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Recently updated on July 21, 2020 at 05:23 am
A brisk lap on the racetrack or a weekend trip to the mountains with sporty equipment in your luggage: the new GLA 45 4MATIC + and GLA 45 S 4MATIC + master a variety of disciplines and impress with their impressive driving dynamics. The 2,0-liter engine is the most powerful mass-produced four-cylinder turbo engine and is available in two power and torque levels. Even the basic model offers 285 kW (387 hp) more power than its predecessor. With 310 kW (421 hp), the S variant advances into significantly higher vehicle classes. The active, fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC + all-wheel drive distributes the power to the rear axle by AMG TORQUE CONTROL wheel-selectively and thus forms the basis for top traction under all driving conditions. This is made possible by a new rear axle drive that has two multi-plate clutches, one for each rear wheel. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission portions the power in fractions of a second, adapted to the respective driving situation.
Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and GLA 45 S
"The second generation of our very successful compact athletes is now complete. As the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and GLA 45 S, the GLA portfolio now also has our innovative four-cylinder turbo engine, setting the benchmark in the segment. In addition, the new GLA 45 is not only significantly more dynamic, but also more suitable for everyday use than its predecessor and thus addresses a dynamic, leisure-oriented target group“Says Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. An innovation that contributes significantly to the incomparable driving experience is the active, fully variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC +: the system distributes the power on the rear axle selectively using AMG TORQUE CONTROL. This means: depending on the driving situation, the left and right rear wheels are assigned the driving force flexibly and in different proportions - this results in the best possible traction in all road conditions and routes. This is made possible by a newly developed rear axle transmission that has two multi-plate clutches. These selectively represent the power flow for each rear wheel individually.
New four-cylinder turbo engine with top performance
With an output of up to 310 kW (421 hp), the completely redeveloped Mercedes-AMG 2,0-liter engine is the most powerful four-cylinder turbo engine in the world currently being produced for mass production. Mercedes-AMG thus outperforms its predecessor by 30 kW (40 hp). The maximum torque also increased from 475 to up to 500 Newton meters. The four-cylinder provides agile propulsion in two output levels: with 310 kW (421 hp) as the so-called S model and with 285 kW (387 hp) in the basic version. The new compact athletes sprint from standstill to 100 km / h in record time: the GLA 45 S 4MATIC + only needs 4,3 seconds, the basic model GLA 45 4MATIC + completes this discipline in 4,4 seconds. The top speed of the basic model is limited to 250 km / h, the S model can be up to 270 km / h ex works. In addition to the pure performance figures, the new engine has a spontaneous response. For this purpose, the torque curve was elaborately coordinated ("torque shaping"): The maximum value of 500 Newton meters (480 Newton meters in the basic version) is available in the range of 5.000-5.250 / min (4.750-5.000 / min in the basic version). With this configuration, the AMG engineers achieved a naturally aspirated engine-like power delivery.
Engine construction with intelligent details
The new engine is characterized by a multitude of intelligent construction details. Compared to the four-cylinder in the 35 series, which is also installed transversely, the new engine is rotated 180 degrees around the vertical axis. This means that the turbocharger and exhaust manifold are located at the rear on the side of the bulkhead facing the interior when viewed in the direction of travel. The intake system is therefore positioned at the front. This design enables a front design that is as flat as possible and therefore aerodynamically advantageous. In addition, the rearrangement resulted in a significantly improved air flow with shorter paths and fewer redirections - both on the intake and on the exhaust side. The new twin-scroll turbocharger combines optimal response at low engine speeds with high performance gains in the upper engine speed range. For the first time, the shaft of the compressor and turbine wheel has roller bearings, which reduces the mechanical friction in the turbocharger to a minimum. The charger therefore responds even more spontaneously and revs up faster - at a maximum of up to 169.000 / min. With a maximum boost pressure of 2,1 bar, the 2,0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine is also at the top of the segment in this respect. With the electronically controlled wastegate (exhaust pressure relief valve), the boost pressure can be regulated even more precisely and flexibly and the response behavior can be optimized, especially when accelerating from partial load. A variety of parameters are taken into account.
