Currently reading: Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG launched at Detroit motor show

Performance-orientated GLA unveiled; features 355bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine and goes on sale in the spring

The Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG has been revealed at the Detroit motor show.

Destined to become the crown in the new GLA line-up, the all-wheel-drive compact SUV uses the same turbocharged 2.0-litre engine as the A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG, meaning outputs of 355bhp and 332lb ft of torque.

The engine is mated to the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed transmission, which allows drivers to choose from three performance profiles named Manual, Sport and Controlled Efficiency. The latter mode is geared towards maximising fuel efficiency, and also activates the car's stop/start function.

The GLA45 AMG is due to go on sale in the spring alongside the standard GLA. The car has a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.8sec and its top speed is limited to 155mph. Combined economy is claimed to be 37.6mpg, while CO2 emissions are rated at 175g/km.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: “Feedback on the Concept GLA 45 AMG during its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show provided clear affirmation of our decision to bring this new AMG model to market."

Additional AMG modifications over a standard GLA include sports suspension, high-performance brakes, an AMG sports exhaust system and an exterior bodykit.

Bespoke interior trim on the car includes a performance steering wheel, performance leather seats and carbonfibre trim.

The car expands the AMG SUV lineup to five models, with the GLA45 AMG sitting alongside the ML63 AMG, GL63 AMG, G63 AMG and G65 AMG.

"Right now," added Moers, "no other segment is growing as rapidly as that of the compact SUV. Our new high-performance SUV offers not only the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder, but also impressively low consumption and emissions figures.

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fadyady 14 January 2014

The C-Segment will...

...never be the same again since Mercedes A-Class was born again.
275not599 8 January 2014

I agree with marj

BMW cleaned up their act to some extent, whereas MB have gone totally Bangle. Also it's about time someone styled a car without the slanting headlights above a clip with a wide central hole and two side holes, all going GRRRR, such a cliche these days.
marj 8 January 2014

275not599 wrote:BMW cleaned

275not599 wrote:

BMW cleaned up their act to some extent, whereas MB have gone totally Bangle. Also it's about time someone styled a car without the slanting headlights above a clip with a wide central hole and two side holes, all going GRRRR, such a cliche these days.

Have to disagree with you there. Bangle's 5 series is still one of the best looking saloons of all time. It still looks modern and not bloated like the current one, which has already had a facelift! He understands form and proportion very well. Current BMWs look fussy and bloated, like the once pretty wife after a few years and a few facelifts.

marj 7 January 2014

Mercedes

Mercedes, please can you go back to the elegant saloons of the 60s, 70s and 80s. The Concept XC from Volvo has shown you how to do it, this is just all over the place with echoes of F1, old saloons and trendy hatchbacks. Not the way to go. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I will not return to MB until they sort their styling out. What is wrong with an elegant, expensive, efficiently equipped but impeccably built motor car?