New 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S launched with 415bhp

This is the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S. The hot crossover has been officially revealed ahead of its public debut at next week’s Geneva Motor Show.

The rapid A-Class-based crossover gets the same 415bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine as the A 45 S. It also gets the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and 4MATIC four-wheel drive too, with torque control across the rear axle to help with cornering and acceleration. The car can crack 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds – half a second slower than the A 45 S.

The hot GLA rides on MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link set-up at the rear, while adaptive damping with three modes comes as standard. Large six-piston brakes, which come as part of the AMG Dynamics Plus pack, are also standard.

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AMG’s familiar Dynamic Select programme is also fitted, allowing drives between five driving modes. They range from Comfort to Race, while a new Master setting has also been introduced that enables “slight oversteer”. However, there is no Drift mode like that fitted to the A 45 S hatchback. 

Styling upgrades include LED headlights, flared front wheel arches, 19-inch alloy wheels and a rear diffuser, while a large rear wing will be optional. The cabin gets a Nappa-leather steering wheel and yellow contrast stitching on the seats.

The overall cabin architecture is largely carried over from the A 45 S; twin digital displays house AMG-specific telemetry technology and augmented 3D graphics for the navigation system. . 

UK sales should start in April, although the first deliveries won’t arrive until late summer. The car will continue to be pitched slightly above the equivalent A-Class, so expect prices to start at around £52,000.

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