The media and prospective buyers have given Mercedes->ke187' new compact crossover->ke288 -- the GLA-Class -- a lot of attention lately. And whenever there's a new Mercedes like the GLA-Class, one can expect Brabus->ke368 to start work on a tuning program for it. Like its past projects on other Mercedes vehicles, Brabus understands how to turn up the heat with its aftermarket programs. In this particular case, Brabus not only brings out the GLA-Class' untapped performance credentials, but does so while looking classy and luxurious.

It's hard not to love the GLA-Class, especially when an aftermarket company like Brabus gets its hands on it. The strikingly designed exterior that carries distinctive highlights showcases a GLA-Class that looks as comfortable in city streets as it is taking on some light off-road duties.

And don't forget, Brabus always pays premium importance on giving its programs hefty performance increases and the GLA-Class is no different. Think the GLA-Class' standard 208 horsepower is enough for Brabus?

Think again, fellas. Think again.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class By Brabus.

2015 Mercedes GLA-Class By Brabus

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes GLA-Class By Brabus
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 210
  • Torque: 302
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

2015 Mercedes GLA-Class By Brabus in detail

On the outside, you can immediately spot all the upgrades Brabus gives to the GLA-Class.The front section, in particular, has the tuner's fingerprints all over it. Brabus modified the central insert of the front bumper to make it look like there's an additional front spoiler. A deeper look at the front bumper and you'll notice new attachments for the side air inlets, again showcasing more pronounced aesthetics that make the GLA look sportier and more athletic.

On the rear, Brabus attached a new spoiler to the hatch, and a new rear bumper insert creates the same aggressive visual aesthetic. This rear-end modification complements the reworked front section of the compact crossover nicely. Finally, the tuner slapped on a new exhaust system to give the GLA-Class an aggressive exhaust note to match its new look.

A big part of any Brabus program is a new set of wheels. In the case of the GLA, the German tuner offers wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches. The biggest of this list are the Platinum Edition wheels, which are available in either a Monoblock F or a Monoblock R design.

Here's where the program really gets serious. Thanks to its own ECO PowerXtra D3 performance kit, Brabus increases the output of the 2.1-liter, diesel-powered GLA 200 CDI to a tidy 210 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. That's a huge bump from the diesel GLA's standard 136 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This power bump allows the compact crossover to hit 62 mph in eight seconds and go with a top speed of 137 mph. That's a full two seconds faster to 62 mph and and 10 mph faster than the base GLA 200 CDI.

But even that is nowhere near as impressive as the performance kit Brabus gave to the turbocharged GLA 45 AMG. That one makes use of the company's PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit, increasing the output to an impressive 400 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque -- 40 horsepower and 37 pound-feet more than the stock model. With that kit in tow, the high-powered GLA 45 hits 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds to go with a top speed of 168 mph. That 0.4 seconds quicker to 62 mph and 13 mph faster than the stock model.

Unfortunately, the GLA 250 doesn't receive much love, as Brabus offers only a sport exhaust system with a butterfly valve for sound tuning. Brabus reports no power increases for the GLA 250 with this exhaust kit.

Very impressive, to say the least.

Brabus also offers a host of interior options for the GLA-Class, beginning with bi-color, stainless-steel scuff plates with a "BRABUS" logo, matte-anodized BRABUS aluminum pedals, door-lock pins, and BRABUS Race aluminum shift paddles.

Mercedes GLA-Class

The GLA-Class rolls into production for the 2015 model year. In the U.S., we will get the GLA250 and the GLA45 AMG. The former uses a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine that delivers a total of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the latter houses a 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine with 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.