There’s no serious competition for new Mercedes GLA45 AMG

The powerful new Mercedes GLA45 AMG will have no serious competition when it hits the streets. The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG will compete in the fast-growing compact SUV segment. Mercedes will compete against the Audi Q3 and BMW X1 but the GLA45 AMG features the world's most powerful series-produced four-cylinder engine with 355 horsepower. There isn’t anyone who can compete head-to head with the new GLA from AMG.

No competition for GLA45 AMG

In the highly competitive small SUV segment, the BMW X1 has 300 horsepower and Audi Q3 comes with a 200 hp turbo engine. But is it really a fair comparison? According to Autoguide.com, the new Mercedes GLA250 is classified as a passenger truck, where the GLA45 AMG version is actually classified as a car in the U.S. It can’t be classified as a true SUV because of its lowered sport suspension and AMG aerodynamic kit that puts the GLA45 AMG's bumpers too low to be classified as a truck.

GLA45 AMG is a sports car

Even though the new 2015 GLA45 AMG is called a compact SUV, it’s really in a class of its own and really does reinterpret the compact SUV segment in a big way. The GLA45 AMG’s engine sets it apart. The “best in class” AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine is the most powerful series-production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world. It produces 355 hp of power and develops a peak torque of 332 lb-ft.

On par with super cars

The incredible power output of 178 hp per liter puts the AMG high-performance turbo engine on a par with the world's most powerful super sports cars. Just like its high-performance AMG stablemates, each GLA45 AMG engine is hand-built in Affalterbach. The GLA gets the same treatments from AMG that will set it apart from all other compact SUVs.

GLA45 AMG will appeal to new target group

Mercedes-Benz is targeting a new young target group of buyers who have never purchased a Mercedes product before. This is the second vehicle with an AMG four-cylinder turbo engine to go after a new group of buyers. The CLA45 AMG was the first, and it’s been a big hit. The 2015 GLA45 AMG will appeal to these young buyers because of its aerodynamic styling, driving dynamics and because it will be different than anything else on the market.

GLA45 AMG will be in the “pole position” in regards to offering high-performance driving dynamics. The sports car will sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). While the all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA45 AMG is called a compact SUV, it’s really a high-performance sports car and has no real competition.

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