Mercedes-Benz has just revealed complete details on its production GLA45 AMG crossover, the car you buy if the regular A45 hatchback is not tall or distinctive enough for you. However, you won’t be losing much in the way of performance or efficiency, though, as the manufacturer’s recently released figures reveal.
Previewed as a pre-production concept in LA last year, it only takes 0.2 seconds more than the A45 AMG to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) at 4.8 seconds, its top speed is the same (electronically limited at 155 mph or 250 km/h), and it’s only mildly less efficient, using up 37.6 mpg UK (7.5 l/100km) on average, while the hatch nudges 40.9 mpg UK (6.9 l/100km).
The engine is left untouched and still produces 355 hp (360PS) and 450 Nm (331 lb-ft), driving all four wheels through the same AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.
Naturally, being a car designed for young people, it gets many funky design touches both inside and out, though saying it “combines the hallmark sensual clarity of Mercedes-Benz as an expression of modern luxury with muscular elements exclusive to AMG” is pushing it a bit.
The new GLA 45 AMG will receive its world premiere at the 2014 Detroit auto show next week with the European market launch beginning in July 2014, and the North American later in the fall.
By Andrei Nedelea
PHOTO GALLERY
