Driven To Perform

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC serves well as a small family SUV, but its masculine aesthetics and sporty nature will probably see dad reach for the car more often than mom.

- Tien Chew

On my way to greet my new ride for the next three days, I envisioned what angle I wanted to approach Mercedes-Benz's incredibly sporty, subcompact SUV when it came to writing this review. With keys to the top-of-the-line Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC in hand, I thought that I could simply take the easy route and spend my time with the car revelling in its undoubtedly powerful performance. But no, that would be too one-dimensional, wouldn’t it? So instead, I decided to review it as a family car. Could a highly modified speed demon also serve as a comfortable ride for my wife and child? Let’s find out.

DAY 1

My experience with the vehicle began with taking my family for a leisurely lunch and some light grocery shopping. Sounded easy enough. Although, I got a cautionary glance from both my wife and seven-year-old when I started the car and the GLA roared to life with an incredible roar—no doubt thanks to its beastly turbocharged AMG 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine—our journey to the go-to local neighbourhood restaurant was pretty much safe and smooth. With our family favourite playlist playing on the car’s awesome Harman Kardon surround sound system, and an overall relaxing vibe, we felt comfortable all throughout the drive. After lunch, it was another easy 15-minute drive to the supermarket where we stocked up on some knick-knacks in the boot.