► CLA 45 and GLA 45 AMG get power upgrade
► Same 381bhp engine development as A45 AMG
► Frankfurt debut, on sale before the end of 2015
In June 2015 Mercedes-AMG revealed the Mercedes A45 AMG hot hatch would jump in power from its already substantial 355bhp to a heady 381bhp before the year’s end. Now, in a hardly surprising move, it’s announced the same engine upgrade will apply to the other members of the A-class AMG family.
That means the platform-sharing CLA 45 coupe, CLA 45 Shooting Brake mini-estate and GLA 45 crossover will all benefit from the same power hike, along with a similar light interior overhaul.
Where’s the extra power come from?
It’s the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as before, but with valve trickery, timing tweaks and turbo adjustments to unlock that extra 26bhp and 18lb ft (maximum torque now stands at 350lb ft).
Exaggerating the effects of that extra power is a new gearing setup for the cars’ seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, with shorter ratios from third to seventh gear.
The CLA 45 AMG now gets from 0-62mph in a supercar-standard 4.2sec, four tenths quicker than before. Likewise, the CLA 45 Shooting Brake now hits 62 in 4.3sec and the GLA 45 AMG in 4.4.
Impressively, fuel consumption hasn’t been harmed, with the CLA twins rated at around 41mpg and the GLA at 38mpg combined.
Anything else new?
A light smattering of interior trim changes and a new ‘AMG Dynamic Plus’ option package, which adds a mechanical locking front axle differential and two-stage adaptive dampers.
The powered-up AMG A-class family will make their public debut at the 2015 Frankfurt motor show in September and reach showrooms by the end of the year. As to whether that extra go will actually make them any more fun to drive, we’ll have to wait and see.