Mercedes-Benz Malaysia celebrated its first ever online, or internet premiere of the latest Mercedes-AMG compact cars yesterday afternoon due to the Conditional Movement Control Order imposed in the country due to the COVID-19 outbreak. These new Mercedes-AMG are the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC, 2020 A 45 4MATIC+ hot hatchbacks and as the first model debut for Malaysia, the 2020 CLA 45 4MATIC+. These are the essentially the piping hot variants of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchbacks and the hottest CLA four-door coupe which you can get. Now on the second generation of the new batch of Mercedes-Benz compact car chassis, it gets the best that Mercedes-AMG can offer for compact cars.
With these latest models, Mercedes-AMG not only leads the market segment in terms of performance and driving excitement but also to reaching up to the youngest ever AMG clientele. The 45 series of cars have the most powerful production 2.0liter 4 cylinder engine in the world. And the latest of these cars are now available in Malaysia. Also note that in the 45 series of cars, the A 45 and the CLA 45 offered here come with something called 'drift mode'...more fun for those who like oversteer.
The new CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ is the second generation CLA variant. It is what Mercedes-AMG calls as their compact 4 door coupe. It is a little more spacious than the previous generation CLA 45 but not by much. One must be aware that the roofline really swoops down low so the rear is quite a tight fit if you are a larger chap. But it does offer that practical side as it does have 4 doors and a boot too. On a personal note, I prefer sedans over hatchbacks, but that being said, any 45 series Mercedes-AMG would suffice.
The A 35 series is a first for the A-Class lineup. It is basically an in between sort of AMG. It nicely bridges the gap between the super hot A45 and the more dressed up A250 AMG-Line variant which is also offered by Mercedes-Benz. It sits in between both of these variants in terms of performance as well as price. But do note, it is still a Mercedes-AMG and not a Mercedes-Benz, so the entry price is still RM379,888 onwards and not mid RM200K like the A250. Still one of the exclusive ones if you know what I mean. The prices for these cars is stated in the chart down below. Also do note that the A 35 does not have the grille with the vertical slats, it has one that was used in the previous A 45 hatchback.
“Luxury is looking forward towards the future, and we will strive to lead the premium brand affinity segment in the country. 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. These three are aggressively bred for both, the road and racetrack. The benchmark for their successors is correspondingly high and to outperform them. We are also reinforcing the significance of this segment for our growth strategy." said Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (below right, with Michael Jopp VP, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars MBM).
Also speaking at the online launch yesterday afternoon, Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia says, “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.”
Of course, like most of us motoring media fellas, we had to watch the launch on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Facebook page. This social distancing has been brought to you by the pandemic's Movement Control Order that has basically not allowed the usual type of launch. It is good that car companies have worked out a sort of format to continue with launching a car, it is still quite awkward as we do not get to see the car for the first time in the metal, but more from our phones, TV or computer screen. This is the new norm and hopefully, things will go back to normal after this slight hiccup. It is a historical hiccup nonetheless as the last super pandemic was a hundred or so years ago.
Anyway, back to the Mercedes-AMG cars launched - Here is the product summary for all three cars which were launched yesterday.
Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+
The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ and CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ are even more distinctive
than their predecessors. Transpire with the outstanding performance, the ultimate driving
dynamics and expressive design while setting numerous of new and pre-eminent standards.
Performance
With an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely newly developed 2.0-litre engine is
the world's most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production.
Mercedes-AMG has bettered the output of the preceding engine by 30 kW (40 hp). Maximum
torque has also increased from 475 to up to 500 newton metres. With an output per litre of up
to 155 kW (211 hp), the new Mercedes-AMG high-performance turbo engine even ranks
ahead of many well-known super-sports car engines. The new, highly efficient powerpack is
produced on an innovative production line in Affalterbach, on the "One Man, One Engine" principle.
In the 45 models, the four-cylinder ensures extremely agile performance with 310 kW (421
hp). The new compact sportscars absolve the sprint from zero to 100 km/h 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 270 km/h.
The M 139 engine:
whereby the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are now located at the rear whereas, the
intake system is now at the front. This results to several advantages, particularly in terms of
aerodynamics. The modified position allows for a flat, more aerodynamic front design while
concurrently optimising the air flow in the engine compartment.
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 is protected by more than 90 patent
families and more than 40 patents. This coating 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.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL
The extremely dynamic driving experience in a completely new dimension is greatly assisted
by the fully variable all-wheel drive. The secret is AMG TORQUE CONTROL in the new rear
axle differential: This has two electronically controlled multidisc clutches, each of which is
connected to a rear axle drive shaft. In this way the drive power can not only be completely
variably distributed between the front and rear wheels, but also selectively between the left
and right rear wheel. This means that depending on the driving mode and situation, the drive
torque can be separately distributed to both rear wheels.
The result is consistently optimum traction, even in adverse road conditions and during
extreme cornering manoeuvres, for example on the racetrack. Furthermore, this sophisticated
solution 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® is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.
