GLA-Class

BRABUS Refines the GLA AMG

Words Jim Davis | October 22, 2014
BRABUS has developed a tailor-made refinement program for the GLA AMG
Words Jim Davis October 22, 2014

The Mercedes GLA-Class is not only the smallest SUV from the brand, but in the sports version and as the GLA 45 AMG sets some remarkably dynamic highlights. Expand on these talents, BRABUS has developed a tailor-made refinement program for the five-door car.

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class with AMG bodystyling kit

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class
with AMG bodystyling kit

The product range includes engine tuning for the various diesel- and gasoline-powered models culminating in the 294-kW / 400-horsepower version for the GLA 45, aerodynamic-enhancement components, and tailor-made BRABUS Monoblock wheels with diameters of up to 21 inches that give the crossover vehicle an even more athletic appearance.

BRABUS offers the PowerXtra B25 performance kit for the four-cylinder turbocharged engine of the GLA 250 with front- or all-wheel drive. The plug-and-play module is integrated into the engine electronics. The new parameters for the engine management system and boost pressure control bumps the power output from standard 155 kW / 211 horsepower to 180 kW / 245 horsepower (208 to 241 bhp). At the same time, peak torque jumps from 350 to 385 Nm (258 to 284 lb-ft). This results in noticeably improved driving dynamics and driving fun. The sprint time from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) is shortened to 6.7 seconds, the top speed increases to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The array of engine tuning for the compact SUV is crowned by the BRABUS PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit for the GLA 45. After the conversion, the top-of-the-line GLA model churns out 294 kW / 400 horsepower (394 bhp) and produces a peak torque of 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). With this engine under the hood, the all-wheel-drive car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. In conjunction with the BRABUS V/max unit, the power-SUV reaches a top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph).

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class with AMG bodystyling kit

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class
with AMG bodystyling kit

BRABUS ECO PowerXtra D3 is the name of particularly efficient performance tuning for the common-rail turbodiesel engine of the Mercedes GLA 220 CDI. The installation of this plug-and-play auxiliary control unit delivers an extra 30 kW / 40 horsepower (40 bhp). Propelled by 155 kW / 210 horsepower (208 bhp) and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft), the agile diesel model sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8.0 seconds and reaches a new top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

The BRABUS sports stainless-steel quad exhaust is available for almost all GLA gasoline and diesel engines. The exhaust system produces a sportier but never obtrusive exhaust note. A BRABUS sports exhaust with actively controlled butterfly valve is optionally available for the GLA 250 4MATIC. It offers the driver an individual sound tuning between subtle and decidedly sporty at the push of a button in the cockpit.

A diffusor insert for the rear bumper of the sporty GLA models with AMG body styling matches the BRABUS sports exhaust system and features tailor-made cutouts for the four chrome tailpipes with hallmark design. The front of the AMG Line version can be upgraded with a BRABUS front spoiler and design elements for the air intakes in the front bumper. It goes without saying that the BRABUS product lineup also features body styling components for the other design and equipment lines of the Mercedes GLA-Class.

The BRABUS engineers and technicians have developed LED underfloor lighting for all versions to make getting in and out easier and safer in the dark. It is activated with the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle. The BRABUS rear spoiler, which mounts to the liftgate, can likewise be used universally on all GLA models.

BRABUS alloy wheels in OEM quality play a crucial role in the exclusive looks of the GLA refined by BRABUS. The spectrum of tailor-made tire/wheel combinations ranges in diameter from 18 to 21 inches.

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class with AMG bodystyling kit

BRABUS Program for the Mercedes GLA-Class
with AMG bodystyling kit

The largest option for the compact SUV features forged BRABUS 9Jx21 “Platinum Edition” wheels in the two striking Monoblock F and R designs. BRABUS technology partners Continental, Pirelli and YOKOHAMA supply the matching high-performance tires up to size 255/30 R 21 front and back.

BRABUS sports springs lower the ride height of the GLA by about 25 millimeters (1 inch). The lower center of gravity results in even sportier handling. Customers looking for a lifted suspension in the interest of more comfortable ingress and egress as well as further optimized visibility will find a suspension solution specifically designed for them that raises the ride height of the GLA by about 30 millimeters (1.2 in.).

BRABUS also fulfills all kinds of individual requests when it comes to the interior. The lineup of exclusive accessories ranges from two-tone stainless-steel scuff plates with optionally backlit BRABUS logo to matt anodized pedals and door lock pins, to aluminum ‘Race’ shift paddles.

The BRABUS upholstery shop offers even more variety. In line with the customer’s requests the upholsterers can complete the ex-factory leather interior appointments or craft completely new and particularly exclusive BRABUS fine leather interiors for which they use especially soft yet extremely durable BRABUS Mastik leather and Alcantara in any desired color.