Affalterbach/Bad Driburg – The A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG see Mercedes-AMG embarking on a new era. For the first time in the company's history extending back over more than 45 years, Mercedes-Benz's performance brand is offering two high-performance cars powered by a four-cylinder engine. Both new models provide an exciting introduction to the world of AMG. With an output of 265 kW (360 hp) and a peak torque of 450 Newton metres, the AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is the world's most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production. It is also exceptionally efficient and meets the requirements of the EU6 emissions standards. NEDC combined fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres puts the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG at the top of their segments. Performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive sets new standards in dynamic handling.

The A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG offer a fascinatingly sporty driving experience, characterised by impressive craftsmanship and individuality. Both new four-cylinder models feature the hallmark AMG DNA, of course, largely down to the fact that during design and development the Mercedes-AMG experts were able to draw on all their experience in motorsport and the construction of powerful high-performance cars and components gained over the past decade. BlueDIRECT turbo engine, all-wheel drive and AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission – the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG boast an extremely attractive, dynamic and efficient drive configuration.

With ages ranging between 30 and the mid-40s, the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG target groups are younger than the previous AMG customers. Professionally successful and independent, the customers are looking for dynamic and individual cars. Their wish is to express their style- and trend-driven lifestyle with a car from a recognised performance brand. The A 45 AMG is an agile and emotive high-performance car for these target customers, who prefer to live in an urban environment. The CLA 45 AMG follows the philosophy of the successful CLS 63 AMG – the trend-setting four-door high-performance coupé. It offers a unique combination of a fascinatingly sporty driving experience, extravagant design and maximum individuality. Mercedes-AMG appeals to the tech-savvy and flexible attitude to life adopted by both target groups by offering a wide range of equipment, colour and material options for the new models.

Two figures show that the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 hold pole position in their displacement segment: the newly developed AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world. A maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Newton metres of torque are unmatched by any other mass-produced turbocharged four-cylinder engine worldwide. The power density of 133 kW (181 hp) puts the AMG high-performance turbo engine on par with the world's most powerful super
sports cars.

The high output and torque coupled with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive fitted as standard make for extremely dynamic performance: both the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and have a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited). With a fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), the new high-performance cars from Affalterbach are exceptionally efficient and lead the way in their segments. A further priority when developing both models was to ensure a sustainable reduction in particulate emissions. The A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG thus already comply with the second stage of the EU6 emissions standards that do not go into effect until 2017.

The key data at a glance:

*Electronically limited

The basis for these impressive figures is provided by the high-tech package put togetherby Mercedes-AMG. As a high-performance engine belonging to the BlueDIRECT family, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection via piezo injectors positioned centrally in the four combustion chambers with an injection pressure of 200 bar. The combination of multiple fuel injection and multiple spark ignition improves fuel utilisation and increases thermodynamic efficiency substantially, leading
to low exhaust emissions. The A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG thus already comply with the second stage of the EU6 emissions legislation that does not go into effect until 2017. The injection system's outstanding flexibility also ensures a high level of degrees of freedom for the application. There are up to five injections per combustion cycle in the cold-start and warm-up phase that is so crucial in terms of emissions. Here one of the key aspects for in-engine particulate reduction is the reduction of the partial injection quantities.

Other highlights include: gravity-die sandcast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimised crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, air-to-water intercooler, alternator management and ECO start/stop function.

Twin-scroll turbochargerand AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap

Mercedes-AMG addresses the essential challenges concerning the response of small-displacement turbo engines by means of a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum derestriction of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy. The twin-scroll technology provides for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure, making effective use of exhaust gas back pressure, exhaust gas temperature and exhaust gas impulse. This results in a swifter build-up of torque right from the lower rev range. As a positive side-effect, the twin-scroll technology also benefits fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. With a maximum charge pressure of 1.8 bar, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine leads the field in this respect, too.

The AMG sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap: this technology, which is familiar from the SLK 55 AMG, reconciles the two apparently conflicting aims of tangible dynamic spirit and hallmark Mercedes comfort on long journeys. The flap is continuously adjusted by map control according to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed. During powerful acceleration, the tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system emit an exciting sound. Despite their design similarities, each of the two models has its own specific sound: as a powerful compact car, the A 45 AMG sounds even more throaty than the CLA 45 AMG in a direct comparison. The four-door high-performance coupé's engine sound is more understated so as to make the ride an even more pleasurable experience for the rear passengers. An AMG performance exhaust system with exhaust flap is available as an optional extra for both models. Those opting for this system will experience an even more emotive and full engine sound.

Like all the AMG eight- and twelve-cylinder engines, the new AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is assembled entirely by hand according to AMG's traditional "one man, one engine" philosophy – as shown by the AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the responsible engine fitter.

