Mercedes-Benz has officially released the firstever pictures of its range-topping AMG version of its latest A-Class compact hatchback: the A45 AMG. And the idea of this new hot-hatch is to allow Mercedes-AMG to expand into lower markets. A long time ago, specifically before AMG was acquired as Mercedes-Benz’s official in-house tuner in 1990, one once had to dolly-up some serious money to get an AMG-tuned Mercedes. Now though, this A45 AMG is here for the masses.
In a rather new nomenclature scheme, there’s no 4.5-litre hulk of German awesomeness under the hood, but rather a 2.0-litre turobcharged inline-four good for 360hp and 450Nm of torque, which drives all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel system. The A45 AMG sprints from 0-100kmph in just 4.6 seconds with an electronically limited top whack of 250kmph. Mercedes claims a fuel efficiency of 14.48kmpl. Achieving the highest specific output was one of the goals of the A45 AMG project.
Like the other AMG cars, the A45 AMG gets all the shenanigans one will expect from the brand. There is AMG sport suspension tuned to give maximum driving pleasure, speed-sensitive sport steering and ventilated and perforated disc brakes all around. A twin blade radiator grille, typical for AMG cars can also be found on the A45. Twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels and side sills in matte titanium grey complete the side profile. Twin square, chrome plated tailpipes round off the rear end.
The A45 AMG looks a high probable for the Indian market considering the fact that Mercedes has confirmed that the A-Class is on its way here this year. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG is likely to be priced in the range of 36000 GBP (Rs 30 lakh) to 40000 GBP (Rs 33 lakh) and will debut at next month’s Geneva Auto Show.
Visually however, the A45 AMG upgrades aren’t too dramatic as the A-Class is already a fairly slick looking vehicle.
Check out more pictures below the jump.
Also see – Spied – 2013 Mercedes A-Class dropped camouflage in Pune
