Mercedes A 45 AMG: The most powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine in the world

Version française Car Engineer

Two figures show that the newly developed AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is the most powerful series production four-cylinder turbo engine in the world:

  • A maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) and up to 450 Nm of torque are unmatched by any other mass-produced turbocharged four-cylinder engine worldwide.
  • The power density of 133 kW/l (181 hp/l) is also unrivalled. In this discipline, the new AMG high-performance turbo engine even outstrips the most powerful super sports cars.

A Class 45 AMG Powertrain

The high power and torque output and the combination with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard lead to enhanced dynamic performance: the A 45 AMG accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while its top speed stands at 250 km/h (electronically limited). The specially developed AMG engine is also tailored for efficiency – the A 45 AMG leads its segment on this front, with fuel consumption of 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers in NEDC combined mode. This is accompanied by particularly low exhaust emissions: the A 45 AMG already complies with the EU6 emissions standard, combined with the limit for the particle count per kilometer of 6 x 1011 which will be mandatory from 2017.

The AMG 2.0l engine key data at a glance

Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG
Displacement 1991 cc
Bore x stroke 83.0 x 92.0 mm
Compression ratio 8.6 : 1
Output 265 kW (360 hp) at 6000 rpm
Max. torque 450 Nm at 2250 – 5000 rpm
Engine weight (dry) 148 kg
Maximum engine speed 6700 rpm
Power density 133 kW/l (181 hp/l)
Peak cylinder pressure 140 bar
Maximum boost pressure 1.8 bar
Fuel consumption NEDC combined 6.9 – 7.1 l/100 km
CO2 emissions 161-165 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4.6 s
Top speed 250 km/h*

*electronically limited

The basis for these figures is provided by the high-tech package which has been put together by Mercedes-AMG. As a high-performance engine belonging to the BlueDIRECT family, the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine features spray-guided direct petrol injection via piezo injectors positioned centrally in the four combustion chambers. The combination of multiple fuel injections and multiple spark ignition improves fuel utilization and increases thermodynamic efficiency substantially, leading to lower exhaust emissions. Other highlights include the gravity-die sandcast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimized crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimized piston rings, NANOSLIDE cylinder wall technology, air-water charge air cooling, generator management and ECO start/stop function.

Twin-scroll turbocharger and AMG sports exhaust system with exhaust flap

Mercedes-AMG addresses the essential challenges concerning the response of small-displacement turbo engines by means of a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum derestriction of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy. The twin-scroll technology provides for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure (at a maximum of 1.8 bar), making effective use of exhaust gas back pressure, exhaust gas temperature and exhaust gas impulse. This results in a swifter build-up of torque right from the lower rev range. As a positive side-effect, the twin-scroll technology also benefits fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The AMG sports exhaust system features large pipe cross-sections and an automatically controlled exhaust flap. This technology, which is familiar from the SLK 55 AMG, reconciles the two apparently conflicting aims of tangible dynamism and hallmark Mercedes comfort on long journeys. The flap is continuously adjusted by map control according to the power called up by the driver, load status and engine speed. The two striking tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system emit a full engine sound which is particularly impressive during powerful acceleration. An AMG Performance exhaust system with exhaust flap and featuring a dedicated tailpipe trim design is optionally available for the A 45 AMG. This provides for an even more emotional and striking engine sound when the throttle is open and during gear shifting. The double-declutching function during downshifting and the interruption of ignition and injection during upshifting under full load produce a particularly throaty sound with the AMG Performance exhaust system and create a level of emotionality which is otherwise the reserve of engines with more than 4 cylinders.

High-performance cooling system with components from the SLS AMG

The high driving dynamics of the A 45 AMG call for a highly effective cooling system. On the basis of the components belonging to the SLS AMG, a low-temperature circuit is additionally deployed for air-water charge air cooling of the four-cylinder turbo engine. The large cooler section at the front level of the cooling module is supplemented by an additional cooler in the wheel arch. Together with the charge air cooler which is connected in series, a high-performance electric pump ensures the required flow through the water coolers located behind the large intake ports. This provides for ideal cooling of the highly compressed charge air, thereby contributing towards optimum engine performance. Cooling of the transmission oil is integrated in the water cooling circuit for the engine. The water cooler positioned behind the front apron is supported by the heat exchanger which is fitted directly on the transmission and supplied with cooling water as required by means of an auxiliary pump.A Class 45 AMG cooling system

Source: Mercedes AMG

Romain’s opinion:

I’m quite surprised by the results engineers achieved with this engine. The compression ratio is very low, which means that the engine might not be very efficient even if spark advance can be increased to get more output. It seems that the engine output was favored compared to fuel efficiency in development phase. But how could we explain that the homologated fuel consumption is lower to other 2.0l engines (e.g. Mégane 3 RS, 8.4l/100km) with a higher output?

5 thoughts on “Mercedes A 45 AMG: The most powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine in the world”

    1. This is a joke right? the They only made 49 FQ440s. The A45/GLA45 is available in worldwide markets with a real 50,000 mile warranty and is not limited production.

  1. Well AMG is trying to make us believe all AMG engines are hand built, so mass production can’t be mentioned. So the Evo X fq 440 with 328kw should be counted. But anyway in 2005 you got a Evo VIII fq 400 that had 298kw

  2. Pingback: Turbo wastegate settings?? - Page 3 - 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 Ford Escape Forum

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