Mercedes-AMG’s GLA 45 Is Itching To Go At The Audi RS Q3

Since certain people think that higher ground clearance is king and that not all powerful cars need to handle like a 488 Pista, crossovers like the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 will inevitably be successful.

Meanwhile, this new upcoming model might even aim for the segment crown since on paper at least, it should have more horsepower than its direct rival from Audi, the brand new RS Q3 with its 395 HP (400 PS) 2.5-liter turbocharged petrol unit.

The Mercedes-AMG on the other hand is expected to wear the very same 2.0-liter turbo four-pot from the A 45 and CLA 45 models, which features two stages of tune – 382 HP (387 PS) and 354 lb-ft (480 Nm) as standard and 415 HP (421 PS) and 368 lb-ft (499 Nm) in range-topping S guise.

Visually, the GLA 45 is equipped with the automaker’s Panamericana grille, larger air intakes than lesser versions, wider side sills, bigger wheels, bigger brakes, and a quad exhaust setup, which you can see on this prototype for the very first time.

It also has red brake calipers but aside from that, there isn’t much else to tell about the exterior design until at least some of that camouflage comes off.

Also read: 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLA Rendered Like The Raised A-Class That It Is

As for the interior, we already know what it’s going to look like thanks to a 2020 GLA prototype spotted this past summer. However, in AMG 45 S guise, the crossover should also feature an Alcantara sports steering wheel, piano black inserts, and contrast stitching for the seats, door panels, armrest and steering wheel.

Mercedes-AMG should debut the GLA 45 and 45 S sometime early next year.