Mercedes isn't happy just taking everybody's V8 money. Instead, the German automaker is rushing to develop the largest family of small premium cars. The second-generation GLA could become one of them about a year from now, but the AMG version is already under development.
We are talking about the GLA 35 4Matic, seen here for the first time while undergoing testing. The existence of this model shouldn't surprise anybody, as the engine being tested here is already available on four other cars (A 35 and CLA 35 with two body styles each).
However, considering the GLA II is still in the early stages of development, we expected the AMG model to take a little longer. So what is this vehicle all about?
In short, it's a rival for the BMW X2 M35i, barely worth calling a crossover after its suspension was lowered for the AMG treatment. But with 306 HP and 400 Nm of torque, this 2-liter toy is also going to compete with three VW Group sisters, the Audi SQ2, VW T-Roc R, and Cupra Ateca.
Price-wise, it won't be cheap, as adding autos and AWD will bump it up to at least €45,000. So it's your choice whether to have a more engaging Golf R or a high-riding but still very fast crossover. As you can probably tell from the spy video, the GLA is now quite a small car, probably sharing its interior volume with the A-Class
For looks, we can refer you to a previous rendering of the GLA II. To add an AMG look, you can just imagine dual exhaust pipes and that yellow paint Mercedes likes to use all the time. The debut of this car is probably still a year away. But in the meantime, the brand might launch the practical and similarly powered GLA 35.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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