439HP Mercedes GLA 45 AMG by Vath

Although the GLA 45 AMG isn’t what you call an “under-powered car”, Vath messed with its powerplant a bit anyway.

Based on the A45 AMG, the bloated GLA crossover is a sporty cross-breed between a hatchback, a SUV and a …Mogwai fed after midnight. So, why not anger the thing a little more, if it already develops – in stock form – 381PS (376hp) and 475Nm (350lb-ft) of torque?

And that’s the facelifted variant, conceived to squeeze every last bit of power out of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine – or so Mercedes thinks. Using the old, slightly less powerful GLA 45 AMG as a base, German tuner Vath managed to increase the automobile’s power output to a jaw dropping 446 PS (439 hp) and 539 Nm (397 lb-ft) of torque.

 

 

Of course, for someone who wants the madness toned down, there’s always a more subtle 395 PS (389 hp), 485 Nm (357 lb-ft) of torque option. It won’t break the psychical 400 hp barrier, but it’s enough to make the automobile achieve a maximum speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).

The tuning package offered by Vath also contains a VA stainless-steel 270 EVO down pipe – which is responsible for five to eight percent of the power increase – and a VA stainless-steel, valve-controlled exhaust system. Of course, every over-the-top crossover with lots of grunt under the hood needs a stiffer and lowered ride, so that’s why Vath also offers lowering springs with a 30 mm drop which emphasizes the 20-inch black, high-gloss, rims. Although Vath says that the car can cut it off-road thanks to its 4MATIC system, we’re not so sure it should.

Styling-wise, you really need a trained eye to spot Vath’s carbon made front spoiler lip, rear diffuser and trunk spoiler, over the usual design cues – which almost makes the car a sleeper.