The new Mercedes-AMG A45 and CLA45 have been revealed ahead of a local arrival early next year.
Both cars will use the new M139 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver either 285kW/480Nm or 310kW/500Nm.
Regardless of the engine tune, a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the fully-variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system with AMG torque control and a special drift mode. The latter has been made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multidisc clutches – one for each rear wheel.
In terms of performance, Mercedes-AMG claims the A45 sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds while the CLA45 takes 4.1 seconds.
The tuned up A45 S and CLA45 S can hit triple figures from a standstill in 3.9 and 4.0 seconds respectively.
Standard versions have an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, while S variants top out at 270km/h. Buyers of the standard cars can option the AMG Driver’s Package to raise the top speed to 270km/h.
If any potential buyer cares, depending on the specification, fuel consumption for the A45 is listed at 8.3-8.4L/100km. The CLA45 uses slightly less at 8.1-8.3L/100km.
In the base models, four-piston monobloc fixed front callipers act on 350 x 34 mm brake discs, while at the rear axle, one-piston floating callipers clamp 330 x 22mm brake discs. S variants are equipped with six-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 36mm brake discs at the front.
On the outside, both models get AMG’s Panamericana grille, contoured headlamps and an aerodynamically favourable bonnet with powerdomes.
The width has been accentuated by the wider front wings with flared wheel arches. There’s also a new front apron with a jet-wing design, AMG side skirts, a rear diffuser, a rear spoiler and four 90mm tailpipes for S models (82mm of base versions). Buyers can opt for alloy wheels up to 19 inches in size.
According to AMG, developers have extensively reinforced the bodyshell and increased the torsional rigidity by using a shearing plate underneath the engine along with diagonal struts at the front and rear. This is supplemented by a strut tower brace between the front suspension struts and pistol-shaped "shotguns" which are additional reinforcing plates connecting the side members to the A-pillars to minimise movements of the front section.
The benefits of all this German engineering is reduced body torsion around the longitudinal and transverse axis, and less rolling and pitching on bends, when braking and during load cycles.
Speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical sports power steering is standard, as is an AMG exhaust system and a drive mode system with settings for Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Individual and Race, the final three are standard for S models and optional on the base versions.
On the inside, both the A45 and CLA 45 get the new MBUX infotainment system with AMG specific displays, front sports seats, Artico and Dinamica microfiber trim, the new AMG Performance steering wheel, stainless steel sports pedals, stainless steel front door sills, a black headliner and AMG floor mats.
S models add yellow highlights throughout the interior to emphasise the motor racing character. Extra kit includes the AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in nappa leather/Dinamica microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, a yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG logo, plus ambience lighting.
Of course, there will be a plethora of option packages available to tailor the new 45 models to individual buyer tastes.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced the new A45 and CLA45 will be available locally during the first quarter of 2020. Full specs and pricing for our market will be confirmed in the lead up to the local launch.
More: All News
