NOT one, not even two, but three models from Mercedes-AMG have been launched, two of which are available in Australia right now, including the new A 45 S and CLA 45 S. The GLE 63 (S) Coupé has also been unveiled in Germany.
The highly anticipated new generation Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ hatch and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ four door coupé turn up the power, posture and performance, continuing to improve upon the legacy of the previous generation.
At the heart of the 45 models sits a turbocharged four cylinder engine generating an incredible 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque. That power plant is paired with the new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G 8-speed dual clutch transmission.
The A 45 S 4MATIC+ sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds (CLA 45 S 4MATIC+: 4.0 seconds). Active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive distributes power to rear axle wheels selectively via torque control.
Significantly, it enables excellent traction and creates the parameters for the spectacular new ‘Drift’ mode. It’s all thanks to a new rear axle differential featuring two multi-disc clutches, one for each rear wheel.
Also impressive is a carefully balanced torque curve and a high maximum engine speed (up to 7200rpm). The transmission has been configured for spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges as well.
Depending on the selected driving mode, the driver receives a specific drive configuration with different accelerator and gearshift characteristics. The standard RACE-START function also allows maximum acceleration from stationary, in a highly emotive experience.
The result is consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions. In a racetrack environment, this sophisticated solution enables extreme cornering manoeuvres, which makes power-sliding possible, for even more driving pleasure.
The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is designed with overt visual cues to its sporting prowess, including an AMG-specific radiator grille with a wider, lower contour and 12 vertical louvres, a clear indicator of AMG Performance family membership.
Wider front wings with flared wheel arches create space for the wider front axle, underlining an athletic appearance in combination with the front apron featuring a distinctive jet wing design.
Inside, the ground-breaking MBUX infotainment system first seen on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatch features sporty AMG specific design, sophisticated details and displays in emotionally appealing representations, rendered in brilliant 3D graphics.
This includes a race timer, a G-meter, engine data plus individual AMG displays such as visualisation of the driving programs, AMG TRACK PACE (the racetrack-specific virtual race engineer) and telemetry data.
The A 45 S 4MATIC+ features a Burmester surround sound audio system, an AMG Performance steering wheel in black DINAMICA micro-fibre with contrasting yellow top stitching, and heated electric sports seats in two-tone leather with identical stitching.
There’s also comfort control, brushed aluminium trim, key-less go and start, ambient lighting featuring 64 colours, dark tinted privacy glass and a panoramic glass sunroof.
Standard safety includes the driving assistance package plus, active distance assist with cross traffic assist, active lane change assist, and the parking package, which features a 360-degree camera, and LED headlights with adaptive high beam.
It retails for $93,600 plus on-roads. It’s coupe sibling, the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+, scores a wider front track, giving it a naturally self-assured stance. It means it doesn’t require the same frontal flares as the A 45 S 4MATIC+ too.
The CLA 45 S does share the AMG-specific radiator grille with the A45 S, but sports an expressive appearance all its own with jet-like external air inlets that show a family relationship with the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé.
At the rear, the CLA 45 S scores a diffuser with four individual fins, and a boot lid-mounted spoiler. Its 19-inch diameter AMG alloy wheels are nine inches wide. The CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ otherwise shares the same high level of specification as the A 45 S 4MATIC+.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ retails for $111,200 plus on-road costs. Both vehicles are on sale now.
Back in the motherland, an elegant and electrified coupé with superb agility and driving dynamics, and high traction all-wheel drive has been revealed, with the launch of the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (S) 4MATIC+ Coupé.
At the heart of the performance SUV Coupé is the AMG 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, which has been electrified with an EQ Boost starter alternator and a 48-volt on board electrical system to deliver a particularly immediate response at start-up.
The base model delivers an output of 420kW, while the S variant offers an impressive 450kW. Agility is guaranteed by the AMG ride control+ air-sprung suspension, with active ride control providing roll stabilisation.
The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G 9-speed automatic transmission, complete the package. The MHEV hybrid system adds an additional 16kW of temporary power and 250Nm of torque.
Visually, the exterior features an AMG specific radiator grille and special AMG exhaust system, with two rectangular high gloss chrome-plated twin tailpipe trim elements. The S variant gets fluted versions of the same trim elements.
Further individualisation options are available in the AMG Night package, including heat-insulating, dark-tinted windows, a front splitter, front and rear apron trim, inserts in the side skirts, mirror caps and window frames in dignified black.
In addition, the twin tailpipe trim elements are finished in elegant high gloss black. The typical look and feel of the brand is continued in the high quality interior of the GLE 63 Coupé, which is characterised by a resolutely sporty ambience.
The AMG seats are upholstered in Nappa leather, and provide optimum lateral support and have an AMG specific seat pattern layout, with an “AMG” badge in the front backrests. Other leather variants are optionally available.
The S variant is further identified by its grey seat belts and contrasting seat top stitching in silver grey. Individually adjustable ambient lighting comes as standard, with a three spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles also on board.
In the base model, the steering wheel rim is lined in black Nappa leather, and in the S variant in Nappa leather/DINAMICA micro fibre. Both feature a black 12-o’clock marking, and AMG steering wheel buttons for instant access to go fast settings.
The centre console includes an AMG specific control unit with additional switches that are used to regulate the 3-stage ESP, the manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping system, the optional AMG Performance exhaust system and the vehicle ride level.
There’s also AMG brushed stainless steel sports pedals with rubber studs, and door sill panels and black floor mats with “AMG” lettering. A wide range of high quality interior trim elements are available for further individualisation of the interior.
Further information, pricing and options will be announced closer to its Australian launch, later in the year.