The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission in the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG features seven gears, three distinct transmission modes, a double-declutching function dependent on the transmission mode and RACE START for optimum acceleration. Major strengths of the AMG dual clutch transmission include spontaneous gearshifts without interruption in tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy based on the AMG SPEEDSHIFT functions, extremely smooth and easy gearshifts, and a high level of efficiency. The shift times in manual mode "M" and in sport mode "S" are similarly sporty in character to those of the SLS AMG GT super sports car. Briefly and precisely interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts in "M" and "S", with a more emotive sound. The transmission control fully utilises the benefits of the direct injection technology right up to the physical limits: the quicker engine response ensures that injection is interrupted even more precisely, resulting in fast gear changes and an emotional sound experience designed to generate excitement.

In "C" mode (Controlled Efficiency), tangibly soft transmission and engine characteristics support a fuel-efficient and comfort-oriented driving style. In addition, in "C" mode the ECO start/stop function is active. Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is the so-called "Momentary M mode" – as seen in the SLS AMG Coupé Black Series super sports car.

The A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG come with variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. In developing this all-wheel drive system, the focus was firmly on performance and dynamic spirit. The power transfer to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated into the 7-speed sports transmission.

A two-part propeller shaft transfers the power from the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the rear axle. In the interests of favourable weight distribution, an electrohydraulically controlled multiple-disc clutch is integrated with the rear axle differential. The multiple-disc clutch control detects slip at the front axle. A hydraulic pump instantaneously presses the discs together and channels the engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. All this takes place without the driver noticing. Power distribution is fully variable: in normal driving, the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG use front-wheel drive in the interests of optimum efficiency. When the driving dynamics so require, the variable AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive splits the torque between front and rear axle up to a ratio of 50:50 per cent.

Typically for AMG, the Electronic Stability Program is configured as 3-stage ESP®. The A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG have three driving modes - "ESP ON", "SPORT Handling Mode" and "ESP OFF" - enabling dynamic performance to be varied according to individual requirements at the push of a button. ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist is likewise included as standard. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel gives rise to a defined yaw moment around the vertical axis, resulting in precise cornering by the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG, ensuring that the vehicle remains under control at all times.

Like every AMG high-performance car, the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMG incorporate sophisticated axle technology. For enhanced dynamic handling, the McPherson front axle is fitted with stiffer steering knuckles and new elastokinematics. The four-link rear axle is also a completely new development. Handling stability and precision are enhanced by the optimised elastokinematics and the rigid connection between the subframe and the body. The AMG sports suspension with specifically tuned spring/damper units and larger anti-roll bars provides for high lateral acceleration and a reduced rolling tendency in fast double bends.

Both models come as standard with AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels, painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, fitted with 235/40 R 18 tyres. The AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with AMG-specific, speed-sensitive power assist enables high steering precision and agility. The AMG high-performance braking system with vented and cross-drilled brake discs all round provides for spontaneous and reliable deceleration.

Mercedes-AMG adds emphatically sporty and muscular highlights to the emotional exterior design of the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class sporting the new dynamic style, a sculptural character and feature lines on the sides. These refinements ensure that the A 45 AMG looks the part as a distinctive high-performance car. One aspect that is immediately apparent about the CLA 45 AMG is the intentional similarity with the CLS 63 AMG: Mercedes‑AMG enhances the expressive CLA design idiom by adding hallmark AMG features. Standard equipment includes:

Inside, too, the A 45 AMG and CLA 45 AMGboast hallmark Mercedes-AMG dynamic spirit and exclusivity. High-quality touches in both high-performance cars include the sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching and red seat belts, the multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with E-SELECT lever. The instrument panel trim in the A 45 AMG has a carbon-fibre look – a perfect match for the five air vents in black/red. The CLA 45 AMG is distinguishable by the instrument panel trim in brushed aluminium and five galvanised ventilation outlets. Furthermore, the AMG instrument cluster in the CLA 45 AMG has a 2-tube look. The central colour display incorporates the AMG main menu including RACETIMER. On opening the door, the driver is greeted by the AMG start-up screen. Numerous individualisation options are available for both models. The fully equipped and appointed "Edition 1" variants feature an expressive composition of exclusive exterior and interior details (see “Design and Equipment”) .

The web specials developed specifically for the A 45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG give customers the chance to experience the new AMG stars interactively. Furthermore, all visitors can view comments, films and pictures from fans of the AMG Twitter and Facebook pages on the site's "social wall", where they can also post their own statements.

The web specials are online at and

The A 45 AMG is being launched in June 2013, the CLA 45 AMG in September of this year. Prices for Germany (incl. 19% VAT):

A 45 AMG:  € 49,682.50
A 45 AMG "Edition 1":  € 56,977.20
CLA 45 AMG:  € 56,078.75
CLA 45 AMG "Edition 1":  € 63,099.75