2013 Los Angeles: Mercedes-Benz perpetuates its love for AMG-ifying everything with the Concept GLA45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz loves to AMG-ify virtually every model they produce. And this latest concept is a prime example, which was revealed today at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG hints at a potential potent subcompact luxury sports crossover for the US market.

Similar to the hot A45 AMG on which it’s based on, the Concept GLA45 AMG comes with a 2.0L turbocharged AMG four-banger good for a mind-numbing 355hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a Mercedes-AMG tuned 4MATIC system and a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch cog swapper.

Of course, the Concept GLA45 AMG separates itself from lesser GLA-Class variants with more aggressive body work, serious wheels, and all kinds of tuning all around.

For full details, check out the press release below.

Concept GLA45 AMG

A look forward to the new SUV from Mercedes-AMG

November 20, 2013 – Affalterbach/Los Angeles

Mercedes-AMG will present its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Concept GLA45 AMG features an excitingly bold, distinctive design and is powered by the most muscular four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world: its AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an output of 355 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 332 lb-ft of torque offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “With the Concept GLA45 AMG, we are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car. The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA45 AMG a unique proposition.”

Acceleration from 0-60 mph in less than five seconds demonstrates the performance dynamic that is a hallmark of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the Concept GLA45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.

Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design

Stunning engineering is combined with breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA45 AMG has a powerful and muscular presence on the road. This is due in considerable part to the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tires which are painted matte black with a red rim flange, to command attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with center lock-look, plus an AMG highperformance braking system with red brake calipers.

The AMG front apron with its large front splitter in high-gloss black, the black flics (air deflectors) together with the large cooling air intakes, serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG. The motor racing look is further reinforced by the start number “45” on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. Further design elements exclusive to AMG include the “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome, side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, a “TURBO AMG” badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear spoiler.

Sporty wraps and red highlights

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end makes a memorable impression and is complemented by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear spoiler. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system which features and an electronically controlled variable vane system to modulate the AMG signature exhaust note.