Mercedes-AMG Working On A Powerful New A-Class

The current 2.0-litre unit already churns out 375bhp of power at 6,000 rpm and 475Nm of torque at 2,250 rpm, thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger that produces up to 26.1 psi of boost.

Speaking to CarAdvice at the 2017 New York auto show, AMG head Tobias Moers hinted that the company is working on an "all-new" 2.0-litre engine for the A45.

"We don't want to give a tip or an advantage to our competitors, but we do need to be over 300kW (400bhp) - that's the new standard," he said.

He also hinted at an electrically-driven compressor, "but maybe not in that first version." The comments imply AMG engineers have juiced an extra 25bhp from the new 2.0-litre unit without employing an electric boost system.

"You have to pick your fights, regarding the environment for example. It's also hard for me to say which model will be the first to get an electric turbine," Moers added. "That is still years away."

The report contemplates the next-generation A45 could be on the way for a 2018 premiere. Whenever it does, the power bump on the A45 does increase the excitement level of auto enthusiasts.