Mercedes-AMG has revealed its updated GLA 45 S performance crossover, with freshened looks but no extra power.

    The refresh comes just six months after the standard 2024 GLA SUV range was revealed in updated guise.

    The rest of the GLA range is due here in December 2023.

    “At this stage we are not planning to offer the facelift model in Australia,” said a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Australia.

    “We are yet to communicate the GLA facelift model range in December.”

    The most noticeable change is the front fascia. It has an updated shape featuring larger lower air intakes and a revised front bumper and grille, for a more squared-off, aggressive look.

    There are restyled LED headlights, with Multibeam LED headlights optional.

    The tail lights have also been tweaked, while the wheel arch extensions are now body-coloured instead of black.

    Under the arches sit 20-inch light-alloy wheels and red brake calipers.

    Customers of the updated model can, however, also opt for 19- or 21-inch light-alloy wheels.

    Like the A-Class and CLA facelifts, the cabin of the GLA 45 S has received updates to bring it into line with the rest of the brand’s performance models.

    A three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel is included as standard, with an array of buttons for control over driving modes and bright displays.

    It features the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, with AMG-specific interfaces and functions as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    The GLA 45 S also gains an additional USB-C outlet.

    Bucket-style sports seats remain standard, and customers can continue to opt for AMG performance seats, which both receive new upholstery covers made from artificial leather and microfibre.

    New colourway options include Sage Grey and Red Pepper, and open-pore wood appliques are available.

    There’s no change to the powertrain, which is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 310kW and 500Nm of torque.

    Mercedes-AMG claims the compact SUV can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds.

    Top speed on the all-wheel-drive model is electronically limited to 270 km/h.

    The current-generation Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 went on sale in Australia in 2020 alongside its lesser GLA siblings.

    Mercedes-Benz is launching a new platform for small cars in 2024 and is paring down its range of what it calls Entry Luxury models.

    The company has already teased a next-generation GLA on this new MMA architecture.

    MORE: Everything Mercedes-AMG GLA

    Eilidh McNaughton
    Eilidh McNaughton is a Contributor at CarExpert.
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