CAR OF THE WEEK

Darth Vader's Holiday Hire Car - Our Mercedes-Benz GLA45 S AMG 4Matic+ Plus

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There’s something of an American muscle car about the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 S AMG 4Matic+ Plus (the name is, indeed, a bit of a mouthful). It has got to do, firstly, with its aggressive, muscular, purposeful stance. Like all AMG Mercs, it exudes confidence. The Panamericana front grille, first introduced on the AMG GT R supercar, separates it from your more run-of-the-mill models. It just looks authoritative.

But that’s not all. Menacing 21-inch satin black alloy wheels, an AMG aerodynamic package, AMG night package, high-performance braking system, and much more besides makes the GLA 45 a true ‘drivers’ SUV. And although it doesn’t have a V8, the boffins at AMG have worked their magic on the humble 2.0 turbocharged unit to create an absolute masterpiece of an engine. With each engine assigned to a master technician throughout its build process, you can be sure that you’re getting the very best that Affalterbach can offer. And it does give you the impression of piloting a true muscle car across America.

Generating a visceral burble on tickover, start to gently push the throttle and it turns into popping-and-banging monster. Ok, it might not have the authenticity or sheer free-revving nature of an old-school motor, but it is still mighty impressive. Launching from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, going onto a top speed of 155mph, and producing 421hp, you’ll not be disappointed.

And Mercedes have, of course, not forgotten the interior either. All cars with a three-pointed star are beautifully built, but the GLA 45 is particularly special. You get two gorgeous body-hugging performance sports seats wrapped in luxurious leather, echoing the focused ethos of the model. Carbon fibre interior trim coupled with a sliding panoramic sunroof and a smattering of performance-oriented driver technology make the GLA 45 feel special wherever you venture.

There aren’t many cars that combine performance, luxury, and extraordinary design in one cohesive platform. Many try, of course, but which truly succeed? There can be no doubt that the GLA is a fabulously well-considered family SUV that can do the school run whilst putting in the times on the track day over and over again. Another one to add to the trophy cabinet, Mercedes.

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