PETALING JAYA: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today launched three new Mercedes-AMG compact cars in a digital live premiere.
The cars are A 35 Edition 1, A 45 S Edition 1 and CLA 45 S Coupe. All are four-wheel driven.
Prices are RM379,888, RM459,888 and RM448,888 respectively.
AT A GLANCE: The three compact Mercedes-AMG cars
“These three are aggressively bred for both, the road and racetrack. With the new generation Mercedes-AMG cars, we are redefining the standards of sports, performance and luxury in Malaysia by combining a different level of mobility and innovation," says Dr Claus Weidner, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
“We have completely redesigned our AMG models – from the engine and transmission through the chassis, the elaborately constructed drivetrain to the body structure and of course the design itself – all with one goal: to raise vehicle dynamics and the sporty driving experience to a level previously unimaginable in the compact class,” said Michael Jopp, vice president, sales and marketing passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Both the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC and A 45 S 4MATIC+ come in the limited Edition 1 package, which underline their proximity to motor racing.
AMG Track Pace, the virtual race engineer, is available in all three models.
The software is part of the MBUX infotainment system, and when negotiating a race circuit it continuously monitors more than 80 vehicle-specific data (such as speed and acceleration).
After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary, improve their driving skills.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes me connect app gives the driver a total control over the vehicle, housing all remote access services from remote start to vehicle tracker.
It also provides a quick snapshot of the mileage, fuel level, tyre pressure, fluids and more.
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 is priced at RM459,888 while the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is priced at RM448,888. Prices are on the road, without insurance.
Both cars share the same M 139 engine producing 421hp at 6,750rpm and 500Nm at 5,000 to 5,250rpm, mated to a 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission.
This new 2.0-litre engine is the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production, with an output per litre of up to 211hp.
Produced in Affalterbach on the "One Man, One Engine" principle, it is more powerful than the preceding engine by 40hp, and maximum torque has also increased by 25Nm.
To reduce friction between the pistons and cylinders, the linings are coated using patented Nanoslide technology.
This gives the linings a mirror-like surface for minimal friction, is twice as hard as conventional grey cast-iron liners and therefore makes them much more durable.
Nanoslide was developed by Daimler AG, and was first used in AMG's M 156 V8 engine, has enhanced other AMG engines for many years and can also be found in the Formula 1 engine of Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport.
The new compact sports cars absolve the sprint from zero to 100kph in record time: the A 45 S 4MATIC+ requires only 3.9 seconds (CLA 45 S 4MATIC+: 4.0 seconds) and are capable of up to 270kph.
Both cars also come with 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG Torque Control, which result in consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions and during extreme cornering manoeuvres, for example on the racetrack.
This allows Drift mode (standard in the S-models, included in the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package for the basic models), which makes "powersliding" possible for even more driving pleasure.
Drift mode can be called up in the "RACE" driving mode using the shift paddles, provided that ESP (electronic stability programme) is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.
PHOTO GALLERY: Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition 1 is priced at RM379,888 and has a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged engine producing 306hp at 5,800 to 6,100rpm and 400Nm at 3,000 to 4,000rpm.
With a AMG Speedshift DCT 7G transmission, this hot hatch can do the 0 to 100kph sprint in 4.7 seconds.
Highlights of the front end include the radiator grille with twin louvres, the AMG Line front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter and silver chrome trims on the louvres in the outer air intakes.
Other highlights are 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, and AMG Performance seats along with the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather.
The rear view is dominated by the rear apron with a new diffuser insert, the spoiler lip on the roff and the two round tailpipe trims.
Agility and AMGPro Financing by Mercedes-Benz Financial packages are available, with a guaranteed future value of the car, unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing, tyre and rims replacement.
With the MobilityPlus programme, a guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car is provided when the car is sent for service and maintenance or warranty claims, for 48 hours or more.
