[03///m3]

Anyone driven one of these cars? I may take a test drive soon. I think its a cool package (hatchback with AWD and sweet little engine with DCT). I wonder if you can track them (some tracks don't allow SUVs on track) in the US since I've heard they are classified as cars in the US due to ride height. Its attractive as i want 4 doors and I like the practicality of a hatch back but i don't like SUV's. I also like to use my only car as a dual purpose DD/track car so i'm wondering if this would work. I currently have an E92 M3 which i love but i'm looking to get something sporty with 4 doors.

[happos2]

Originally Posted by 03///m3

I currently have an E92 M3 which i love but i'm looking to get something sporty with 4 doors.

E90 M3 is sporty with 4 doors

I haven't driven one but am interested in what others say. I like Mercedes-AMG recipes lately.

[TSM330i]

Before you go, price on up on their website. An M3 won't look to bad a deal once you're done

[03///m3]

Yes I would have purchased an E90 had they still been making them last year (I want to purchase a new car). I am considering the F80 but i'm also considering the GLA45 as a crazy alternative.

Yeah i've priced one out they can get expensive quickly. My spec would be just the Recaros with alcantara wheel and performance package. Around $55k. M3 would be around $68k.

[wisesoul]

I absolutely do not see the point of that car. The A45 is also a hatchback with AWD, having a higher ground clearance version of that car seems highly redundant. Too bad Mercedes won't offer A models here

[Red Bread]

Yeah, an A45 would be highly preferable. Just like we would have taken the ugly pug M135i over our X1 35i in a second.

[03///m3]

I would get an A45 in a second over the GLA if they sold it in the US.

[BMW269]

Serious? GLA 45 AMG on track? Explains why Mazda does not build any MX-5 Coupé.

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by 03///m3

Yes I would have purchased an E90 had they still been making them last year (I want to purchase a new car). I am considering the F80 but i'm also considering the GLA45 as a crazy alternative.

Yeah i've priced one out they can get expensive quickly. My spec would be just the Recaros with alcantara wheel and performance package. Around $55k. M3 would be around $68k.

I did the same thing with an M3 vs. the CLA45AMG and the M3 I built was $66K and the CLA was $62K, so I only had a $4K difference. Those performance seats in the CLA are stellar!
For me, it'd be a no brainer, I'd get the M3. Bigger car, more space, quicker and for me a better deal.
Good-luck with your search!

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

I LOVE the GLA 45. I was actually sitting in one earlier today. The car is very spacious, and the performance of the car is substantial. The 4Matic really helps the car in the corners. You do feel a little understeer as the 4Matic routes power to the front wheels 100% of the time unless it senses slip.

[OBI_agent]

I like the gla but i dont luv it. AND damn it's pricey. If ur looking for a quick hatchback, why not look at the upcoming golf r. 290hp, drives fantastic, awd, under 5 sec and looks amazing with quad exhaust. The price would be cheaper as well. (Between 40-50k)

Anyway, if u already have ur heart set on gla, I suggest u test drive it if possible. The gearbox can be annoying and good amount of lag in normal driving. And if ur still contesting a m3, that's a no brainer...luv the m3

[OBI_agent]

Ps, gla are classified as suv because it will help Mercedes in improving overall fuel economy of other suvs they sell.

[03///m3]

Originally Posted by OBI_agent

I like the gla but i dont luv it. AND damn it's pricey. If ur looking for a quick hatchback, why not look at the upcoming golf r. 290hp, drives fantastic, awd, under 5 sec and looks amazing with quad exhaust. The price would be cheaper as well. (Between 40-50k)

Anyway, if u already have ur heart set on gla, I suggest u test drive it if possible. The gearbox can be annoying and good amount of lag in normal driving. And if ur still contesting a m3, that's a no brainer...luv the m3

I plan on test driving one soon. My main concerns are the understeer form the FWD setup and the DCT not responding as quick as id like.

[Red Bread]

Worth noting that MB is using an older version of Haldex than VW, so the Mk7 R will likely exhibit less understeer than the GLA45. Plus it weighs 400-500 pounds less.

[Diver]

The A45 is not getting much love from the automotive press.

[03///m3]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

Worth noting that MB is using an older version of Haldex than VW, so the Mk7 R will likely exhibit less understeer than the GLA45. Plus it weighs 400-500 pounds less.

Interesting I didn't know that. I thought the GLA45 was around 3400 lbs? Is the new golf r really 3000 lbs? If so that is awesome!

[Red Bread]

Originally Posted by 03///m3

Interesting I didn't know that. I thought the GLA45 was around 3400 lbs? Is the new golf r really 3000 lbs? If so that is awesome!

Well, it's all a little up in the air right now, at least until we know US spec for the Mk7 R. MB lists the GLA at 3,495 but C&D said theirs weighed 3,645.

Likewise VW lists the Mk7 R at 3,075 but I've seen listed weight for Mk7 GTI's at 3,050, so assume that's similar lowballing.

But AMG lists a max power transfer of 60% to the rear for the x45 cars and VW's listing "over 90%" for Haldex version 6, it sounds like AMG might be using version 4.