Geneva 2013: Mercedes takes aim at compact market with world’s most powerful four-cylinder turbo engine

Mercedes-AMG continues to heat up the Geneva Motor Show with the world premiere of the A 45 AMG, a high-powered screamer that is sure to win over fans of luxury compacts.

Powered by a two-liter turbocharged four, the high-performance A 45 AMG has a peak output of 265 kW (360 hp) and about 332 lb.-ft of torque.

Mercedes claims the A 45 AMG boasts a record output of 133 kW (181 hp) per liter of displacement and is the most powerful series production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world, even topping the per-liter output of some more powerful “super” sports cars.   But it’s a lot less conspicuous, which is part of its appeal.  Well, aside from the wheels.  

Exterior design elements include the AMG “twin blade” radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matt titanium grey.  Black flics surround the large cooling air intakes at the sides and the side sill panels feature inserts in matt titanium grey.

The A 45 AMG comes standard with twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and is fitted with 18-inch tires, which is a dead giveaway that the car has a lot more up its sleeve than the typical compact.

Fitted with AMG’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, the A45 AMG has been engineered for very high driving dynamics in every area of performance and boasts a 0-60 time of around 4.6 seconds.

The A 45 AMG’s performance attributes are accented in the interior with details like black leather sports seats with red contrasting topstitching and the AMG Drive Unit. The dashboard trim comes in a faux carbon-fibre design that matches the five air vents in black/red, the red seat belts and the AMG door sill panels.

Pricing for the entry-level model starts at €49,682.50 in Germany or about $65,000 (US).