S-plus+ package to make it a REAL M/AMG/RS, it's only $10k extra" so every one of these cars has a fake base price, really.
That has to be the highest horsepower I4 engine with a warranty in the market
I’d be scared to drive in those mountains, no rails on the curves 😲😲 Would be nice to open her up on the Southern state pkwy or Jackie Robinson pwky..
Hey Matt, can you review the Mercedes S63 AMG sedan?
Better hope that thing never breaks
The Golf R, 335i/340i, Audi RS3, Lexus RC, Lexus IS are what I’ve seen plenty of sti and evo owner friends upgrade to. Literally any other German coupe or sedan make better cars for previous evo/sti owners. But I don’t have a KZread channel so who gives a f. It is damn impressive how they get so much damn power out of their AMG 4 bangers
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
The new RS3 with the 2.5 20V is the real deal.
@kangri08
3 жыл бұрын
i own a evo x and i would never upgrade? to any of those cars i’d keep my evo AND buy one of those for a daily but my evo wouldn’t go anywhere for any of those.
@NoEdits704
3 жыл бұрын
Golf r would not be an upgrade, Audi gets a hard pass due to maintenance and Lexus, this has to be a joke. Only 1 type of person buys Lexus. Turbo 4 cyl, 4 door, awd, holds its value. Evo/STI are much better options than any of those. Whp buys a new 335i knowing it'll be worth about 5k someday.
@kangri08
3 жыл бұрын
@@NoEdits704 u just spoke facts!!! 🙌🏽 i got my evo x a lil over 4 years ago with 23k miles for 29k it currently has 51k miles i’ve searched it every now and then on car guru and they have evo x’s with 70-90k miles going between 28k and 32k and i have way less miles then most of them listed and its a gsr (manual) BTW.
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
@@NoEdits704 man let me remind you that the RS3 has a 5 cylinder that VW has been making for a long time and it's a proven design.
Okay so whats the difference between the gla amg and the glb amg other then body shape?!
I'd LOVE to put this engine in a Miata or a burzz mated to a nice DCT designed for a RWD car.
😂😂😂 damn Matt!!! Let Zack have a stab at it
Oh yeah, as a Subie guy I agree
I just can’t imagine who the buyer is for a $68k hatch/crossover like this. What niche are we filling.
@AS-oo4gv
3 жыл бұрын
Teenagers with rich dads
@Khan.WrathOf
2 жыл бұрын
Dads trying to justify a "family car" purchase to the ol' lady...even though a taller car doesn't necessarily mean more space and certainly crappier mpg.
@puga4202
2 жыл бұрын
@@AS-oo4gv teenagers buy Cla45 instead. 99% of them don't even take a second look at "another small SUV".
@johnl.38
10 ай бұрын
Old comment but if you buy cpo it's like 50k with virtually no miles (currently)
@spittinvenom9843
2 ай бұрын
People with more money than you, 😉
This and the Megane RS are the only 4 bangers that sound any good. God damn I want an A45 AMG
2.0 liter 4-cylinder with 382hp!!?? unbelievable...
@ScottZ370
3 жыл бұрын
A45S has 420hp
@jacobwalls452
3 жыл бұрын
Mercedes is killing it with the 2.0L output
@maybelive765
3 жыл бұрын
Not really.... an STI would make 450hp+ if they wanted merc-like reliability
@saratov99
3 жыл бұрын
@@maybelive765 STI is 2.5l. Mercedes would hit 530hp with that displacement.
@mikehertz6507
3 жыл бұрын
@@maybelive765 "would" but don't
Surely the A45s is a hatchback, this is an SUV
on launch control, the transmission is laggy like a slushbox and at 68k it is very pricey for a hot hatch
Looks like Matt has dropped a few lbs and is getting in shape. Good work Matt.
That's a cool Aston Martin. $68K is bananas money, the GLA is cheap inside and out at it's base $35k price.
This or the current Macau GTS? They both seem like hot hatches to me. This GLA seems like some serious savings vs. Macan.
@skyscourge5663
3 жыл бұрын
I'd go for the GLA if not getting the Macan Turbo,but the interior is better in the Macan either way since this is a low level Mercedes
now what about the brabus version?
