Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4Matic Yellow Night Edition 2017 first drive

Mercedes-AMG has updated its GLA 45 range as part of a mid-life refresh for the hot crossover.

This, the Yellow Night Edition, is the new range-topping model. Like the rest of the range, it wears a new front apron, new chrome front splitter and more aggressive rear diffuser. Additionally, the rear wing has been adjusted, with AMG claiming that the aero tweaks combine to reduce drag without hampering downforce.

Added to the Yellow Night are desirable features including an AMG steering wheel and AMG sports seats that are fitted as standard. What sets it apart from its ilk, however, is yellow trim that’s strewn around the rims of its 20in wheels – which are an inch bigger than standard - along the rear bumper and sides of the rear wing.

Inside, there’s an 8.0in dash-top infotainment screen as standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto technology, controllable via a rotary dial on top of the transmission tunnel. The Yellow Night gets a Harman Kardon sound system as standard, too, as well as yellow trim around the vents and yellow stitching to match its exterior theme.

There are no mechanical changes for the latest GLA 45, so peak output from the turbocharged 2.0-litre up front - which is still the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder, by the way - remains 375bhp and 350lb ft. The former is available at 6000rpm while torque peaks between 2250 and 2500rpm.

Marmite, because the yellow flashes added to this range-topping variant will be a love/hate thing for many. Those who prefer discreetness are likely to be unimpressed by its brashness, but those who love to celebrate the madness of today’s compact performance cars may see the fun side of the theme.

The Yellow Night’s standard-fit AMG sports seats and AMG steering wheel make the cabin feel like a significantly more serious place to sit. The wheel’s thick, soft Alcantara-wrapped rim and yellow centre line feels just right in a car with this much poke. Only the button-strewn dashboard spoils the party, as it looks dated and cluttered.

Despite being no quicker than the pre-update car, the latest GLA 45 feels every bit as fast as it did when the model was launched. The car’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which runs in front-wheel drive for most of the time before sending up to 50% of torque rearwards when it's needed, provides ample traction, meaning off-the-line launches are savage.