2021 Mercedes GLA 45 S AMG – The World’s Most Powerful 4-cylinder

With an output of up to 421 horsepower (310 kW), the completely new Mercedes-AMG 2.0-liter engine is currently the world’s most powerful turbocharged 4-cylinder manufactured for series production. Mercedes-AMG has improved on the output of the preceding engine by 40 hp (30 kW). Maximum torque has also increased, from 475 to as much as 500 Nm.

The 4-cylinder engine delivers extremely agile drive power in two output ratings: with 421 hp (310 kW) as the S-Model and with 387 hp (285 kW) in the base version. The new compact sports cars absolve the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in record time: the GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ requires just 4.3 seconds, while the base model GLA 45 4MATIC+ gets up to speed in 4.4 seconds. The top speed of the base model is electronically limited to 250 km/h, while the S-Model is allowed to leave the factory with a top speed of 270 km/h.

Apart from its pure performance figures, the new engine has an immediate response. To this end the torque curve was carefully balanced ("torque shaping"): The peak torque of 500 Nm (480 Nm for the base version) is available in a range of 5000-5250 rpm (4750-5000 rpm in the base version). With this configuration the AMG engineers have achieved a power delivery akin to a naturally aspirated engine.

The AMG exhaust system confirms the sporty yet day-to-day character of the new model. Depending on the choice of drive program, the sound signature ranges from harmonious and discreet (in the programs Slippery, Comfort and Sport) to emotive and sporty (in Sport+ and RACE). The sound characteristics are controlled by an exhaust gas flap, depending on engine speed and load. AMG Real Performance Sound is available as an option. With this technology, the sound designers at AMG have been able to capture the actual engine sound, using a specially developed sensor, and to channel this into the interior in order to be able to offer an even more thrilling audio experience.

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