Following the success of the A 35 4Matic and CLA 35 4Matic, Mercedes-AMG are releasing the new A 45 S 4Matic+ hatch and CLA 45 S 4Matic+ four-door coupé to the Australian market.
Both featuring the world’s most powerful 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine yet in series production.
“We have completely redesigned our 45 models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, to the body structure and the design itself to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” says Mercedes-AMG GmbH chief executive officer 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.”
At the heart of the two new models sits a turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 310 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque. In combination with a new AMG Speedshift DCT-8G dual-clutch transmission with eight ratios and gearshifts measured in milliseconds, the A 45 S 4Matic+ sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds (CLA 45 S 4MATIC+: 4.0 seconds).
Active, fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive distributes power to rear axle wheels selectively by AMG torque control, enabling top traction and creating the parameters for the new ‘Drift’ mode. This is made possible by a new rear axle differential featuring two multidisc clutches – one for each rear wheel.
The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+
Overt visual cues include an AMG-specific radiator grille with a wider lower contour and 12 vertical louvres – a clear indicator of AMG Performance family membership. Wider front wings with flared wheel arches create space for the wider front axle, underlining an athletic appearance in combination with the front apron featuring a distinctive jet-wing design.
Wider AMG side skirts visually lower the A 45 S 4Matic+ so that it appears to hug the road more closely, while the rear view is characterised by two pairs of round 90mm-diameter tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering. The diffuser with two vertical twin fins contributes to better aero performance.
The A 45 S 4Matic+ features a level of standard comfort and convenience normally specified on range-topping luxury models, including a Burmester surround sound audio system, an AMG Performance steering wheel in black microfibre with contrasting yellow topstitching, heated and electrically-operated sports seats finished in two-tone leather with contrasting yellow topstitching, brushed aluminium trim, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting featuring 64 colours, dark-tinted privacy glass and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Standard safety includes driving assistance package plus, active distance assist distronic (including cross-traffic assist), active lane change assist, parking package featuring 360° camera, LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist plus, and route-based speed adaptation.
AMG-specific additions include the AMG Driver’s Package (with top speed increased to 270 km/h), data logging, the AMG Night Package with design elements in black, and 19-inch-diameter, 8.5-inch wide AMG cross-spoke alloy wheels in matt black with high-sheen flange.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ retails for $93,600 (MRLP), and is on sale now.
The new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+
With a wider front track from its CLA architecture, the CLA 45 S 4Matic+ has a naturally self-assured stance and does not require the same frontal flares as the A 45 S 4Matic+. The CLA 45 S does share the AMG-specific radiator grille with the A45 S but sports an expressive appearance all its own with jet-like external air inlets that show a family relationship with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.
At the rear, the CLA 45 S sports a diffuser with four individual fins, and a boot lid-mounted spoiler. Its 19-inch-diameter AMG alloy wheels are nine inches wide.
The CLA 45 S 4Matic+ otherwise shares the same high level of specification as the A 45 S 4Matic+.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ retails for $111,200 (MRLP), and is on sale now.
