Mercedes-Benz is doing an onslaught of AMG vehicles in India. The German automaker has brought in a big lineup of AMG cars, which are on sale in the country. Right from the C63, E63, G63, GL63 and SLS AMGs, the next AMG to join the Indian lineup will be the ML63 AMG later this month. Mercedes-Benz had showcased the CLA45 AMG at the 2014 Auto Expo and we have learned that the entry-level performance sedan will be launched in India in July 2014. The CLA45 AMG will be brought in via the CBU route and is expected to be priced at around Rs. 70 lakhs (ex-showroom).
Other than the visual tweaks (like the AMG body kit and quad exhausts), the highlight of the Mercedes CLA45 AMG is without doubt the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol mill. This powerplant thrusts out 360 HP of peak power and 450 Nm of peak torque, coupled to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT unit. The gearbox offers multiple modes including a Race Start function. Power is channelled to all-wheels and this turbo engine is the most powerful 4-pot in production. 0-100 km/hr takes just 4.6 seconds while top speed is limited to 250 km/hr.
The Mercedes CLA45 AMG arrives in India before the regular CLA as the German firm is too busy meeting the long order list for their entry-level sedan. By bringing in the AMG version first, Mercedes will be able to create a lot of hype for the CLA, a car which has done very well for the Stuttgart based automaker the world over. Mercedes is betting heavily on its AMG performance brand. Besides bringing in more AMG vehicles, the three-pointed star is also planning to open dedicated AMG outlets in the sub-continent.
