Test numbers for the 355 horsepower M133 powered 2015 X156 GLA45 AMG - 12 second 3589 lb curb weight 'SUV'

The GLA-Class is what you would call a crossover which blends sport utility elements with a car. It essentially is a CLA on stilts. It sits a bit taller and has slightly different styling with its hatchback setup offering more utility but everything else is basically the exact same.

The test figures here from Car and Driver for the GLA45 AMG mirror the CLA45 AMG. Interestingly the GLA45 AMG scores better in several categories. Curb weight? The GLA45 AMG comes in at 3589 versus 3619 for the CLA45 AMG. Essentially dead even and it depends on options.

What about the handling? You would think the taller GLA45 AMG would handle worse but its revised suspension allows .96g of grip compared to .94g for the CLA45 AMG. A lower center of gravity should be favored on the skidpad but the numbers are what they are.

Both cars are essentially front wheel drives sending up to 50% of the power to the rear when traction demands it. That explains the poor 60.4% front to 39.6% rear weight distribution. This is originally a front wheel drive platform AMG is modifying.

The acceleration figures are also a wash between the GLA45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG. The GLA45 AMG manages 0-60 in the same 4.2 seconds and the 1/4 mile comes in 12.8 seconds at 109 miles per hour.

The GLA45 AMG is a decent value at the $49,225 base price but Car and Driver's tester went up to $67,695 with options. At that point, one begins to wonder if a close to $70k four-cylinder AMG makes sense.

It definitely is a cool little utility vehicle with quite a bit of sportiness to it. With the absence of an RS Q3 in the USA this car really has no rival at the moment.