Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Performance, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury



Thanks to a decade of European crossovers with torrid performance, downsized engines with outsized performance and a mushrooming compact SUV segment, it's no longer the marvel it should be when we receive the specs on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG. Well, almost not a marvel, because they've really put a point on this one: underhood is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque that will run the all-wheel-drive baby AMG from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds.

The turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine's 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft will run the baby AMG from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

Shifting is done through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with Manual, Sport and Comfort modes and an integrated "power take-off unit" that sends twist through a two-piece propeller shaft to a clutch built into the rear differential. Nominally front-wheel drive, when situations require it the drivetrain can send 50 percent of the power to the rear axle. There's also a Race Start function, because of course you need that in your all-wheel-drive luxury crossover.

To keep things on balance no matter the conditions, the suspension has been reworked and stiffened, and there's a Curve Dynamic Assist function in the ESP programming that clamps the inside rear wheel to quash understeer. To keep things rorty, the AMG exhaust has a vane that opens under acceleration. If you need more, a sport suspension and a sport exhaust can be specified at additional cost.

The expected exterior and interior appointments will make sure everyone knows it's an AMG, and extra fitment like the Aerodynamics, Carbon Fiber and Night packages offer further factory tuning. Wheels are either a set of 19-inch twin-five spokers, or two choices of 20-inch, ten-spoke alloys.

Those who don't mind financial punishment can sign up early for the Edition 1, which will automatically include the Aero package, red racing stripes, wheel hub covers the mimic a central lock, and the Night package. Everything we're allowed to know right now is in the press release below. We'll be bringing you more on it from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show when it debuts next week.Continue reading 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is German for 'More Power'

2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is German for 'More Power' originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jan 2014 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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01-07-2014 04:00 AM