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Mercedes downsizes performance AMG models
Date: 18 February 2013 | Author: Jack Carfrae
Mercedes has announced plans to broaden its high-performance AMG arm to incorporate cars with smaller engines and different drivetrains.
The declaration marks a departure from the traditional AMG tactic of extremely powerful, rear-wheel drive cars with big engines and sky-high price tags.
Vehicle development specialist for the E-class AMG, Marco Witzel, announced: "A key factor in our sales growth is the expansion of our model line-up. We are now offering models with four-cylinder engines for the first time."
This coincides with the reveal of the A45 AMG, the performance version of the lower medium A-class, which has a 360hp 2.0-litre engine rendering it capable of 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds with official consumption of 40.9mpg and 161g/km.
It will also be fitted with the firm's 4-Matic four-wheel drive - an element that will also become a wider part of AMG's portfolio according to Witzel. Mercedes has previously expressed a desire to better establish the AMG moniker as a sports trim level for conventional cars, and cash-in on the success enjoyed by rivals Audi and BMW with their own performance sub-brands and four-wheel drive versions of key fleet models.
The former's S-line and quattro variants have proved popular for many years, as have the latter's M-sport packages, and it has recently followed suit by introducing its X-drive four-wheel drive models to the UK market.
Witzel said of the changes: "I am certain this will see us reach new customers and new markets."
