Mercedes shows GLA45 AMG concept

Mercedes-AMG showed its take on a compact high-performance SUV at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show with the Concept GLA45 AMG. AMG says along with the distinctive design, power comes from the world’s most authoritative four-cylinder series production engine. That would be the AMG 2.0-liter turbocharged four, producing 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a seven-speed Speedshift trans and Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel drive.

Tobias Moers, Mercedes-AMG GmbH chairman of the board of management, says AMG is setting a stake in the ground “of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs.” Hard to argue: AMG says the little SUV will hit 60 mph in less than five seconds.

The truck features AMG center-lock forged wheels in a cross-spoke design and AMG brakes with red calipers. Up front is a large splitter painted in high-gloss black, black air deflectors and large air intakes. The sporting look is further reinforced by the AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen and Turbo AMG badges on the front fenders, high-gloss black roof rails and a large rear spoiler. The rear diffuser has black trim and there are two rectangular high-gloss black tailpipes.

We haven’t seen the interior, yet but we can guess the typical Benz quality will be there, with snug buckets and likely some carbon trim.

By Jake Lingeman