AMG provides a lot of steam in the boiler for the 45 expansion stages in the A-Class. This turns the compact into a high-performance athlete.
After the 35er expansion stage with 225 kW / 306 PS, AMG is pushing the 45 variants for the Mercedes A-Class. At the end of the year, both the sedan and the coupé, known as the CLA, will be launched with a newly developed two-liter four-cylinder. In the most powerful version "S" the engine has an output of 310 kW / 421 PS, in the standard version it is 285 kW / 387 PS. All-wheel drive is part of the standard scope of delivery. The manufacturer has not yet announced prices, but they are likely to exceed the previous ones. The predecessor AMG A45 with 280 kW / 381 hp cost just under 52.000 euros, while the coupé, which also had 381 hp, cost around 57.000 euros.
The four-cylinder, which goes by the name M 139 internally, has a liter output of up to 155 kW / 211 PS. The engine has two-stage petrol injection, which in the first stage delivers fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 200 bar. In the second stage, required to achieve the high output, there is an electronically controlled fuel supply by means of intake manifold port injection at a pressure of 6,7 bar. In addition, an improved cooling system and an electric motor-speed-independent water pump are in use.
In the top version "S", the new unit surpasses the previous engine by 30 kW / 40 PS. The maximum torque is up to 500 Nm at 5.000 to 5.250 revolutions. The standard sprint takes 3,9 (A 45) and 4,0 (CLA 45) seconds, the top speed is 270 km / h. Mercedes indicates consumption with values between 8,1 and 8,4 liters.
In the basic version with 5 kW / 7 PS and 5 Nm, the power increase and torque increase to 480 Nm at 4.750 to 5.000 revs are low compared to the predecessor unit. It goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 4,0 or 4,1 seconds, the top speed is limited to 250 km / h. With the optional AMG Driver's Package, the top speed can be increased to a maximum of 270 km / h. As with the more powerful S, the standard consumption is between 8,1 and 8,4 liters.
In both variants, power is transmitted via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission, which also enables manual transmission mode using steering-wheel gearshift paddles. The variable all-wheel drive distributes the power to each wheel via two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches housed in the new rear axle drive, each of which is connected to a drive shaft on the rear axle.
With an adaptive damping adjustment, there is an optional choice of three different chassis controls, from comfort-oriented to sporty. In addition, up to six driving programs ensure an individual driving experience. The exhaust system with an exhaust flap for sound modulation automatically contributes the appropriate sound depending on the engine speed and load.
The 45 versions can also be recognized by their typical AMG insignia such as the striking radiator grille with twelve vertical slats, flared fenders, rocker panels, specific 18- or 19-inch wheels and round twin tailpipe trims. Inside there are, among other things, a sports steering wheel, sports seats, red or yellow accents on the upholstery and panels, as well as the MBUX infotainment system with AMG-specific displays.