Mercedes Concept GLA45 AMG is ready to run

Wed, 20 Nov 2013

This is the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA45 AMG, and what we mean by that is, "This is the Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG." Mercedes has just unveiled the liveried 'concept' at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show, giving potential customers a very good look at the newest lunatic in the AMG asylum - a 355-horsepower, 332-pound-foot crossover that uses the same 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the CLA45 AMG and Europe's A45 AMG.

Joined with a seven-speed, AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission and an AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, Mercedes promises a sub-five-second run to 60 miles per hour. That's not just quick for a crossover, that's quick full stop.

That sleek, lifted body has also been tweaked by the minds at AMG's Affalterbach facility. A new rear spoiler, side sills and front clip are the primary aerodynamic tweaks. Aesthetically, AMG has fitted the requisite "Turbo" badges, gloss-black accents (including exhaust tips and roof rails) and a set of 21-inch, AMG-spec alloy wheels to round out the overall package. Based on the spy shots we've seen, expect slightly toned down aerodynamics when the GLA45 AMG arrives in showrooms.

It's unclear just when that will be, though, rest assured, it is coming – Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers has said as much. "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers - a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence - can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car." Stay tuned for more on the Concept GLA45 AMG from the LA Auto Show. Scroll down for the official press release.

A look forward to the new SUV from Mercedes-AMG

Concept GLA45 AMG

Affalterbach/Los Angeles – Mercedes-AMG will present its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Concept GLA45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition."

Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds demonstrates the performance dynamic that is a hallmark of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the Concept GLA45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.

Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design

Stunning engineering is combined with breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange, to command attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake calipers.

The AMG front apron with its large front splitter in high-gloss black, the black flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number "45" on the doors and the 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, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a "TURBO AMG" badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.

Sporty wraps and red highlights

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear spoiler. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system which features and an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the AMG signature exhaust note.

By Brandon Turkus