LA Motor Show: Mercedes previews fast GLA compact SUV model

MERCEDES has unveiled an almost production-ready AMG compact SUV concept with a banzai 355bhp engine.

The Concept GLA 45 AMG is the German company’s vision for a rapid car to rival the upcoming Porsche Macan, which like the Mercedes was also unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Using an extremely highly-tuned four-cylinder turbocharged engine similar to that first seen in the A 45 AMG hatchback, the GLA 45 AMG produces enough muscle to fire itself to 62mph in ‘less than five seconds’, according to Mercedes.

The engine is claimed to be the most powerful production four-cylinder unit in the world, and boasts a specific output of just over 177bhp per litre.

A production version is imminent, say company insiders, and although some of the more extreme elements of the bodywork, like the roof-mounted rear spoiler, are likely to be toned down, the finished product is still set to be a feisty proposition.

Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: "With the Concept GLA 45 AMG, we 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.

“The most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world and the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system add up to make the Concept GLA 45 AMG a unique proposition."

By Press Association reporter