Review: 2017 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic Yellow Night Edition

For those who hadn’t realised Mercedes-Benz has given the GLA 45 range a mid-life facelift, it’s launched this new Yellow Night Edition range-topper to draw the attention of everyone within eyeshot. Subtle it is not; the wheels have grown to 20 inches, and been given a dash of yellow paint, and there’s more yellow trim for the rear bumper and sides of the wing. Garish, to put it mildly.

Other changes are range-wide. There’s a new front apron and chrome splitter, an enlarged rear diffuser and the rear tailgate spoiler has been reprofiled. Inside, the 8.0in infotainment screen has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and this Yellow Night has an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo, AMG sports seats and AMG steering wheel. Plus, of course, yellow-trimmed air vents and trim stitching.

There’s no more power though. Mercedes-AMG clearly felt 375bhp was enough; it’s already the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, so why push it further, when it’s already capable of 0-62mph in 4.4sec?

Performance is rabid. It has 4Matic all-wheel drive, so deploys that power with brilliant efficiency, ensuring launches off the line are ludicrously sharp and thrilling. The engine just keeps on pulling, way into illegal figures, and the optional AMG exhaust on our test car delivered the requisite burbles, crackles and bangs.

What’s more surprising is the fact it rides pretty well, using the GLA’s extra height over the regular A-Class to good effect. That’s despite such large wheels on this relatively compact car, although the knock-on effect is a bit less sharpness through corners. Even so, it’s hardly soft and wallowy, with well-controlled body roll that’s enhanced further if you pick the AMG dynamic plus pack, which adds AMG ride control suspension.

So equipped, the tenacious GLA 45 has ferocious cross-country pace and ability, which the slightly better visibility over the lower A-Class only enhances further. It’s a good half-way house between a hatch and a full-on SUV, simply because it’s able to drive and steer witch such car-like tendencies.

We wouldn’t for one minute suggest you go and buy this Yellow Night Edition. It’s far too divisive in appearance and, at £6485 more than a normal GLA 45, far too expensive. £53k is a lot of money in anyone’s book. But the regular car, that’s certainly worth a look, because of what a fast and thrilling performance crossover it is. Here’s hoping the stand-out appearance of this model is enough to lure people into showrooms to discover it.