Mercedes-Benz has presented at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show its compact, high-performance SUV – the GLA 45 AMG Concept featuring an excitingly bold distinctive design and a muscular four-cylinder engine.

The world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine

Powered by the same engine found in the CLA 45 AMG, the GLA 45 AMG Concept has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 265kW and 450Nm of torque giving it impressive performance without compromising fuel efficiency.

Just like the CLA45 AMG, the GLA 45 AMG Conceptfeatures the automaker’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system and is connected to a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission which makes the concept a unique proposition. This further enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds.

Bold distinctive design

The GLA 45 AMG Concept rides on massive 21-inch wheels forged alloy wheels. The wheels are finished in a matte black with a red rim flange and are complemented by the AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system with red brake callipers.

To differentiate itself from the standard GLA model, the GLA 45 AMG Concept boasts an AMG front bumper with large front splitters finished in high-gloss black. The black air deflectors also go together with the large cooling air intakes which serve to underline the long tradition of motorsport at Mercedes-AMG.

Other design elements of the GLA 45 AMG Concept include the “twin-blade” radiator grille in silver chrome, side skirts with gloss black inserts, a “TURBO AMG” badge on the front wings, high-gloss black roof rails, the number 45 on the door, and a large rear spoiler.

According to AMG Chairman Tobias Moers, with the Concept GLA 45 AMG, they are setting a stake firmly in the ground of the strongly growing market segment of compact SUVs. “Our customers – a young target group who set great store by styling, dynamism and independence – can now start looking forward to a dynamic high-performance car.”

Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG Concept gallery