Two stage gasoline injection for optimal performance
For the first time, the new high-performance four-cylinder has two-stage gasoline injection. In the first stage, particularly fast and precisely working piezo injectors deliver the fuel into the combustion chambers at up to 200 bar pressure. This happens several times in some cases and is regulated by the engine control as required. In the second stage there is an intake manifold channel injection with solenoid valves. This is required to achieve the high specific power of the engine. The electronically controlled fuel supply works with a pressure of 6,7 bar.
Elaborate cooling system for the engine, turbocharger and charge air
The high performance requires a sophisticated cooling system. It is designed in such a way that the cylinder head and crankcase can be cooled at different temperature levels. This innovative measure enables a cold cylinder head for maximum performance with efficient ignition timing and a warm crankcase to reduce internal engine friction. The cooling of the cylinder head is supplied by a mechanical water pump; the crankcase is cooled by a second, electrically driven, high-performance water pump. After a cold start, this pump remains passive until the engine has warmed up. During operation, it is regulated by the engine control unit so that the crankcase is always cooled as required.
Manufacture manufacturing digital and smart: "One Man, One Engine"
The new engine is assembled entirely by hand. For this purpose, a completely redesigned production line was created in the AMG engine manufacture at the Affalterbach location, in which Mercedes-AMG has brought the "One Man, One Engine" principle together with Industry 4.0 to an innovative level. It is designed according to the latest findings in ergonomics, the flow of goods, quality assurance, sustainability and efficiency. On the way to implementing Industry 4.0, AMG manufacture also pursues the vision of smart production. This is characterized by high flexibility, is transparent and highly efficient. In doing so, it secures and increases the quality of the motors and the production processes with innovative and digital technologies.
Agile AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual clutch transmission
The new AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission with eight gears also contributes to the agile and dynamic character. The gear ratios are chosen so that the driver experiences very spontaneous acceleration behavior in all speed ranges, combined with fast shift times and optimal connections when upshifting. Depending on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program selected, the driver receives a specific drive setting with different accelerator and gearshift characteristics. The standard RACE START function enables maximum acceleration from a standstill and, together with the drive sound with partial ignition interruption when upshifting and automatic double-declutching function when downshifting, ensures typical AMG driving pleasure. Efficiency is not neglected here: the ECO start / stop function is active in the “Comfort” drive program; the “sailing” function can be selected in the “Individual” driving program.
AMG Performance 4MATIC + all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL
The standard, fully variable all-wheel drive contributes significantly to the dynamic driving experience. The new rear axle transmission with AMG TORQUE CONTROL contains two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches, each of which is connected to a rear axle drive shaft. In this way, the driving force can not only be variably distributed between the front and rear wheels, but also additionally selectively between the left and right rear wheels. This always means optimal traction, even in adverse road conditions and when cornering extremely, for example on race tracks.
Responsive electro-mechanical control
The drive torques on the front and rear axles and between the two rear wheels are controlled electro-mechanically. Influencing factors for the torque distribution are not only the driving speed, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the steering angle, but also the speed difference between the individual wheels, the gear selection and the accelerator pedal position. Compared to an electro-hydraulic system, the electro-mechanical control offers advantages above all to refine the driving dynamics, primarily due to the significantly more responsive and speed-independent actuation of the slats over the entire adjustment range. The form of the all-wheel drive is dependent on the driving program or the AMG DYNAMICS setting. In "Basic" and "Advanced", the 4MATIC system is in "Comfort" mode. In "Pro" and "Master" (standard on the S model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the basic model), the 4MATIC system switches to "Sport" mode, for even more agile handling and a further shift in the limit range.
