New Mercedes-AMG A 45 And CLA 45 Pack Supercar Performance In A Compact Body

Mercedes has finally pulled the covers off the new A45 and CLA45 AMG models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The new baby AMG models arrive with some seriously impressive figures that are set to redefine their class; both are powered by the turbocharged 2.0-liter M139 four-cylinder engine with up to 415hp (421PS), a 0-62mph (100km/h) in as little as 3.9 seconds and a headline-grabbing Drift mode.

As before, customers will get to choose between two versions; the basic 45 model, which offers 382hp (387PS) and 354lb-ft (480Nm) of torque, and the more powerful 45 S with its 415hp (421PS) and 368lb-ft of torque.

Also Read: 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 Tackles The Nürburgring Virtually Undisguised

All models come fitted with the new eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and the fully variable Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. The basic A 45 model can achieve a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 4 seconds flat (CLA 45 in 4.1 sec) while the A 45 S requires just 3.9 seconds for the same procedure (CLA 45 S in 4.0 sec). Top speed for the basic 45 models is electronically capped at 155mph (250km/h), with the S variants able to go all the way up to 167mph (270km/h).

The bodyshell of the new AMG 45 models is reinforced to provide a stiffer basis for the suspension; AMG engineers have added a lightweight aluminum plate underneath the engine, which supplements the also new front tower brace. Additional reinforcing plates can be found between the side members and the A-pillars, while diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody make the shell even more rigid.

The highlight in the Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive is the inclusion of the new AMG Torque Control system, which is housed in the rear differential; the system uses two electronically controlled multidisc clutches, one for each rear drive shaft, controlling the amount of torque sent to each individual rear wheel with much greater precision.

The much advertised Drift mode is standard on S models and part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package for the standard models. As with the bigger AMG V8s, the new Drift mode can be engaged when the ‘Race’ driving mode is selected, the ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.

The new AMG 45 powertrain comes with six driving modes: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual and Race. The latter is optional on standard models.

Sales of the new 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA 45 are expected to begin by the end of this year.