The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class is that perfect combination of a practical, compact SUV and a performance car at heart (especially in its explosive AMG versions).
While it’s already a beast on the road, with the right combination of modifications and upgrades, your 2020+ Mercedes GLA-Class and 2014-2020 GLA45 AMG can truly stand out.
We’ve collated the best high-impact upgrades for your GLA-Class so you can be sure every mod not only fits your car but also improves the way it drives too.
Exterior Mods for the Mercedes GLA-Class/GLA45 AMG
The GLA’s compact crossover design offers a perfect canvas for bold styling. A few exterior upgrades can take its look from “charming city companion” to “commanding performance SUV.”
Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
It’s often the tiniest changes that bring about the most significant transformation. Getting rid of those factory mirror caps and upgrading them to carbon fiber mirror caps is one of the fastest modifications with a massive visual effect for your GLA.
Why they’re a great mod:
- Instant Sportiness: The unique carbon fiber weave instantly turns your car into a tuned, purposeful machine that aligns your vehicle with AMG race machines.
- Lightweight & Long-Lasting: Unlike the OEM plastic ones, the carbon fiber addition is lighter and more resistant to the elements while ensuring your car looks amazing for years.
- Perfect Fit: These caps are designed to fit your GLA perfectly. As a result, your vehicle’s aerodynamics and original lines remain well-preserved.
This is the perfect upgrade for those who want an easy bolt-on mod that gives a high-end, sport appearance without the commitment of being permanent.
Front Grilles
Your GLA’s front grille is its face, and changing it can completely change the vehicle’s look. Whether you take the blacked-out approach or go for a more aggressive look, the grille is front and centre, making changes here stand out and above everything else.
Why it's a great mod:
- Customized Aggression: Your GLA is what you make of it. A gloss black grille gives it a stealthy, mean look. Additionally, some designs are available to help add ruggedness or elegance.
- Refresh & Protect: A new grille will provide the vehicle with a fresh and new look and with many fixed meshes, a grille can also protect your truck's intercooler/radiator.
- Visual Impact: This is one of the most obvious exterior mods you could make, dramatically altering the presence of the car from the front.
It’s the best addition for drivers who are looking to send a bold message and set their GLA apart from the pack.
Performance Mods for the GLA45 AMG
Underneath the hood of your GLA, or GLA45 in particular, is a potent engine waiting to be modified with some additional performance upgrades. These performance mods directly address the vital components to deliver more power, better response, and make your SUV live up to those tough looks.
AMG Performance Downpipes
The downpipe is the most important bottleneck in an exhaust system. On turbocharged projects, such as the one found in your GLA45, an upgraded performance downpipe is hands-down the best modification you can make to gain considerable horsepower and torque.
Why it's a great mod:
- Significant Power Boost: By minimizing exhaust back pressure, it lets the turbocharger spool faster and more efficiently.
- Improves Sound: The downpipe increases turbo spool from your engine, also giving the exhaust a much deeper and more aggressive sound under acceleration.
This is the perfect addition to get the maximum horsepower for your money, with a richer, more aggressive exhaust tone that thrills every driver.
Performance Intercooler / Heat Exchanger
With extra power comes extra heat, and heat is performance's enemy. An GLA45 intercooler’s job is to cool the hot, compressed air coming from a turbo before it reaches the engine’s combustion chamber.
A larger, more efficient intercooler is a key ingredient to maintaining consistent power, especially during back-to-back drives or on hot days.
Why it's a great mod:
- Combats Heat Soak: A high-performing intercooler can significantly reduce intake air temperatures, preventing the ECU from pulling timing (resulting in horsepower loss).
- Consistent Power: Gives the GLA full power from first to last pull, whether you’re on a back road or the track.
- When Modified: If you added a downpipe and/or tuned your car's computer, an intercooler is a must-add interceptor to keep your engine safe and making power, pass after pass.
It’s the ideal modification for hot weather regions/drives and cars which already have other performance mods.
Where should you start?
The good news about modifying your GLA-Class or GLA45, is the stock version is already an amazing drive. Modifications are for those enthusiasts who want something more and there’s some great options no matter what you’re chasing.
If it looks you’re after, it’s hard to go past a new front grille. They’re an easy addition that will completely transform your car.
If it’s pure performance you’re chasing, downpipes are a great choice. Extra power and sound has never been easier to obtain.
Upgrading your Mercedes GLA-Class / GLA45 AMG
Your Mercedes GLA-Class is a stylish and capable car, and now you know how it can be better in every way with certain modifications. From the refined looks of carbon fiber and a new grill to power gains through a downpipe and intake, each one makes your vehicle stand out from the crowd.
If you’re looking for parts for your GLA-Class/GLA45 AMG, or any other Mercedes, check out German Car Accessories range of aftermarket parts on our website.
