The all new 2013 Mercedes A45 AMG stole the show when it made its official world debut by sharing the stage with international pop superstar Usher and Mercedes-Benz Head, Dieter Zetsche at the Geneva Motor Show. For the show, Mercedes chose to show off the Edition 1 A45 AMG, available for only 12 months and with several cosmetic upgrades both on the interior and exterior.
The A 45 AMG is setting new standards in the high-performance compact class by combining a peak output of 360 hp (265 kW) and maximum torque of 450 Nm with low fuel consumption: roughly 34.5 miles per gallon (6.9 litres of petrol per 100 kilometers).
Mercedes’ compact premium sports car has a two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine boasts a specific output of 133 kW (181 hp) per litre of displacement – a new record – meaning that the A 45 AMG surpasses even the most powerful super sports cars. Its standard-fit performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures driving dynamics at the highest level and, thanks to excellent traction, enables the car to complete the burst from 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG is embarking on a new era with the A 45 AMG. The attractive entry-level model, available from €49,682.50 (incl. VAT) in Germany, will capture a new target group and new markets for the Affalterbach-based performance brand.
Singer, song writer and all around international superstar Usher Raymond is a self-proclaimed Mercedes-Benz fan, specifically the high-performance AMG division. Usher had a chance to visit Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach today, and while there he had an opportunity to assemble the final parts of the V8 AMG engine for his new SLS AMG. Usher also had a chance to test out the all new A45 AMG out on the track. The Grammy winner will also be on hand at the official world premiere A45 AMG at the Geneva Motor Show.
For the American singer and actor, Mercedes-Benz is the luxury brand par excellence. “When I think about luxury, the first thing that comes to mind is Mercedes. So it was a very special moment for me when I was able to buy a Mercedes-Benz for my mom. So far it was the only car I have given her as a gift”, explains Usher. The star himself is currently driving a CLS 63 AMG, until his new gullwing SLS AMG is delivered. And when it comes to family cars, the father of two children enjoys driving a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. Usher has been ranked by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as one of the best selling artists in American music history, having sold over 44 million albums worldwide.
As a fan and connoisseur of Mercedes-AMG, the chart-topping star is extremely excited about his test drive in the A 45 AMG. “I can hardly wait to get behind the wheel”, says Usher. “It looks so absolutely cool and sexy, and I’m really excited about experiencing the power of the first AMG four-cylinder turbo engine.” After the test drive he will be talking all about his experience on his Facebook page. Producing a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and maximum torque of 450 Nm, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder AMG turbocharged engine is the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine in series production. The new CLA 45 AMG, which will be celebrating its world premiere in New York at the end of March, also benefits from the same engine. Usher has already confirmed the first test drive for this innovative high-performance Coupé too – an event which he will also be sharing with his fans.
We’ve been watching clips of the highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz Super Bowl commercial all week and now we have the final cut for your viewing pleasure. With a star-studded cast including Usher, Kate Upton and Willem Dafoe, Mercedes-Benz unveils the all-new CLA-Class that will be available this year starting under $30,000.
We want to know, what do you think of the ad, hit or miss? Let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter.