Mercedes CLA 45 AMG to be shown at Auto Expo 2014

Mercedes-Benz has a treat in store for performance car enthusiasts at the upcoming New Delhi Auto Expo in February. The carmaker will display the CLA 45 AMG sedan in addition to other cars from its line-up. What’s more, we can confirm the CLA 45 AMG is scheduled to go on sale in India later this year. While Mercedes has gone on record to say it will eventually be bringing its entire AMG range to India, the rationale behind bringing the CLA 45 AMG in sooner has got a lot to do with pricing. At present, the most affordable AMG model in India is the C-class-based C 63 AMG, which costs around Rs 1 crore. With the CLA 45, Mercedes intends to make the AMG sub-brand more accessible to performance car buyers and there is buzz that the car could be priced in the region of Rs 60-65 lakh.

The CLA 45 AMG saloon, based on the same platform as the Mercedes A-class and B-class, may be considered a ‘junior’ AMG, but there’s nothing small about its performance. 100kph from standstill comes up in a claimed 4.6 seconds and the top speed is limited to 250kph. At the heart of this sportscar-rivalling performance is a 2.0-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 355bhp at 6,000rpm; the power output makes it the most powerful four-cylinder motor in series production. The engine is mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission and drive is channelled to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The launch of the CLA 45 AMG will be followed by the standard Mercedes CLA-class saloon later in the year. The locally-assembled CLA sedan will be powered by more conventional petrol and diesel engines, and will slot in between the A-class and C-class in Mercedes’ line-up. It will take on the Audi A3 sedan that is also India-bound in 2014. 

Also on display at the Auto Expo will be the India-bound GLA SUV, albeit in concept form. More crossover than full-blown SUV, the striking GLA is Merc's long-awaited response to the Audi Q3 and BMW X1. When launched in India, it will be available with the petrol and diesel engines already on offer on the A- and B-Class cars. 

The Mercedes stand will also have a very special version of the ML SUV from its 'Guard' line of special protection cars. This ML uses special pressed steel and ultra-thick windows that give it protection against bullets and even hand grenade blasts. 

There will be something for F1 fans too in the form of the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 car.  Don't miss it!