Mercedes-Benz Reveals Production GLA45 AMG Before Detroit

High-powered compact SUV will receive same 360 hp four-cylinder engine as CLA45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has released official details on the new GLA45 AMG set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next week.

Under the hood will be the same insanely powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as the CLA45 AMG, good for 360 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque, as well as the title of most powerful series production four-cylinder in the world.

Power will be sent to all four wheels through an AMG Speedshift DCT twin-clutch transmission.

These two elements combine to produce a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds (0.2 seconds slower than the CLA45 AMG) on to a speed-limited top end of 250 km/h.

Expect sales of the new GLA45 to start shortly after its European market launch in July.