Mercedes-Benz has been spotted testing a prototype of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B-Class AMG, slated to be the B25 AMG. The new model will be the first four-cylinder AMG hatchback the company has ever released.
Renowned for its larger super-fast sedan and SUV segment vehicles, AMG tuning division has diverted some of its focus on more fuel efficient and more accessible – in terms of price – vehicles. A Mercedes-Benz A25 AMG is said to be on its way and now this, a performance variant of the humble B-Class.
Using the same foundations as the A25, the B25 AMG will feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing upwards of 240 kW of power. All that grunt will be sent through an all-wheel drive system after spinning through a dual-clutch transmission.
Like the rest of the AMG range, the relatively compact B25 AMG will feature extensive AMG exterior and interior revisions to set it apart from the rest of the B-Class lineup. It will showcase a full AMG bodykit, albeit a traditionally subtle one, with slightly more aggressive front and rear bumper bars, and sporty body-coloured trimmings.
From these latest spy images, we can see it will get a set large alloy wheels hiding a beefier brake package for improved stopping performance. At the rear, we can also see there’s a twin exhaust outlet with a pipe on either side. The twin-exhaust on this particular prototype may be used simply for camouflaging purpose; the production version could get the more traditional quad-outlet AMG layout.
According to sources, the Mercedes-Benz B25 AMG will debut towards the end of 2012. It will enter the lineup as the most expensive B-Class in the range. We could expect a price tag to rival the BMW 1 Series M Coupe at upwards of R550 000.
