Mercedes GLA 45 S updates announced

Keeping the GLA 45 S looking new and desirable topped the list of priorities, so the facelifted car’s exterior lighting is now exclusively by pure-white LED, and the headlights and taillights get a new signature that makes it clear, even at night, that you have the latest 45 S.

A new AMG badge and front apron will be even easier to spot in daylight, but it will take GLA 45 S connoisseurs to spot the body-coloured wheel arch extensions (they used to be black plastic). While the updates are subtle, the overall look is anything but, thanks to the GLA’s meaty body kit, substantial rear spoiler and chubby quad exhausts.

The minor upgrades continue on the inside, where you’ll find a new AMG steering wheel complete with controls with their own tiny screens that give you direct access to the car’s drive modes, exhaust and damper settings.

The souped-up AMG-specific infotainment screen now has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, high-powered USB ports and an extra USB-C plug.

And the cost of these light updates? More than you’d expect, the new car starts from £53,120 – a sizable leap from the £48,100 outgoing version.