- The Mercedes-AMG GLA Electric has been spied in Europe.
- Model looks relatively tame, but sports a few telltale upgrades.
- Crossover could have three motors and more than 500 hp.
Spy photographers have snapped the electric Mercedes GLA on multiple occasions, but now they’ve gotten up close and personal with the AMG variant. It’s a hot electric crossover that looks suspiciously like a supersized hatchback.
While the front end is heavily disguised, it will likely follow in the footsteps of the CLA and GLB. Details are hard to make out, but we can see star-infused headlights and a wide lower intake.
More: AMG’s Baby Mercedes SUV Could Pack 500 HP And A Drift Mode
The side profile is more revealing as there are extended fender flares that hint at a wider track. The performance variant is also notable for riding on lightweight wheels that are backed up by a beefy braking system with red calipers up front. They’re accompanied by low-profile tires and a sport-tuned suspension, which appears to have a lower ride height.
It’s hard to tell this is an AMG variant as the prototype’s booty is completely unremarkable. However, the production model could be distinguished by a slightly sportier bumper.
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Putting the bland exterior aside, the cabin will largely carryover from its MMA counterparts. That being said, there are some notable performance touches including a leather and Alcantara flat-bottom steering wheel. The steering wheel also has two lower ‘buttons’ with integrated displays.
Elsewhere, we can see silver trim and heavily bolstered seats with white contrast stitching. The screens are largely covered, but we can expect a familiar 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system. They should be joined by an optional 14-inch front passenger display.
SHProshots
The GLA Electric is expected to be offered in 250+ and 350 4MATIC guise. In the CLA, the latter has an 85 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. It enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.8 seconds and have an EPA range of 312 miles (502 km).
The AMG variant will undoubtedly improve on those numbers and rumors have suggested the crossover could have three axial flux motors producing more than 500 hp (373 kW / 507 PS). They could be accompanied by a unique battery with a higher energy density than the regular model.
The recently introduced AMG GT 4-Door has a similar layout as it has two axial flux motors out back and one up front. However, that model has a far higher output of 1,153 hp (860 kW / 1,169 PS).
