The most powerful compact crossover on the AMG market - already fixed engine and all-wheel torque
The new Mercedes GLK compact SUV has received a 45 AMG courtesy treatment, packing up to 416bhp at its most striking.
It is the latest model to receive Affalterbach's M139 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the most powerful four-cylinder in the series in production, and joins the A45 motorway and CLA 45 AMG in a compact performance line-up.
Like its stablemates, the GLA 45 produces 382bhp in standard form, while the top-stage S model brings an extra 33bhp - making it the most powerful compact crossover available. Mercedes claims the standard car accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 4,4 seconds, with the S shaving 0,1 seconds since then. C also goes without the standard car's speed limiter, taking top speeds up to 155 mph for 168mph.
As can be distinguished from the standard GLC by body orientated additions, including powerdomes in the hood, flared wheel arches and prominent air intakes.
The GLC 45 is equipped with a variable four-wheel drive system that uses torque vectoring technology to send a different amount of power between the rear wheels depending on the driving situation. Both wheels feature their own electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, allowing each to be disengaged from its drive shaft individually.
The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission features, and has been tuned to offer spontaneous acceleration at all speeds.
The crossover also gets AMG's custom suspension tuning, said to offer improved rolling refinement over the outgoing model, allowing "easy control of the car to the limit." Further improvements include reduced throttle response and more responsive steering.
Various driving modes, the car must be configured for its intended use. The GLA 45's race-start feature provides for that "highly emotional experience" by maximizing acceleration from stationary and pausing the ignition between gears for a more noticeable shift. In contrast, Eco Mode puts an emphasis on efficiency, with stop-start and overrun functions helping to save fuel.
The interior gets the usual AMG treatment, including sport bucket seats, a bespoke steering wheel with mode dial and buttons and a special sporty look for the digital instrument cluster.
Only the more powerful GLA45 S will be coming to the UK; expected this summer, with prices starting at around £52,000.
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