Specific chassis components for highly dynamic driving behavior
The new AMG chassis forms the basis for stable straight-line running and the highly dynamic cornering behavior with a low roll angle. At the same time, the comfort was increased compared to the predecessor. Longitudinal and lateral dynamics are perfectly coordinated. All wheel guide components have been fundamentally revised in order to achieve a higher maximum lateral acceleration with easy control at the limit. A McPherson construction is used on the front axle. The wheel control is performed by a wishbone below the center of the wheel, a shock absorber and a tie rod. The special axle geometry reduces the drive influences on the steering for high comfort and agile handling. The new wishbone made of aluminum reduces the unsprung masses and thus enables a more sensitive response to the suspension. The brake calipers on the front axle are bolted together radially, a technology from motorsport for more stability. The subframe is rigidly connected and additionally stiffens the front end. The 4-link rear axle is also rigid via a rear axle support and is therefore particularly torsion-resistant connected to the body. There are three wishbones and one trailing arm per rear wheel as well as specific bearings. This construction guarantees maximum driving stability and agility.
Adaptive damping AMG RIDE CONTROL with three modes
With the adaptive AMG RIDE CONTROL damping system, the driver can choose between three different suspension controls. The spectrum ranges from comfort-oriented to sporty. The system works fully automatically and adjusts the damping force on each wheel to the road and driving conditions depending on the driving situation. This happens continuously in milliseconds in a wide-spread damping map. The result: rolling comfort and agility are increased in equal measure.
Stable high-performance brake system
The high-performance braking system ensures stable deceleration and short braking distances. In the basic model, 4-piston monoblock fixed calipers on the front axle include the 350 x 34 millimeter brake discs, and on the rear axle 1-piston floating calipers include the 330 x 22 millimeter brake discs. The discs are ventilated and perforated on the inside to better dissipate the heat and prevent brake fading even in extreme use. The gray painted brake calipers have white AMG lettering. The S-model and the basic model with the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package are decelerated with an even larger brake system, which is equipped with 6-piston fixed callipers and 360 x 36 millimeter brake discs on the front axle. Here the brake calipers are painted red and have a black AMG logo.
Steering with special rack and variable ratio
With its direct steering behavior, the speed-dependent, electro-mechanical AMG parameter steering supports a sporty driving style. It has a special rack with variable transmission ratio and two characteristic curves: depending on which driving program the driver has chosen, it conveys a sporty, firm or more comfort-oriented steering feel. The rigid bearing in the integral carrier binds the steering to the body even better, thus increasing steering precision.
Wide range of driving programs
The six AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs "Smoothness", "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +", "Individual" and "RACE" (standard on the S model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the base model) enable a wide range of options the vehicle characteristics from comfortable to highly dynamic. Numerous relevant parameters are changed:
- Drive: Accelerator pedal curve, switching times and times in the versions Reduced, Moderate, Sport or Dynamic
- AMG DYNAMICS: Agilization functions such as all-wheel drive control, steering characteristic and ESP® functions in the Basic, Advanced, Pro or Master versions (standard for the S model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the basic model)
- Landing gear: in the versions Comfort, Sport, Sport +
- Exhaust system: Sound and expression of the balanced or powerful sound functions
More agility with high stability with AMG DYNAMICS
As a feature of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs, the new GLA 45 4MATIC + has AMG DYNAMICS. This integrated agility control extends the stabilizing functions of the ESP® by agilizing interventions in the all-wheel drive control, the steering characteristic and in ESP® additional functions. During dynamic cornering, for example, a short brake intervention on the inside rear wheel causes a defined yaw moment around the vertical axis for spontaneous and precise steering. The range extends from extremely stable to highly dynamic. The new AMG DYNAMICS symbol with the appropriate addition is shown on the multimedia display when the drive programs are selected.
- "Basic" is assigned to the "Smoothness" and "Comfort" driving programs. The compact athletes show a very stable driving behavior with high yaw damping.
