New Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 revealed

The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch and CLA 45 sports sedan have been revealed and S versions of both giant-killing new models have been confirmed for Australian release early next year.

The big news is confirmation of performance and acceleration details for Australia’s S-only A 45 and CLA 45 line-up, which are powered by a completely redesigned 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powerplant that Mercedes-AMG says is the world's most powerful four-cylinder production engine.

The 0-100km/h time is listed at a rapid 3.9 seconds for the A 45 hatch (0.3sec quicker than before) and four seconds flat for the CLA 45 'coupe' (-0.2sec). Top speed is capped at an unchanged 270km/h.

The turbocharged unit makes 310kW at 6750rpm (+30kW) and 500Nm over 5000-5250rpm (+25Nm). It drives a new eight-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with active torque vectoring and drift mode.

Both S variants ride on a forged 19-inch wheel and tyre package suspended by AMG Ride Control adaptive damping and are stopped by six-piston, 360mm AMG brakes.

Mercedes-Benz Australia said pricing and full local specifications will be announced towards the end of the year, but confirmed Australia will take only the more powerful S variants due to popular demand.

We expect a slight price increase over the previous A 45 and CLA 45 prices of $78,240 and $93,250 respectively.

The A 45 and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ range is defined by a pronounced shark nose front-end with wider guards, slim headlights and bonnet bulge, and a small ‘jet wing’ canards aimed at exaggerating the car’s stance.

The German luxury car manufacturer says many of the A 45 and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ styling cues are drawn from GT 4-door Coupe and a rear-end comprising twin 90mm exhaust outlets, two-piece tail-light clusters and an integrated diffuser, the family resemblance is uncanny.

Inside, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is laden with technology including multi-mode driver assistance systems, Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment array, and luxurious upholstery trimmed in ARTICO and DINAMICA fabric. Yellow highlights – standard on the S range – are a nod to Mercedes’ racing heritage, so to the included AMG TRACK PACE telemetry pack.

“We have completely redesigned our ‘45’ models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” said Mercedes-AMG head, Tobias Moers.

“With the presentation of this, our most powerful and most dynamic compact sports car, we are also reinforcing the significance of this segment for our growth strategy.”

The new Mercedes-Benz A-Class has already launched in Australia, with the new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class recently debuting in Germany.

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ cost?
Price: TBC (currently $78,240 plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 310kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.4L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 192g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: TBC

How much does the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ cost?
Price: TBC (currently $93,250 plus ORCs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 310kW/500Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.3L/100km (NEDC Combined)
CO2: 189g/km (NEDC Combined)
Safety rating: TBC