Last week, Mercedes->ke187 released the GLA250 to its U.S. customers, but we still have yet to get an undisguised look at the upcoming GLA 45 AMG. Since Mercedes decided to leave us in the dark on the powerful crossover, our spy photographers decided to hang out at Nϋrburgring->ke999 Nordschleife in an attempt to catch the crossover lapping the famed course.

Well, their diligence paid off, as they managed to catch the GLA 45 AMG doing a few hot laps around Nϋrburgring. The AMG->ke8 variant will, of course, feature the same basic shape as the standard GLA250, but with plenty of aggressive styling additions to give the GLA-Class a sportier look.

Under its hood, we expect the GLA 45 AMG to carry a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 350 to 360 horsepower on tap. We also assume the that AMG variant of this sporty crossover will carry the same transmission as the GLA250 with standard 4MATI all-wheel drive.

We anticipate the GLA 45 AMG coming in around €50,000 ($66,795) in Europe, but we're not too sure if it will make its way across the pond to U.S. showrooms.

Click past the jump to read more about the model that our spy photographers caught testing

Spy Shots

The GLA 45 AMG that our photographers caught testing still has plenty of camouflage covering up its AMG goodies. Up front, you can still make out the more aggressive front apron, though the larger intakes are well hidden. Its AMG qualities do show through from a side view, thanks to the larger rims and brakes.

Around back, the AMG styling is even more evident, thanks to the rear spoiler and the sporty set of quad tailpipes. Also under the back side is a diffuser to help reduce lift and help keep the small SUV glued to the track.