Mercedes-AMG is working on two variants of the all-new Mercedes A-Class for a phased rollout. IAB has learned that the first of these variants, the alleged Mercedes-AMG A35, will celebrate its world premiere at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.
The new generation Mercedes A-Class will have two AMG variants: A 35 (name TBC) and A 45. Speaking to IAB on the sidelines of the new Mercedes-AMG C 63 models’ media drive event in Bilster Berg on Monday, Dominik Greuel, Senior Manager Marketing Communications, Mercedes-AMG, revealed the launch timeline for the first AMG variant recently.
When asked if we will see the entry-level Mercedes-AMG variant of the all-new Mercedes A-Class at the 2018 Paris Motor Show, Greuel spiritedly said: “Yeah, you will see.” The marketing communications chief of the Affalterbach-based high-performance brand indeed meant a world premiere at the French show - “In Paris (at the 2018 Paris Motor Show), it (Mercedes-AMG A 35) will definitely be for the first time.”
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 will arrive as the most affordable Mercedes-AMG model and make Daimler’s performance brand accessible. It will sport a circa-300 PS version of the M260 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that powered the old Mercedes-AMG A 45. Rumour has it that this variant’s engine will come with an electrically assisted turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. Adjustable damping is another feature speculated for the A 35 variant.
Greuel confirmed to IAB that the next-gen Mercedes-AMG A 45 will have two models: “45 and 45S”. The idea is to have a range similar to the bigger AMGs: an entry-level sporty variant and a high-performance 45 variant as well as an aggressive ’s' model, if necessary. The A 35, A 45 and A 45S should have the 4MATIC AWD system as standard.
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG A 45 will sport an improved version of the M 260 2.0-litre engine. However, it will have a much higher spec than the A 35 variant, of somewhere around 400 PS. The maximum output and maximum torque will likely vary between the 45 and 45S models, with the latter getting the most capable version of the engine. The 45S may benefit from race-track-focused differences related to the traction control system, drive modes, ESP modes, and it may feature a steering-mounted drive mode selector. Both 45 models would sport a quad-tip exhaust system as well.
Also See: Next-gen 2019 Mercedes GLE - IAB Rendering
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 could go on sale in Europe in early 2019. The next-gen Mercedes-AMG A 45 and the first-ever Mercedes-AMG A 45S are likely to concurrently debut and hit the market at a later date in 2019.