The 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission likewise contributes to the
agile and dynamic character. In fact, the gear ratios have been configured so that the driver
experiences very spontaneous acceleration in all speed ranges, combined with fast shifting
and optimum connections when shifting up. Anyone who prefers to change gear for
themselves can select the manual transmission mode in every drive program. As a feature of
the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes, the new 45 models have AMG DYNAMICS. This
integrated vehicle dynamics control extends the stabilising functions of ESP® with agility-
enhancing intervention in the all-wheel control, steering characteristics and additional ESP®
functions.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition 1
The new Mercedes-AMG A-Class A 35 4MATIC hatchback represents an ideal point of entry
to the world of Mercedes-AMG as well as absolute peak performance. Powered with the 2.0-
litre four cylinder turbo engine, the new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Hatchback produces
306 hp output and 400 Nm of torque. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission enables
to accelerate from 0-100 km/h and will hit an impressive top speed at 4.7 seconds. Equipped
with the AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive, the car provides the ideal
combination of superb grip and even greater driving pleasure.
The crankcase made of high-strength, lightweight die-cast aluminium reduces the vehicle
weight where it matters most for driving dynamics. Coming along with the powerful exterior
design adds characteristic AMG elements to the design idiom of the A-Class. 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 are distinguishing features at the
front. In the side view, the aerodinamically optimised 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels. 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.
On the inside, the characteristic AMG elements are also added to the design language. It is
equipped with AMG Performance seats that gives a true racecar feel along with the AMG
Performance steering wheel in nappa leather.
Form follows function: design that thrills
Notwithstanding, design of the three compact cars is intelligence made visible. As typical for
the AMGs, the motto “Form follows function” is applied in these supercars. It features the
AMG-specific radiator grille with a wider lower contour and twelve vertical louvres – as a clear
indicator of AMG Performance family membership. At the same time, the pronounced "shark
nose", the slim, deeply contoured headlamps and the flat, aerodynamically favourable bonnet
with powerdomes visually lower the front section to create the impression of extremely
dynamic forward thrust. The imposing presence is also accentuated by the wider front wings
with flared wheel arches. These create space for the wider front axle, and underline the
athletic appearance.
The new MULTIBEAM LED headlamps offer brighter, more natural illumination by night and
eye-catching design by day. In addition to the outstanding quality of light, the Adaptive
Highbeam Assist Plus is able to control the LEDs by switching between low, partial and main
beam automatically.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC and A 45 S 4MATIC+ comes in the limited Edition 1
package. The AMG Aerodynamics package and the AMG Night package underline the
proximity to motor racing. Agility and performance are also symbolised by the paint finish in
sun yellow with highlighting decal graphics in the contrasting colour designo mountain grey
magno. A reverse combination with designo mountain grey magno paintwork and decals in
sun yellow is available as an alternative. Both variants of the Edition 1 are suitably shod with
19-inch 5-twin-spoke aero-wheels painted in matt black, with decorative wheel caps in a
central-locking look. The louvres in the radiator grille of the Edition 1 are retained in silver
chrome to enhance the exclusive appearance.
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition 1 is available in metallic denim blue with decals in
matt Tech Gold on the exterior mirror caps and in the lower part of the doors, paired with the
exclusive 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt Tech Gold with a high-
sheen finish.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ Edition 1 brings you into pole position – in terms
appearance and technology. From the distinctive front apron, AMG radiator grille with louvres
in silver chrome plus bonnet with power domes, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels
with red painted brake calipers and the two twin tailpipe trims distinguish it unmistakably from
the A 35 4MATIC.
AMG TRACK PACE: Data logger for use on the race track
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 (e.g. speed, acceleration). On top of this, lap and
sector times are displayed, as well as the respective difference from a reference time.
Because specific display elements are shown in green or red, the driver is able to see at a
glance without reading numbers whether they are currently faster or slower than the best time.
After putting in some fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyse and, if necessary,
improve their driving skills. In addition, acceleration and deceleration values (e.g. 0-100 km/h,
¼ mile, 100-0 km/h) can be measured and saved. Thanks to a newly developed algorithm
which determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even
detects when the circuit has been left or it has been shortened. This is done using GPS data
as well as the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel
speeds).
The data are displayed on the multimedia display, in the instrument cluster and on the optional
head-up display. Well-known race tracks like, for example, the Nürburgring or Spa
Francorchamps, are already stored. Furthermore, it is also possible to record your own
circuits. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online.
The MBUX Augmented Reality function also allows the ideal line of a stored race track to be
displayed on the multimedia display or optional head-up display, allowing the driver to improve
lap times with a virtual instructor on board.
Stay connected with Mercedes me Connect
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, ryre pressure, fluids and more.
The MBUX infotainment system is also coming up with the AMG-specific displays. The AMG-
specific displays has emotionally appealing presentations underline the clear control structure
and feature brilliant maximum-resolution 3D graphics. Hence, the customer can choose
between the three AMG display styles "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport" for the instrument cluster. And needless to say, the trailblazing voice control activated with the words "Hey Mercedes" is also on-board. Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognises and understands nearly all sentences from the fields of infotainment and vehicle operation, even if they are expressed indirectly
The Agility and AMGPro Financing by Mercedes-Benz Financial
The Agility Financing is designed with your ultimate driving needs in mind. Enjoy the power of
your Mercedes-AMG while we ensure that you are being taken care of with lower monthly
instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus* programme and most importantly,
we guarantee the future value of your car no matter what happens.
We boosted this financing to include Star Protect Plus and it’s called the AMGPro Financing.
On top of the benefits above, this financing also includes a premium comprehensive motor
insurance along with unlimited mileage breakdown & accident towing*, tyre & rims
replacement and other all-round protection. Perfectly tailored for individual who seeks
performance, value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel.
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