New Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG details released ahead of UK arrival

FIRST: Vehicle is an AMG landmark

Pricing for the ultimate Mercedes-Benz A-Class incarnation – the A 45 AMG – has been announced ahead of its August UK launch.

Available to order now, the A 45 AMG starts at £37,845 on the road, and boasts a range of firsts, including the highest ever specific output of any production engine.

The vehicle is the first production car to achieve 181hp per litre, the first AMG with fewer than six cylinders, the first compact AMG and the UK’s first all-wheel drive A-Class.

It is powered by an advanced, hand-built four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 360hp delivered at 6,000rpm and 450nm of torque between 2,250 and 5,000rpm.

The engine is twinned with a development of the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission and AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

It accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, while returning 40.9mpg on the combined cycle and emitting 161g/km of CO2.

Externally, it is fitted with a new front bumper, AMG grille, deep front splitter and gloss black sill extensions.

A new braking system, springs and dampers are behind twin five-spoke 18-inch wheels, while a rear bumper sits above a bespoke exhaust system.

AMG Performance leather seats are fitted as standard, with lateral support, alongside sports steering wheel and red seatbelts.

The AMG Drive Unit allows the selection of gears from the centre console, and is joined by metal paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

A unique AMG electronic display located between the instrument dials, DAB and Audio 20 with iPod and Bluetooth connectivity are also fitted as standard.

Individualisation options include the AMG Aerodynamics package (£1,530) and the AMG Performance Exhaust (£510).

The A 45 AMG is available in a choice of eight colours and three wheel designs, in either 18 or 19-inch diameter.