Mercedes-AMG announces pricing for performance-oriented A 45 S and CLA 45 S

Order books are also now open for the eagerly-awaited performance models.

Mercedes-AMG’s latest range of hot ’45 S’ models are now available to order, with prices starting from £50,570.

The latest ‘45’ models in the firms’ line-up are the A 45 S, CLA 45 S and CLA 45 S Shooting Brake. Each features the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 415bhp and 500Nm of torque – a 34bhp and 20Nm increase on the previous models.

All-wheel-drive is also supplied as standard, along with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with all variants able to sprint from 0-60mph in under four seconds and reach a top speed of 168mph.

Prices for the A 45 S start from £50,570, with the four-door CLA 45 S coming in from £52,145. The CLA is also offered in a more practical Shooting Brake estate form, with this version costing from £53,370.

See Available A Class deals

Standard equipment is impressive, with 10.25-inch digital dials, heated front seats, launch control and a sporty AMG bodykit being included on the standard ‘S’ models.

Mercedes is also offering a more expensive ‘Plus’ package, which costs an additional £6,000 over the regular cars. Most of the appeal of this Plus model will be its styling – adding an AMG Aerodynamic package, which brings a revised front splitter, larger side sills and a bigger roof spoiler. But it also brings a panoramic sunroof, Multibeam LED headlights, electric front sears and a Burmester sound system.

See Available CLA Class deals

Order books for the trio of new models are now open, with first deliveries expected before the end of the year.