You should add 0 to 60 timing gear in your car when you first take off. That would be very interesting
Hey Matt, (off topic here) what model of Sunglasses are you wearing there? I'd like to get a pair of those. Thanks
@knight2386
3 жыл бұрын
Search Dillon optics. I got a pair myself after seeing him wear them. Cool shades 😎
@joevanseeters2873
3 жыл бұрын
@@knight2386 Thanks, I appreciate the information.
I’m glad for this video cuz I have the gla 2015
@AGCrean
3 жыл бұрын
I’m glad you’re glad
@artagain8977
3 жыл бұрын
@@AGCrean I’m glad that you’re glad that he’s glad.
@abe_ismain
3 жыл бұрын
@@artagain8977 I’m glad that your glad
From the front big mean AMG GTR. From behind , it looks like a Mazda CX-5
@timkinley1779
3 жыл бұрын
Kinda. Until a CX-5 is parked beside it.
To bad it looks like a early 2000’s rag 4
how do you squeeze that much power from a 2.0? thats nuts.
@jareknowak8712
3 жыл бұрын
Thats not much. Mitsibishi in Europe had 440hp out of 2.0L already 15 years ago. Google: EVO FQ MR 440
@jareknowak8712
2 жыл бұрын
@Roberto Vidal Garcia Thats also true.
Ordered a GLA35. Trading in my MK6 GTI. No more hatches for me.
No surprise MB has the tallest hot hatch
with how insane the pricing is on this, I would just buy a stinger. This is like a family-SUV sports car... it just doesnt look right. Too many real hatchbacks with good storage. GIVE USA A SERIES. I want an A 35/45 S AMG so damn bad.
yeah!! 😁
a golf r on stilts for people who hate being seen in hatchbacks
Vs Macan GTS?
The plastic fender trim looks tacky and cheep.
All i see is the cookie in the phone slot place :-)
I saw one of these on the road the other day and couldn't stop laughing at the hatchbacks wing
@DouEditz
3 жыл бұрын
What were you in when you were laughing at it?
Digging the orange band what you wearing today?
Does it come in a Manuel?
@Bolek989
2 жыл бұрын
@Roberto Vidal Garcia jajajaja
Lol.. sneaking in those 1 min infomercials half way in. Cheeky.
Not a bad car in general but for the money eh.
Badly needs some coilovers
You are growing in the wrong direction if you get an SUV or crossover. Get a van or a wagon if you want useable space. How many people will use the extra ground clearance for anything besides jumping a curb to hit some pedestrians?
@MPPJ1931
3 жыл бұрын
What wagon would you get to grow out of an STI or EVO? You mustn’t live in the states. We don’t get shit by the way of wagons.
@c0c0asauce
3 жыл бұрын
@@MPPJ1931 I do live in the states and I agree the options are scarce. I would probably go for a used car. Something with a bit of character like a 2016 Mercedes E class estate or 2014 BMW 5 series touring. If I couldn't afford those then a Buick Regal TourX was surprisingly attractive last time I saw one and you can probably get one really cheap already.
@MPPJ1931
3 жыл бұрын
@@c0c0asauce considering the last 5 series wagon we got here in the US was the e61 wagon that ended its run in 2010 I’d love to Know how you’d get a the f11 “touring”model here.
@c0c0asauce
3 жыл бұрын
@@MPPJ1931 I've seen a couple and I'm in Oklahoma so it can't be that hard to get one. Maybe it was a Canadian import?
@MPPJ1931
3 жыл бұрын
BTW No one calls wagons in the US estates, sport brakes, or touring. Might see Avant used for an Audi. Maybe the manufacturers do, but in car vernacular amongst people, it’s rare.
Honestly I think it’s a pretty compelling package… without the wing it might look decent and if it could do soft-roading and ski shuttle duties it would be a great all arounder. The thing I can’t shake with these econobox based Benzes is the “my first Mercedes” look. Just has an image that you were desperate to been seen in an MB, which overshadows any actual merits the car might have.
@Xenon0000000000001
3 жыл бұрын
I wouldn't let the thoughts of insecure people stop me from getting the car I want. The A Class is the 3rd best selling car in the UK at the moment, so you'd have to be pretty ignorant to think that people are buying them for any other reason than they like them.
Bigger spoiler stacked on top of smaller spoiler looks hilarious
My next Mercedes suv GLA 45 s
$68k??? LMAO
MASTARRRRRR
Wonder if this is the same engine as the new Lotus Emira Edit: came here for the car but I actually need a trimmer right now.
