Mercedes-Benz is planning a 320 bhp, 4-wheel-drive version of the next A-Class, likely to be badged A25 AMG.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine, which is mated to a double-clutch gearbox and a multi-plate clutch 4-wheel-drive system to keep the A25 AMG’s 300+ bhp under control.

To improve dynamics, the car’s 4-wheel-drive system will have a rear-wheel-drive bias with a torque vectoring system to shuffle power between the two rear wheels.

The styling is previewed in the artists impression above and will differ from the standard car with bigger bumpers, sill extensions, chrome exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new A-Class range is currently being developed and will be much different from its predecessor, with a significantly lower roofline and much tighter surfacing and lines designed to attract a younger buyer than the current model.

The A25 AMG will be launched in 2012 and is likely to be priced to match Audi’s RS3, VW’s Golf R and an M-Sport version of the next BMW 1 Series (Around £35,ooo in the UK).

Source: Autocar