Mercedes-AMG has revealed its eagerly-awaited A45 and CLA45 – the super-hot version of the German manufacturer’s smallest models.
It pulled the wraps off the new models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the new A45 and CLA45 using a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine — said to be one of the punchiest four-pot engines ever produced. All-wheel-drive comes as standard, with even the ‘entry’ A45 producing 382bhp.
But it’s the even hotter ‘S’ version which is the show-stopper. That’s because the power is increased to a class-leading 415bhp – meaning 0-60mph can be covered in just 3.7 seconds. That said, the S’ additional 33bhp only actually shaves a tenth of a second off the standard’s cars 0-60mph time. Both are electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, with a 168mph no-cost upgrade coming to the S, and offered as an option on the standard car.
The A45 S also features larger tailpipes plus a new ‘Drift Mode’ to ensure that four-wheel-drive doesn’t tame the thrills. Driving modes such as Comfort, Sport and Race can alter the settings of the car, too.
The styling takes a sportier stance to the A35 AMG, with highlights including the AMG Aerodynamic package as standard. This includes a modified front splitter, a revised front bumper and a large rear wing. Further enhancements have been made to increase the rigidness of the chassis.
The A45 and CLA45 are mechanically the same, with the CLA adopting a swoopier coupe-like silhouette compared to the five-door hatchback shape of the A-Class.
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Mercedes-Benz hasn’t announced prices for the A45 yet but expect the models to start from around £45,000 when the model goes on sale later in the 2019. Expect to pay up to £5,000 more for the CLA.
