Mercedes GLA45 AMG gets 400 hp from Brabus

GLA250 4Matic and GLA45 AMG each receive performance and visual upgrades

    The Mercedes-Benz GLA-class has been on sale only for about a month, comprising both GLA250 4matic and GLA45 AMG 4Matic models, but we figured it wouldn't be long before German tuning house Brabus took a crack at the new mini-SUV from Stuttgart. Like clockwork, the Bottrop-based performance company has revealed tuning programs for both versions of the GLA-class.

     For the GLA250 4Matic, Brabus will offer its PowerXtra B25 performance kit, which consists of a plug-and-play module integrated into the engine electronics. The result is 241 hp and 284 lb-ft of torque, a gain of 33 hp and 26 lb-ft of torque. That brings the 0-62 time in the GLA250 4Matic down to 6.7 seconds.

    The changes that Brabus has cooked up for the GLA45 AMG 4Matic are a bit more substantial, and the tuning firm has once again turned to adjusting the engine control unit rather than stuffing a bigger engine underhood. Brabus' PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit dials the GLA45 AMG version up to 400 hp and 369 lb-ft of of torque, a gain of 45 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque. That brings the 0-62 mph sprint time down to 4.4 seconds, also giving the Brabus version a top speed of 168 mph.

    Given that Brabus' home in Bottrop is located right next to a derestricted autobahn, we have no reason to doubt the top speed claim, which is actually on the slower side when it comes to Brabus' recent efforts with larger Mercedes-Benz models.

    Brabus has also debuted a tuning kit for the diesel GLA220 CDI, which is not available in North America. The ECO PowerXtra D3 kit has also gone the ECU route, and has given the diesel version an extra 40 hp, bringing the output up to 210 hp, plus a very impressive 302 lb-ft of torque, all of which give the GLA220 CDI the ability to sprint to 62 mph in 8.0 seconds flat.

    Almost all versions of Brabus' GLA-class will also receive an upgraded stainless-steel quad exhaust system, with the GLA250 4Matic also receiving an actively controlled butterfly valve in the pipes.

    Power upgrades aren't the only thing on the menu: Brabus will offer a full range of exterior upgrades including a front spoiler and air intakes for the front bumper, a rear spoiler attached to the hatch, and a rear diffuser, in addition to other visual upgrades like LED lights and alloy wheels of Brabus' design ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches. The largest wheel option for the GLA-class will be forged BRABUS 9Jx21 "Platinum Edition" wheels in Monoblock F and Monoblock R designs, designed to wear high-performance tires up to size 255/30 R 21 from Continental, Pirelli, and Yokohama. Brabus has also lowered the ride height of all the GLA-class variants by 1 inch in the interest of lowering the center of gravity, which should slightly help the already sharp handling.

    For the interior, Brabus will offer a wide range of custom upholstery options that are limited only by customers' whims, in addition to some standard bits like stainless-steel scuff plates with a backlit Brabus logo.

    Brabus does have a U.S. subsidiary, so the performance upgrades will be available for North American-market GLA-class SUVs; pricing has not yet been announced.