At the Los Angeles International Auto Show (20 November to 1 December 2013), Mercedes-AMG will be presenting its outlook on a compact, high-performance SUV. The Concept GLA 45 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-litre turbocharged engine with an output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 newton metres offers unrivalled performance in conjunction with low fuel consumption.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "With the Concept GLA 45 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 GLA 45 AMG a unique proposition."

A seven in front of the comma in terms of fuel consumption per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined) and compliance with the EU 6 emissions standard go to show that superb performance at Mercedes-AMG does not come at the expense of environmental compatibility. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in under five seconds demonstrates the dynamism that is so typical of the brand. Thanks to a combination of the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, the drive configuration of the Concept GLA 45 AMG impresses with its sporty yet also efficient performance.

Powerful and muscular: breathtaking design

Stunning engineering is combined with some breathtaking styling features by Mercedes-AMG: the Concept GLA 45 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 tyres. Painted matt black with a red rim flange, they certainly attract attention. They are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake callipers.

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, 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, the side sill panels with high-gloss black inserts, the "TURBO AMG" lettering on the front wings, the high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear aerofoil.

Sporty wraps and red highlights

The sporty silver grey/red foil wrap on the bonnet, 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 aerofoil. The rear view is dominated by the diffuser insert with black trim element and by the twin-tailpipe design of the two rectangular, high-gloss black tailpipe trims of the AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap.
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Mercedes-Benz has lifted the veil off of the 2014 GLA45 AMG ahead of its scheduled debut at next week's Detroit Motor Show. As its name implies, the GLA45 AMG is the performance-focused version of the Three-Pointed Star's new GLA-Class crossover.

Like the existing CLA45 AMG, the hot-rodded GLA is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque thanks in part to a turbocharger and high-tech engineering like multiple spark ignition.

Linked to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the turbo four sends the GLA45 AMG from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds - 0.3 seconds slower than the CLA - and on to a top speed that is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The 2.0-liter returns 31 mpg in a mixed European cycle. U.S. fuel economy will be published closer to the car's on-sale date.

The engine sends power to all four wheels via a new 4Matic all-wheel drive system designed specifically to be used in cars with a transversally-mounted engine. By using a power take-off unit built directly into the gearbox, the transmission eliminates the need for a transfer case and reduces the system's overall weight.

Looking The Part
The GLA45 AMG stands out from its regular-production counterpart with a twin-blade grille, muscular bumpers on both ends, an air diffuser that incorporates four round exhaust tips and a slightly lowered ride height. Model-specific exterior colors, wheel designs and "Turbo" emblems on both fenders round out the look.

The GLA45's cabin is largely carried over from the GLA. Unabashedly designed to appeal to a young and trendy target audience, the cockpit is characterized by aircraft-inspired round air vents surrounded by chrome bezels, a 5.8-inch screen that protrudes from the top of the dash and a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel.

Carbon fiber trim on the dash, a pair of sport seats up front and an AMG-specific instrument cluster that includes a timer emphasize the performance-focused nature of the car.

After debuting in the nation's Motor City, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG will land in Mercedes showrooms next summer. Pricing information will be available at a later date.

Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for its all-new GLA compact crossover. The GLA is expected to arrive in Mercedes showrooms within the next few weeks.

Prices for the GLA250 4MATIC will list from $34,225, including a $925 destination charge. A cheaper, front-wheel drive version of the GLA will presumably be offered, but Mercedes hasn't released specific pricing for that model.

The GLA250 is powered by a 208 horsepower version of Mercedes' 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Shifting duties are handled by a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Stepping up to the high-performance GLA45 AMG will require $49,225, including destination. Available exclusively with an AMG-tuned four-wheel drive system, the GLA45 AMG belts out 355 horsepower from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard.

That pricing puts the GLA pretty much in line with the BMW X1, which list for $33,650 when similarly optioned. The GLA also steers clear of Mercedes' larger GLK SUV, which commands $38,825.