Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched an exciting line-up of new Mercedes-AMG compact cars. With this launch, the company also celebrated its first-ever digital premiere of cars. The 3 compact cars to join the AMG performance family are: the hot hatch Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC, A 45 4MATIC+, and the CLA 45 4MATIC+ which makes its debut in Malaysia.
The aggressively-bred trio has presented a real benchmark in the compact segment due to the demand of the compact models which has developed very dynamically in recent years. 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.
“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,” says Dr Claus Weidner, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Also speaking at the launch today, 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.”
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. With outstanding performance, ultimate driving dynamics and expressive design, they set new and preeminent standards.
Built to Win
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 sports cars can 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). They are also capable of speeds up to 270 km/h.
The M 139 Engine: Power Your Wildest Desires
The noticeable change of the M 139 engine is the reversed mounting position of the engine where 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 roof 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, tyre 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.
* A guaranteed temporary Mercedes-Benz replacement car when yours is sent for service and maintenance or warranty claims, for 48 hours or more.