The Mercedes GLA5, the hottest version of the Mercedes GLA yet, has been snapped testing at the Nürburgring.
Sister car to the upcoming A45 AMG and CLA45 AMG, the GLA45 AMG is expected to run AMG’s new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine in combination with a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive.
Official details are yet to be revealed, but the new engine, which carries the internal codename ‘M132’, is claimed to deliver 349bhp.
Together with a higher-powered engine, the GLA45 AMG also receives a heavily reworked chassis. If this particular prototype is any indication, the ride height will be reduced by up to 25mm over standard GLA models, lowering the centre of gravity.
The new model is set to square off against the upcoming Audi Q3 RS, which is powered by a 350bhp turbocharged 2.5-litre, five-cylinder petrol engine.
The GLA45 AMG is expected to get an airing at the Frankfurt motor show in September — five months after the standard GLA makes its debut at the Shanghai show.
