Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG unveiled – 0-60mph in 4.8s

The Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG has finally been revealed after months of spy shots and lightly disguised concepts.

Looking like a slightly bloated A45 AMG, the GLA45 AMG sits unexpectedly low compared to the regular GLA models, partly due to the AMG-specific suspension that drops its ride height. It also features stiffer knuckles and springs at the front, while the rear uses an all-new four-link setup. AMG will also offer an even firmer tuned for the car’s suspension if you are prepared to write an extra cheque.

Underneath the bonnet though is the same awesome 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pinched from the A45 and CLA45 AMGs that develops 265kW of power and 450Nm of torque – the most powerful production four-pot.

When married to the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the GLA45 AMG will accomplish 0-60mph in just 4.8 seconds with launch control activated – 0.3 seconds behind the CLA45 AMG. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

Like the A45 AMG, the GLA45 is predominantly a front-wheel drive in normal driving conditions and only sends torque to the rear wheels when required, with a maximum of 50% to the rear wheels.

Its electronic stability programme (ESP) offers three modes: ESP ON, SPORT Handling Mode and ESP OFF.  The system also comes with a brake-operated torque vectoring system called ESP Curve Dynamic that applies brake to the inside rear wheel during cornering to help create a defined yaw moment about the vertical axis and aids handling. All these work in conjunction with the GLA45’s speed-sensitive electronic sports steering system.

The car comes standard with 19-inch titanium grey finished alloy wheels shod with 235/45 tyres behind which lives steel disc brakes. 20-inch matte black wearing 235/40 tyres are available as an option.

To differentiate itself from the standard GLA, the AMG ears an aero kit comprising of a large front splitter, chunky side skills and a rear spoiler. A carbon package that brings carbon fibre mirror caps and various carbon aero trims are available as an option, so are red brake calipers with AMG branding.

Inside, the cabin is filled with AMG bits and pieces, including an AMG Drive Unit that allows you to adjust many of the vehicle settings, stainless-steel AMG door sills and the prerequisite body-hugging sports seats lined in Mercedes’ MB-Tex trim. The sports steering wheel is covered in Nappa leather. Customers can also option up their car with Alcantara or full leather trim, carbon fibre accents and performance seats.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG and the regular GLA-Class will hit showrooms in the third quarter of 2014.