Mercedes-AMG launches the GLA45

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the new GLA45 4MATIC+ and the GLA45 S 4MATIC+.

With an output of 415bhp, the completely new Mercedes-AMG 2.0-litre engine in the GLA45 S 4MATIC+ is currently the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine manufactured for series production. Maximum torque has also increased to as much as 500Nm. In the base GLA45 4MATIC+, the engine is tuned to produce 382bhp and 480Nm.

All that power allows the GLA45 S 4MATIC+ to absolve the sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds, while the GLA45 4MATIC+ gets up to speed in 4.4 seconds.

The top speed of the base model is electronically limited to 250km/h, while the S model leaves the factory with a top speed of 270km/h.

An eight-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission also contributes to the car's agile and dynamic character. The gear ratios have been configured so that the driver experiences very spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shifting and optimum connections when shifting up. The driver will receive different accelerator and gearshift characteristics depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode.

An extremely dynamic driving experience is guaranteed with fully variable all-wheel drive included as standard. The rear differential in the GLA45 is equipped with two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches, allowing power to be selectively distributed between the left and right rear wheel.

The result is consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions, and during extreme cornering manoeuvres such as on the racetrack.

The new AMG suspension also provides the basis for the car's high directional stability and highly dynamic cornering characteristics with low body roll. A MacPherson strut is used at the front axle. The suspension geometry of the transverse control arm and tie rod has been designed to reduce torque steer for exceptional comfort and agile handling. A new wishbone in aluminium reduces the unsprung masses enabling a more sensitive response from the springs.

The brake calipers at the front axle are also radially bolted - a technology from motorsport that brings added stability. The front axle carrier is rigidly attached and to stiffen the front section.

The four-link rear suspension is likewise rigidly connected to the body via a rear axle carrier for torsional rigidity.

The high-performance brake system on the GLA45 ensures fade-resistant braking and short braking distances. On the base model, the four-piston monobloc fixed front calipers act on 350mm x 34mm brake discs, while at the rear axle, single-piston floating calipers act on 330mm x 22mm brake discs.

The discs are internally ventilated and perforated to better dissipate heat and prevent brake fading, even with extreme use. The grey-painted brake calipers have white AMG lettering.

The S model and the base model with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package are stopped by an even larger system equipped with six-piston fixed calipers and 360mm x 36mm brake discs at the front. In this case the brake calipers are painted red and bear a black AMG logo.

Yellow highlights feature throughout the interior on the S model, emphasising the motor racing character of the more powerful models. Also included in the standard equipment are the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather/DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG logo, plus ambient lighting.

In all models, the centre console is finished in a piano-lacquer look and houses a touchpad as standard. A further control array with additional switches for controlling the three-stage Electronic Stability Programme, the manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping system AMG RIDE CONTROL and the optional AMG Real Performance Sound also feature on the console.