Frankfurt show: AMG power boost for Benz CLA, GLA

HOT on the heels of the power increase for the refreshed A45 AMG hot hatch, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that its CLA and GLA AMG siblings will also gain the extra kilowatts.

The upgrade brings an extra 15kW of power and 25Nm of torque, lifting the output to 280kW/475Nm for the CLA45 AMG Coupe and Shooting Brake and the GLA45 AMG crossover, all of which are built using Benz's MFA (modular front-wheel drive architecture) platform.

On top of the power boost, the three AMG variants receive a tweaked seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with revised gear ratio steps and Dynamic Select transmission modes similar to those used in the Porsche 911-chasing GT sportscar.

By pumping up the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit, Benz has helped cut 0-100km/h sprint times, with the CLA45 AMG 4Matic (all-wheel drive) coupe dropping by 0.4 seconds to 4.2s, the Shooting Brake falling from 4.7 to 4.3s and the GLA racing to 100km/h in 4.4s, down from 4.8.

Fuel economy appears to have dropped slightly for the compact AMGs, with the CLA sipping 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres, down from 7.2L, while the GLA now consumes 7.4L, a 0.2L drop. Following their Frankfurt motor show debut in September, the updated AMGs are expected to arrive in Australia early next year, not long after the re-jigged A-Class arrives late this year.

The Dynamic Select driving modes include Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual or Race in conjunction with the optional AMG Ride Control sports suspension.

Also optional in European markets is the AMG Dynamic Plus package featuring a newly developed mechanical front axle locking differential that Merc says improves traction for spirited driving.

The engine powering Benz's hot compact foursome claimed the title of the most powerful four-cylinder petrol engine in the world, a title it maintains with the upgrade.

Audi's potent RS3 that was revealed late last year pumps out 270kW/465Nm, but that is from a 2.5-litre five-cylinder unit.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific capped off its compact AMG line-up with the launch last month of the CLA45 Shooting Brake priced at $89,900 plus on-road costs, a $1500 premium over the four-door coupe.

The A45 is the most affordable of the related models, priced from $75,800, while the higher-riding GLA45 starts at $80,430.