Mercedes unveils GLA 45 AMG concept at the LA Motor Show 2013

The Mercedes GLA 45 AMG concept

Mercedes-AMG brought a fast, compact SUV to the LA Motor Show 2013, the GLA 45 AMG concept. Sharing stage with the S65 AMG and the SLS AMG GT Final Edition, this concept looks to spawn a high-performance crossover.

The concept looks almost production ready. The planted stance, chromed grille, side sills, matt black paint with a red rim flange, glossy black large front splitter, large air intakes, red brake calipers and twin tailpipes give the vehicle a powerful presence. It gets AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look plus an AMG high-performance braking system. The start number '45' on the doors, AMG logo at the upper edge of the windscreen, the 'twin-blade' grille, the "TURBO AMG" lettering on the front wings, the high-gloss black roof rails and the large rear aerofoil accentuate the sporty feel.

The GLA 45 AMG concept uses the same engine as the A45 AMG and the CLA, of course with a few tweaks

The silver grey/red foil wrap on the hood, vehicle sides, C-pillar and rear end is contrasted by the red highlights on the radiator grille, exterior mirrors, diffuser insert and AMG rear aerofoil. The rear end has a diffuser and the twin-tailpipe AMG sports exhaust system.

The rear end has the diffuser and the twin-tailpipe AMG sports exhaust system

The GLA 45 AMG concept uses the same engine as the A45 AMG and the CLA 45 AMG, of course with a few tweaks. It boasts of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that puts out 360PS of power and maximum torque of 450Nm. Merc calls it the "world's most muscular four-cylinder production engine." The car sprints from 0-100kmph in under 5 seconds. Other mechanical highlights include the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission.

It gets AMG wheel hub covers with centre lock-look, plus an AMG high-performance braking system

"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," said Tobias Moers, chairman of the board, Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

The car could go into production come 2014. It will take on the likes of the Audi RS Q3.