Compact SUV – an oxymoron by itself, yet hugely popular among car manufacturers and, by extension, people. Mercedes-Benz are now aiming at young people “who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence”. I guess that explains the thing we have here – the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept.
We are talking small, at least by AMG standards. The “high-performance SUV” brandishes a straight four, 2.0-liter gasoline engine. But because it’s turbocharged and cleverly managed, it has a total output of 360 hp and a maximum torque of 450 Nm. So the “most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world” will be channelling its force through AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission and Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Quotated acceleration from 0 to 62 mph stands at just under five seconds. For stopping power, refer to the AMG’s performance braking system which, most importantly, brandishes red calipers.
More exterior flare involves the GLA’s AMG cross-spoked forged wheels painted in matt black with a red flange. One size fits all: 255/35 R21 tires. The splitter at the lower front end sticks out from the apron with its high-gloss black finish. In case you haven’t noticed, there’s also a giant number “45” on each side and a “distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome, the side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, the “TURBO AMG” lettering on the front wings, the high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear aerofoil. Then there are sporty silver lines running through the whole body complemented by red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear aerofoil. At the back, a big diffuser dominates the view alongside a twin-tailpipe in high-gloss black – part of AMG’s sports exhaust system.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