- "Advanced" is activated in the "Sport" program. The 45 models remain neutrally balanced. The lower yaw damping, less steering angle requirement and the increased agility support dynamic maneuvers such as driving on winding country roads.
- "Per" (Abbreviation for "Professional") belongs to the "Sport +" program. In "Pro", the driver is given even more support during dynamic driving maneuvers, and agility and roadway feedback when cornering are further increased.
- "Master" is linked to the "RACE" driving program (standard on the S model, included in the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package for the basic model). The “Master” mode is aimed at drivers who want to experience dynamics and driving pleasure on closed circuits. “Master” tends to offer a slightly oversteering vehicle balance, low steering angle requirements and more agile steering behavior. In this way, “Master” guarantees maximum agility and optimally exploits the driving dynamics potential. To switch to “Master” mode, the driver must switch the ESP® to ESP® SPORT Handling Mode or ESP® OFF using the separate button in the center console.
In the "Individual" driving program, the driver can set the AMG DYNAMICS levels "Basic", "Advanced", "Pro" and "Master". The setting can also be selected directly using the AMG steering wheel buttons.
Stiffened body shell
The AMG bodyshell has extensively stiffened the body shell, because it forms the basis for the precise steering behavior as well as the track and camber stability of the chassis components, even in forced use. A screwed aluminum lightweight panel under the engine, the so-called “thrust field”, increases the torsional rigidity of the front end. There are also diagonal struts at the front and rear of the underbody, which further increase the rigidity. The consequences: significantly reduced torsion of the body around the longitudinal and transverse axes, resulting in fewer rolling and pitching movements when cornering, braking and changing loads.
Athletic and muscular exterior
The new GLA 45 also arouses emotions with its exterior design: the elongated bonnet with power domes, the compact greenhouse and the muscular shoulders above the wheel arches clearly show the sports car genes. The AMG-specific radiator grille with the vertical fins classifies the newcomer as a member of the AMG Performance family. LED high-performance headlights illuminate the road as standard. The front fenders with flared wheel arches and the large air intakes with inserts in the slats in silver chrome also contribute to the strong presence. The silver chrome front splitter optimizes airflow and aeroperformance. In side view, the aerodynamically optimized 19-inch light-alloy wheels in 10-spoke design (S-model 20-inch in 5-twin-spoke design) and the door panels with inlays in silver chrome or high-gloss black (optional) are striking. On request, the compact performance SUV can also be equipped with 21-inch alloy wheels. The rear view is characterized by the two round double tailpipe trims (82 mm diameter) and the wide rear apron. The S model is differentiated by the larger and oval tailpipe trims with a diameter of 90 mm, which are corrugated on the inside and carry AMG lettering. The wide effect of the rear is further enhanced by the narrow, two-part rear lights. The diffuser with four vertical fins contributes to better aeroperformance. The end is the tear-off edge in body color on the roof spoiler.
Interior forms a close connection between man and machine
The high-quality interior with its sporty equipment and the MBUX infotainment system creates a close, personal connection between man and machine. The driver and front passenger can find a driving active seating position with firm lateral support on profiled sports seats; the AMG Performance seats can be ordered as an option. The standard upholstery in the combination of ARTICO man-made leather and black DINAMICA microfibre is timeless and sets the typical AMG accents with the red double stitching. The red designo seat belts and the trim element of the instrument panel in AMG carbon look are matched to this. The chrome-plated ventilation nozzles are also upgraded with a red ring. Alternatively, upholstery is available in ARTICO man-made nevagrau / black with double decorative stitching in medium gray and aluminum decorative element with longitudinal sanding. There are also four leather upholstery options.
Yellow accents emphasize racing character
In the S model, yellow accents run through the interior and emphasize the racing character of the stronger models. The AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre with yellow contrasting topstitching, yellow 12 o'clock marking, AMG steering wheel buttons and AMG logo as well as the ambient lighting are also standard on board. The center console in piano lacquer look with the standard touchpad contains an additional control element with additional switches on all models, with which the 3-stage ESP®, the manual transmission mode, the adaptive damping system AMG RIDE CONTROL and the optional AMG Real Performance Sound can be controlled.
