Mercedes-AMG A45 and CLA45 breaks cover with 415bhp

-    The duo packs the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world.

-    The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engine makes 385bhp in standard guise and 415bhp in S. 

-    Both models are expected to debut in India as well.

Both the A-Class and CLA-Class were awaiting their most powerful derivative since their introduction. And now Mercedes-Benz has taken the covers off the A45 and CLA45 AMG at the ongoing Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new-generation of entry-level performance vehicles from Affalterbach are powered by the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world today. 

As reported earlier, the new M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine powering both these cars has an output of 415bhp and 500NNm in its most potent S guise. Even in the standard trim, the 385bhp is more than most hot hatches. With this new engine, the mad scientists at Mercedes-AMG have exceeded the output of the previous M133 by almost 40bhp. And its maximum torque has also increased by 25Nm. This new engine has an output per litre of up to 210bhp. Its peak torque is available in a range of 5000-5250rpm (4750-5000 rpm in the basic version) while the engine is capable of revving to 7200rpm. 

Sending the power to Mercedes’ 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the A45 can hit 0-100kmph in four seconds flat while the A45 S can do the same in 3.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the CLA45 and the CLA45 S are both a tenth of a second slower than the hatchback owing to the added weight. The top speed of both the cars is capped at 250kmph which can be boosted to 270kmph with optional AMG Driver’s Package. The electronically controlled 4Matic+ system also comes with what Mercedes calls as Drift Mode. 

With the Panamerican grille up front, the 45 AMG models look far more aggressive than the 35 AMG derivative. The full-blown AMG style bumpers both fore and aft also gets air canards on fenders and massive quad exhausts. The imposing roof-mounted spoiler on the A45 adds character while the sedan gets a prominent trunk lid spoiler. The lowered ride height combined with flared wheel arches separates these performance models from the standard versions. Also distinguishing them are the 19-inch AMG wheels and special red-finished brake callipers with AMG lettering. The cabin gets most of the hardware from the expensive AMG models.

Similar to the previous generation models, Mercedes-Benz India is expected to bring the A45 hatchback and CLA45 AMG sedan in India as well. However, that will happen after the standard models go on sale.