Mercedes AMG revealed an AMG version of its new GLA crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is still in concept form, but everything about this car suggests there is a production version lurking beneath that fancy body garnished with stickers and stuff for the show.
For one thing, the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG concept is powered by the same AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an output of 360 hp and maximum torque of 450 newton metres already in use in the A 45 and CLA 45. The GLA is in fact the same car but jacked up a bit to achieve some slight off-road worthiness.
That brilliant engine, paired with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, gives the GLA 45 brisk performance with a 0 to 62 mph sprint time of under five seconds. Performance and styling go hand in hand in the GLA 45 AMG, as seen with the AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design with 255/35 R 21 tyres, finished in matte black, and the rather ostentatious body kit with the spoiler and stuff that not only serves as a visual feature, it also helps with the aerodynamics.
The styling kit is a thorough one, what with the large front splitter in high-gloss black on the AMG front apron, the black flics (air deflectors) with additional flics, together with the large cooling air intakes. The concept model also features start number “45” on the doors and the distinctive AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen. The red accenting all around the car reinforces the motorsport loo the designers were keenly after.
Specs and details, as well as the launch date, for the Mercedes GLA 45 AMG are yet to be revealed. But one thing’s for sure. Porsche Macan Turbo is already facing a formidable rival.
