Mercedes-AMG A45 and CLA45 2020 revealed

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its top-of-the-line A45 hot-hatch and CLA45 sedan, featuring the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine.

The AMG variants are the latest to join the second-generation A-Class and CLA-Class ranges, which have been revealed in stages since its originally debuting in 2018.

The A45 hatch has a wider front axle and is fitted with an AMG aerodynamic package including a front splitter and flics on the front, and a rear diffuser and wing at the back, whereas the CLA45 has a slightly more subtle exterior wing and flair package.

The bodies of both cars have been strengthened through the addition of a “shearing plate” below the engine, a brace between the two strut towers, plates that connect the A-pillars to the side members, as well as struts at the front and rear to improve rigidity.

All of which are to help these small supercars handle the power outputs from the new 310kW/500Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. The top-spec S – which will be the only A45/CLA45 variants offered locally – can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds to a top speed of 270km/h, according to AMG. Other markets will get a detuned A45 in non-S guise, too.

There will be no AMG A45 sedan, with the CLA45 stepping in as the non-hatch option.

The 2.0-litre engine is currently the most powerful production four-cylinder engine and represents a significant jump over the lesser 2.0-litre unit in the A35 (225kW/400Nm) which is set to arrive in Australia in both hatch and sedan form in October. 

Read More About Mercedes-Benz A-Class

M ercedes-AMG A35 revealed

Both the A45 hatch and CLA45 sedan will drive all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic and Mercedes-Benz’ 4MATIC+ all wheel drive system. This system has the added benefit of AMG Torque Control, which is capable of distributing torque automatically between each wheel individually. Naturally, the system has a ‘Drift mode’ which will be standard in S- badged cars.

The A45 and CLA45 S offer six driving modes, which adjust everything from engine response to exhaust note and suspension tune.

Other performance-enhancing features include AMG Ride Control adaptive damping and the (optional in Europe) AMG Dynamic Plus package featuring six-piston front disc brakes, up from the standard four.

Read More About Mercedes-Benz A-Class

T he AMG A45 is set to be the world's most powerful hot hatch

As with the standard A- and CLA-Class models, the AMG 45 S variants will have the dual-10.25-inch MBUX screen set-up in the cabin, but with added AMG-specific modes. These include extra performance gauges and themes for each layout.

The A45 will have the option of contrasting interior colour schemes.

The A45 and CLA45 will be able to be chosen with a variety of leather/suede look trims, and a choice of two 19-inch wheel designs, with the S variant gaining contrast stitching, as well as a data logger for track use.

Mercedes-Benz’ local division commented that it was unable to confirm pricing yet, but the A45 and CLA45 will arrive in Q1 of 2020.

Are you keen to see what the world's most powerful production hot-hatch is capable of? Tell us what you think in the comments below.