This is my first legitimate fast car over 100 mph. With a little extra from the tuning box it makes silly speed feel like 65. I can't imagine a Golf R or STI is that relaxed on the highway. And the handling really is neutral, I took my girfriend's gti out for comparrisons sake and it felt like it was going to tip over on my favorie entrance ramp, the merc is so ez corner in and it feels like there is more there if you dare. I think it is perfect.

 

I saw one of these over the weekend - my first reaction was wtf? I usually don't keep up on the A45 variations and just assumed any others wouldn't make it to the US. Well, after keeping pace with this crazy little Rally-spec (IMHO) car here in SF... both my wife and I were very curious to learn more.

I currently have a 2013 RRS Lux, love it. My wife has a 2012 C350 Sport. The RRS is great, but I find myself hating the new Land Rover direction and find the new RRS to ugliest, watered down mall runner ever. So Land Rover is out for me in the future. And I've had LRs for the longest time. But the brand is dead in my eyes. I also find the Merc one of the best cars we've owned - it's superb on so many levels and although something I would get, it's a great car.

So that brings me to my next ride. I usually trade-in whatever car/truck I have after 2.5-years or 3. Never keep them longer. So coming in Spring she may have to go. Was planning on waiting for the C63 but seeing this GLA45, has peaked my interest quite a bit.

My son is now 5 and I no longer need the SUV... he's a motorhead like me and he's been asking when we can get a fast car. When he was born I had an e90 M3, but sold that a while back. And before that, I had an e46 M3. But BMW sucks now so that brand is also dead to me. It seems like Mercedes is picking up where all the rest left off - and are becoming HUGELY successful... in terms over everything they make.

Anyway, as I continue exploring this particular model, do any of you guys know if the US exhaust note (crackle, obnoxious dbs) are the same as the A45 EU version? I've seen a few reviews but nothing concrete on this. It does sound right, but is it tuned down for the US market? I know that question may not be answered, but I am curious.

I saw this review on the A45 - and just love it. The GLA45 would be a perfect city car for me and fulfill some youth I've lost over the years with the SUVs. The exhaust note in this video is insanely delishish!!!!

 

yes, with the performance exhaust that's the note you get braaaap braaaaap not very amg like. If the cabin size works for you, in a $60k 4cyl, it's a sporty, tiny, car.
As for your youth, I don't kow how old you are, but this is definitely targeted to entry level, younger, buyers. I'm 50 and the car doesn't seem to have much "gravitas" as far as size/styling/sound.


AMG is doing away with normally aspirated v-8's, and the new CLK(GLC?) will have this v-8TT motor for 2016. I have high hopes for this vehicle, that it will be more comfortable in the cabin and have a mid-400's hp number. Otherwise I may just go elsewhere.

 

huh? it sounds like a ripping rally rocket compact and agile, If gravitas means huge and heavy no thanks

 

exactly. I don't think you're making the point you think you are.

Size, sound and ride quality are exactly that of a Golf R, same sound as a wrx without the performance. That's exactly who it's marketed to, slightly older wrx drivers.

 

@$70k out the door i kind of doubt its aimed wrx buyers. Its a german sti for rich people, the biiger suvs are a different class of vehicle plain and simple some like them some dont.

i must be misunderstanding you-this 45 is on another level than the wrx in terms of refinement, handling and out right power

 

So you are saying a LARGER 2.5L BOXER engine sounds the SAME as a standard 2.0L inline-4????

"Without the performance????" The CLA45 and GLA45 have been tested to run from 12.6-12.8 in the quarter mile, that's pretty damn impressive.

The 2015 STi runs the quarter mile in 13.1
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ti_first_test/

 

I spent a day with one. They're a blast to drive.

 

Between three of them the CLa/GLA and C300, all of which I have driven and the BMW. M235 as well, I'd wait and get the AMG-ish C450 4 Matic which I can't wait to drive. Quicker than either, much better interior on the new C Klasse and with a tune well over 400 HP. Note too that a modded M235 is right on the heels of an m3/4 for about 1/2 the price. The C450 is going to be a dragon slayer without the 4 banger which can get buzzy.

 

About what a C400 4, Matic is running.

 

You need to look at the C450 4 Matic when it arrives in June or so.

 

The C450 is NOT quicker than any of the 45 AMG's, nor does it handle better, turn in as quick, etc...AMG cars are a package of focused handling and performance. The C450 is a fast C-class with some AMG "flavoring" added in. It is primarily a comfortable and well appointed vehicle with some speed. But don't confuse this with the 45AMG's (or the C63 for that matter) performance based design, setup and parts.

 

It seems like MB's marketing works well for people who think they are getting something similar to full AMG cars due to the AMG badges. Other manufacturers also have the same thing and they seem to make lots and lots of money off of them. M-Sport, V-Sport, F-Sport, S-line, etc. The list goes on... While they do offer nice styling upgrades that looks similar to the true high performance models and some do offer significant performance upgrades as well, they are not really close to the real thing like you have mentioned.