Building a properly hot hatchback is uncharted territory for Mercedes-Benz, but it looks like its new A 45 AMG could be about to shake up the segment.
Based on the recently-launched third-generation A-Class, it’s the first AMG model to use a four-cylinder engine. That doesn’t mean that the A 45 AMG is underpowered though, as it boasts 355 bhp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of peak torque.
By comparison, the BMW M 135i has 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while the Audi S3 manages with 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS).
However, don’t be fooled by the ‘45’ part of the A 45 AMG nameplate that implies a 4.5 litre motor. It actually displaces a much more modest 1,991 cc, with output boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger that has a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar.
Drive is delivered to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic system and a seven-speed Speedshift dual clutch transmission. In normal driving conditions, all of the engine’s torque is sent to the front wheels, but it can be instantaneously split equally between the front and rear axles when necessary.
As expected, pace is impressive. The benchmark 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, although top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). To complement that potential, the A 45 AMG features an uprated suspension set-up, 18” twin-spoke alloy wheels and larger ventilated brake discs all-round.
Efficiency is astonishing, given the car’s performance. Thanks to various measures including direct fuel injection, a stop / start function, electromechanical power steering and intelligent use of the alternator, it achieves 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions meanwhile are only 161 g/km. How easily those figures can be replicated in real-world conditions remains to be seen, of course.
As is becoming customary with AMG creations, an ‘Edition 1’ special edition will be available from launch. Distinguishing it from the regular version are a white paintjob with matt grey stripes and some dashes of red, 19” black wheels, an aerodynamics package and a unique interior treatment.
The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG makes its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with deliveries due to begin in June. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Related posts:
2013 C 63 AMG Edition 507
2013 CLS 63 AMG unveiled
2013 E 63 AMG unveiled
Based on the recently-launched third-generation A-Class, it’s the first AMG model to use a four-cylinder engine. That doesn’t mean that the A 45 AMG is underpowered though, as it boasts 355 bhp (265 kW / 360 PS) and 450 Nm (332 lb/ft) of peak torque.
By comparison, the BMW M 135i has 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS), while the Audi S3 manages with 295 bhp (220 kW / 300 PS).
However, don’t be fooled by the ‘45’ part of the A 45 AMG nameplate that implies a 4.5 litre motor. It actually displaces a much more modest 1,991 cc, with output boosted by a twin-scroll turbocharger that has a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar.
Drive is delivered to all four wheels via AMG’s 4Matic system and a seven-speed Speedshift dual clutch transmission. In normal driving conditions, all of the engine’s torque is sent to the front wheels, but it can be instantaneously split equally between the front and rear axles when necessary.
As expected, pace is impressive. The benchmark 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, although top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). To complement that potential, the A 45 AMG features an uprated suspension set-up, 18” twin-spoke alloy wheels and larger ventilated brake discs all-round.
Efficiency is astonishing, given the car’s performance. Thanks to various measures including direct fuel injection, a stop / start function, electromechanical power steering and intelligent use of the alternator, it achieves 40.9 mpg (6.9 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions meanwhile are only 161 g/km. How easily those figures can be replicated in real-world conditions remains to be seen, of course.
As is becoming customary with AMG creations, an ‘Edition 1’ special edition will be available from launch. Distinguishing it from the regular version are a white paintjob with matt grey stripes and some dashes of red, 19” black wheels, an aerodynamics package and a unique interior treatment.
The Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG makes its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show, with deliveries due to begin in June. Pricing has yet to be announced.
Related posts:
2013 C 63 AMG Edition 507
2013 CLS 63 AMG unveiled
2013 E 63 AMG unveiled
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