The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S received the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine. Mercedes took it all the way to 421 PS. But VATH knew that four-pot can do more, without ignoring the ‘less is more principle,’ though.
And they were right. The tuning house did not make the compact crossover unrecognizable in terms of power or looks. That’s not what they usually have in store for cars that end up in their shop. But they did just enough to count and to allow them to put their signature on the already sporty GLA.
When it drives through the factory gate, the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S sports the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder capable of developing 421 PS (416 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. Quite impressive figures for the segment, aren’t they?
VATH though performed a software update to the ECU. They also installed a stainless steel downpipe, enlarged the intercooler and came up with a rear silencer. These operations were enough to take the GLA to 490 horsepower and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque.
They also worked on the braking system, adapting it to the extra oomph. New sport springs drop the ride height of the crossover.
The GLA 45 S now sports multi-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255-mm rubber, with contrasting red brake calipers.
The tuner did not work too much on the looks either. The AMG-branded model already displays an aggressive design in its stock form. It got the AMG Panamericana radiator grille with vertical slats, a lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser at the opposite end. There is a prominent roof spoiler back there, while the quadruple exhaust tips round up the sporty design.
VATH has recently worked on the CLA 45 Shooting Brake, powered by the exact same engine. The tuning house squeezed just as much power as they did this time from the CLA 45 S.
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