ULTIMATE A-CLASS SET TO ARRIVE IN THE UK IN AUGUST: ORDERING OPENS FOR THE A 45 AMG

• New A 45 AMG is available to order now with prices starting at £37,845 OTR
• First UK deliveries start in August
• At 181 hp per litre, the A 45 AMG has the highest specific output of any production engine
• First AMG Compact Car to be launched and the first with fewer than six-cylinders
• Develops 360 hp and 450 newton metres of torque, allowing it to reach 62 mph in 4.6 seconds
• Extensive changes over standard A-Class, including new 4MATIC all-wheel drive system

The new A 45 AMG is nearly here. As well as aiming to set new dynamic benchmarks, the A 45 AMG marks many firsts – it’s the first production car to achieve 181 hp per litre, the first AMG with fewer than six cylinders, the first compact AMG and the first all-wheel drive A-Class to arrive in the UK. Today, prices are announced for the ultimate incarnation of the A-Class – the A 45 AM will start at £37,845 on the road with first deliveries taking place in August.

Powered by an advanced, hand built four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an output of 360 hp delivered at 6,000 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm, it’s twinned with a development of the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission and AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Combining mighty performance – it can accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph in just 4.6-seconds – with refinement, the A 45 AMG can return 40.9 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 161 g/km of CO₂.

Backing up the performance are styling enhancements, split between delivering a more imposing look and fulfilling functional requirements. A new front bumper with extensions to the airdams to feed the intercooler is joined by a new AMG grille, a deep front splitter and, at the side of the car, gloss black sill extensions. A new braking system, springs and dampers are behind twin five-spoke 18-inch wheels. At the back, a new bumper sits above a bespoke exhaust system. The A 45 AMG is available in a choice of eight colours and three wheel designs in either 18- or 19-inch diameter.

Inside, the extensive changes continue – AMG Performance seats, fitted as standard, with red stitching, red nappa leather provide enhanced lateral support.  A sports steering wheel in nappa leather with red stitching, red seats belts and the AMG badge on the seats add to the exclusive AMG feel along with carbon weave, textured trim.

The AMG Drive Unit, allowing the selection of the gears from the centre console, is joined by metal paddle shifters located 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), including a large front splitter with additional flics as well as an AMG rear aerofoil for extra down force.  There is also the AMG Performance Exhaust (£510), denoted by four chrome tailpipes, to provide a more purposeful engine note.

AMG continues to set new records in the UK – finishing 2012 with registrations up119 per cent compared to 2011 and established itself as the fastest-growing performance brand in the UK.