The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC+ and A 45 S 4MATIC+ and the CLA 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ are powered by newly developed 2.0-litre engines that are the most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder production engines available anywhere. The A 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 4MATIC+ are equipped with 387 hp engines and the A 45 S 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ pack 421 hp power-plants under their respective hoods.

Mated to new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G dual-clutch transmissions with eight gears driving all four wheels, the A 45 4MATIC+ and A 45 S 4MATIC+ will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 and 3.9 seconds respectively. The CLA 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ accomplish sprints to 100 km/h in 4.1 and 4.0 seconds respectively. The new rear axle differential features two multi-disc clutches, one for each rear wheel, and can be set to Drift Mode for tire smoking cornering.

“We have completely redesigned our “45” models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Management Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “With the presentation of this, our most powerful and most dynamic compact sports car, we are also reinforcing the significance of this segment for our growth strategy”,

The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 4MATIC+ models are more distinctive than their predecessors. For the first time, the compact class now also features the AMG-specific radiator grille with a wider lower contour and twelve vertical louvres, as a clear indicator of AMG Performance family membership. The “shark nose”, the deeply contoured slim headlamps and the flat, aerodynamic hood with powerdomes visually lower the look of the front of the cars.

The non-S models are equipped with 8.5 x 18-inch light alloy wheels in a 10-spoke design, aerodynamically optimised and painted in tantalum grey with 245/40 R 18 tires. The S-models are equipped with 19-inch light alloy wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design, with 8.5 inche for the A 45 S 4MATIC+ and 9 inche for the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+. The aluminium rims are aerodynamically optimised and painted in tantalum grey with a high-sheen finish, and shod with 245/35 R 19 and 255/35 R 19 (CLA 45) tires. The non-S models are equipped with AMG high-performance braking systems featuring grey-painted brake callipers with white AMG lettering. The S-models have larger, red-painted 6-piston brake callipers with black AMG lettering.

The rear view is characterised by two round twin tailpipes (82 mm diameter) and the wide rear apron. The S-models are distinguished by their larger, 90 mm exhaust tailpipes with internal fluting and AMG lettering. The diffuser with two vertical twin fins contributes to better aero-performance (CLA 45: four individual fins) – it is extended forward at the centre of the vehicle, making it work more effectively. The effect is rounded off by the spoiler lip in the vehicle colour on the roof spoiler, or on the boot lid (CLA 45).

Options include an AMG Aerodynamic package for optimized aerodynamic balance, included a modified front splitter and additional flics on the front apron, an additional diffuser blade, side spoiler lips on the rear apron and rear spoiler (A 45) or larger spoiler lip (CLA 45) in high-gloss black. These features increase the downforce, and therefore handling stability at the physical limits.

AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual race engineer, is standard on the S-models, and an available option on the non-S models. The software is part of the MBUX infotainment system, and when negotiating a race circuit it continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific data, including speed and acceleration. Lap and sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time. Because specific display elements are shown in green or red, the driver is able to see at a glance without reading numbers whether they are currently faster or slower than the best time.

After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values, including 0-100 km/h, ¼ mile and 100-0 km/h, can be measured and saved. A newly developed algorithm determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE detects when the circuit has been left or it has been shortened. This is done using GPS data as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds).

The data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the optional head-up display. Well-known race tracks, including the Nürburgring or Spa Francorchamps, are already stored. It is also possible to record your own circuits. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online.