@Kobayashi360
3 жыл бұрын
It is the same engine
Boiii dat choc chip cookie looks amazeballsssssss
So lame MB does not import the AMG A45S into NA.
That thing looks like a mini minivan
"... fun little car"... he said about a 4000 lb monster
Well someone Opted for Beat ass seats, you can still get real seats!! lol!!
Never buy a Mercedes.. lease it! Then get another one in 2 or 3 years🤘
@razerone49
3 жыл бұрын
Totally agree. It’s stupidity to buy a newer model Merc unless it’s an older flagship like an E55, C63, etc. Take that from someone who’s owned and leased Merc’s and have talked to people who only drive Merc’s (Merc brand whores)
@thebeldam5823
3 жыл бұрын
@@razerone49yessir. I fix these cars everyday and this shit ain't cheap to fix when you own it.. Thats why you just fork up 370 a month to drive a brand new car every 1-3 years🤷♂️ You're damn right id lease a Mercedes though.. works of art
@all-flat-engines
3 жыл бұрын
Or just wait and buy a used CPO warranty vehicle at 1/4 the price
@kristians2704
3 жыл бұрын
isn’t this true for every luxury brand these days?
@thebeldam5823
3 жыл бұрын
@@kristians2704 oh no doubt all of them are horrible cars
I would take that over a STI or an EVO I would take a golf r over an STI or an EVO
I’d rather have a JCW Clubman!
Its lacking 150% in the not being a Japanese car department
looks like RC car. So goofy :D Not for me.
Ugliest hatchback? Yes.
Not the greatest looking vehicle kinda like a Subaru but maybe even less... cohesive. Like Mercedes plugged an Evo into a GTI and then put their "parents bought me this after I texted them what I wanted" sprinkles all over it. It looks like an ultimate Kia Soul with a big aftermarket wing for the sake of nothing. The owner maintenance costs and resale would very much not be at all comparable to a turbo Subaru I would hazard to assume. But I drove a modded bugeye wrx for over a dozen years. And sold it at 220k... in fully working order... for some money.
If you compare this to a Subaru it's like comparing a car to a tractor 😅
@KeySoz
3 жыл бұрын
That's not fair, a tractor will break way less than a Subaru.
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
@@KeySoz lol
@timkinley1779
3 жыл бұрын
However, people blindly buy both brands. For the most part, people who want a Subie, get a Subie. Same with MBs. Not alot of cross-shopping.
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
@@timkinley1779 Subaru's have character but objectively this Mercedes-Benz is better.
The engine is great, but it does look ugly.
@skyscourge5663
3 жыл бұрын
The old one looked better,but didn't have MBUX.Hard decision
@jareknowak8712
3 жыл бұрын
Skłodowska Curie!
Too bad we don’t get the A45s
@marcusmcneal7453
2 жыл бұрын
This first gen GLA 45 is the closest thing we have to them, which is why I bought one. Zero regrets. It’s great.
Those upshifts sound slow. Plastic fendors look awful too.
Dorkmobile
Yo you is mobbing 😂😂😂😂
What is this, Mercedes looked at the Nissan Juke and said "hey we wanna make a car as ugly as that too!"???
The Subaru sill has better steering feel
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
@@festuspunky boxer engine is better for handling
@memememine1
3 жыл бұрын
Sti is more agile but I drove a 2016 and the steering was nothing special. Never driven this gla but Mercedes surprisingly is known to have some of the best electric steering available.
@dragospahontu
3 жыл бұрын
@@memememine1 *electric* isn't as good as hydraulic
@memememine1
3 жыл бұрын
@@dragospahontu my bad I actually drove a modified Wrx that said STI all over 2015+ Wrx are electric. Older cars def have better steering feel. I'm sure old sti and old amg have better steering than both the new cars.
@jareknowak8712
3 жыл бұрын
Uncomparable cars, tbh.
A manual and they’d be getting somewhere.
This is one of the worst looking cars ever created. The proportions are absolutely horrific. Look at that rear 3/4 view…
@wearesecret6481
3 жыл бұрын
Yes the Mercedes design department fell asleep on this 2nd gen gla45, the body lines are terrible. I have the 1st gen gla45 a 2018 and looks way better.
@bb-vf1hb
3 жыл бұрын
@@wearesecret6481 I love the first gen design. Sucks that it had to end up like this
@Kobayashi360
3 жыл бұрын
I think it would look decent without that absurd wing.