MBUX infotainment system expanded with AMG-specific displays
The combination of sporty design and elaborate details is also evident in the MBUX infotainment system with its innovative operating and display concept. MBUX creates an even closer connection between vehicle, driver and passengers. Emotional staging underlines the understandability of the operating structure and is characterized by brilliant 3D graphics in the highest resolution. Visually, the two displays merge under a common cover glass to form a widescreen cockpit, thus emphasizing the horizontal alignment of the interior design as a central element. With the instrument cluster, the customer can switch between the three AMG display styles "Classic", "Sport" and "Supersport". The "Supersport" mode with a central, round tachometer and additional information in the form of bars, which are located to the left and right of the tachometer, is particularly striking: They extend three-dimensionally in perspective to the depth of the background to an artificial horizon. The driver can use the AMG menu to call up various special displays such as gear display, warm-up, set-up, G-meter, race timer and engine data. The touchscreen multimedia display also emphasizes the dynamic alignment with individual AMG displays such as the visualization of the driving programs or telemetry data. And of course there is also the pioneering voice control system that is activated with the call "Hey Mercedes". Thanks to artificial intelligence, MBUX recognizes and understands almost all sentences from the infotainment areas and vehicle controls, even if they are said indirectly.
Standard in the S model: AMG Performance steering wheel with steering wheel buttons
The multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather with a flattened steering wheel rim and perforated grip area and, depending on the upholstery, red, yellow or black decorative stitching and a silver chrome trim ensure the perfect connection between driver and vehicle. The galvanized steering wheel shift paddles enable even sportier driving with manual gear changes. The S model is equipped as standard with the AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather / DINAMICA microfibre (optional for the basic model). With the AMG steering wheel buttons (standard on the S model, optional for the basic version in conjunction with the performance steering wheel), the AMG driving programs can be controlled directly and other AMG functions operated directly on the steering wheel.
Data logger for use on the racetrack: AMG TRACK PACE
AMG TRACK PACE, the virtual racing engineer, is standard on board the S models (in conjunction with hard disk navigation and media display), otherwise available as an option: the software is part of the MBUX infotainment system and records continuously while driving over a racetrack more than 80 vehicle-specific data (e.g. speed, acceleration). In addition, lap and sector times are displayed as well as the difference to the reference time. Because certain display elements light up in green or red, the driver can see from the corner of his eye without reading numbers whether he is currently faster or slower than the best time. Following the fast laps, the driver can use the data to analyze his driving skills and, if necessary, improve them. 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 that determines the vehicle position as precisely as possible, AMG TRACK PACE even recognizes when the route is exited or shortened. In addition to the GPS data, the sensors available in the vehicle (acceleration, gyroscope, steering angle, wheel speeds) are used. The data is shown in the multimedia display, the instrument cluster and the optional head-up display. Well-known racetracks such as the Nürburgring or Spa-Francorchamps are already stored. It is also possible to record your own routes. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and updated online. The augmented reality function of MBUX also enables the ideal line of a saved race track to be shown on the multimedia display or the optional head-up display, so that the driver can improve his lap times as with a virtual instructor.
Sound and sound experience
The AMG exhaust system supports the sporty and everyday suitability of the new model. Depending on the driving program selected, the level of noise ranges from balanced and subtle (in the Smoothness, Comfort and Sport programs) to emotional and sporty (in Sport + and RACE). The associated maps are controlled via an exhaust flap depending on the speed and load. AMG Real Performance Sound is optionally available. With this technology, the sound designers from AMG have succeeded in picking up the real engine sound via a specially developed sensor and guiding it to the interior in order to offer an even more emotional sound experience. Have fun looking at the pictures and stay true to us!
(Photos: Mercedes-Benz)
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Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 4MATIC + with 421 hp
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