Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the high-performance AMG version of the GLA, ahead of the vehicle’s public debut scheduled for later this month at 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

Compact SUV with Driving Performance

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG was previewed as a concept in Los Angeles last November. Now in its production form, the GLA 45 AMG adopts a more aggressive styling approach with larger bumpers, an AMG sports suspension, muscular side skirts and three bigger AMG alloy wheels to choose from. Which include 5-twin spoke wheels painted titanium grey with high-sheen finish mounted with 19-inch tyres and the larger 10-spoke wheels fitted with 20-inch tyres – available in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or matte black with high-sheen rim flange.

The rear end is dominated by the diffuser insert with titanium grey trim and the rectangular, chrome-plated trim of the twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap.

Most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine

Power is provided by a Euro 6-compliant 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 265 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque which is then transferred to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system via a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission.

Acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h takes about 4.8 seconds reaching an electronically-limited speed of 250 km/h. Its also said the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG can return 7.5 litres / 100 km with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.

The seven speed transmission mentioned offers three shift modes: manual, sport and controlled efficiency. Stability controls found in the car also offer three modes for varying degrees of slip and all models come standard with the ability to independently apply braking to the rear inside wheel to counteract understeer.

Distinctive styling

Interior features include sport seats wrapped around in leather/Dinamica microfibre with red contrasting stitching and red safety belts. There’s also a three-spoke Nappa leather-covered multifunction steering wheel with red contrasting topstitching and an AMG instrument cluster with a two-tube design and a central colour display.

Additional features offered on the2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG include a high-performance braking system, an aerodynamic package, carbon fibre package, red painted brake callipers, rear spoiler, as well as a night package which has privacy windows, silver chrome radiator louvers, a black strip around the waistline high-gloss black pieces on the sides and rear and black rectangular trim around the tail pipes.

The interior can further be upgraded with carbon fibre trim, performance seats and steering wheel along with various leather upholstery options.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is set to make its first public outing on January 13 at the North American International Auto Show.

2014 Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG gallery