German aftermarket specialist Brabus has released its tuning offer for the Mercedes-Benz GLA that includes both styling and performance updates. Available for the GLA-Class in Standard, Style and Urban specifications, the styling upgrades include off-road highlights and alloy several wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches.

The front element is designed to replace the central insert of the front bumper and tapers off on both sides like an additional front spoiler. In addition, Brabus attachments for the side air inlets in the front bumper offer a more distinctive appearance. At the rear, Brabus fitted a spoiler that attaches to the hatch as well as a rear bumper insert that mimics the under-ride guard design of the front apron. The stainless-steel sport exhaust with four tailpipes completes the styling upgrades.

For off-road enthusiasts, Brabus has also developed a suspension kit that raises the ride height of the GLA by about 30mm (1.2 inches), while for a more dynamic handling Brabus offers sports springs that lower the height by about 25 mm (1 inch).

In terms of engine tuning, Brabus offers the ECO PowerXtra D3 kit for the common-rail turbodiesel engine of the Mercedes GLA 220 CDI which adds 41PS (40hp) for a total output of 210PS (208hp) and a peak torque of 410 Nm (302 lb-ft). As a consequence, the tuned GLA 220 CDI sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph).

Brabus also offers PowerXtra modules for four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline models in the GLA, culminating with the PowerXtra CGI B45 tuning kit for the GLA 45 AMG. The kit lifts power to 400PS (394hp) and torque to 500 Nm (369 lb-ft), which means 0-100 km/h takes just 4.4 seconds (0.4 s faster) and the top speed is unlimited to 270 km/h (168 mph).

For the GLA’s cabin, Brabus proposes bi-color stainless-steel scuff plates with Brabus logo (also available with optional lighting), matt-anodized aluminum pedals, door-lock pins and Race aluminum shift paddles.

By Dan Mihalascu

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