The compact SUV segment is bursting at the seams, so it was only a matter of time before Mercedes Benz entered the arena with the GLA.
We’ve known about it for a while and we’ve even seen it in the flesh at last year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show, but at that time Mercedes was unable to confirm whether an AMG variant would be built.
After weeks of speculation, we can now give you the facts. It will be called the GLA 45 AMG and it will be powered by the same 2,0-litre turbocharged powertrain that made its debut in the A 45 AMG.
Power output is rated at 265 kW and 450 Nm, which is transferred to the all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transmission.
According to Mercedes, it’ll sprint to 100kmh in 4,8 seconds. The top-speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.
Even with all that power and performance on tap, Mercedes says it will only consume 7.5 litres/100km, while emitting 175g/km of CO2 emissions.
The AMG package also includes and AMG sports suspension and a high performance braking system.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is set to make its international debut on January 13 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The sales release will start in mid-March 2014, with the market launch beginning in July 2014.