Mercedes-Benz has released the first official spy photos of the upcoming CLA and CLA 45 AMG, both based on the same platform as the new A-Class.

The CLA should debut already next month at the Detroit Auto Show, while the  AMG  is expected to follow in the second half of 2013.

The AMG  is distinguished from the standard model by unique bumpers, a revised exhaust system with four exhaust tips and five-spoke alloy wheels.

For the standard model, the engine options will carry over from the A-Class, while the CLA45 AMG will use a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with around 350bhp mated to a 7G-DCT transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The new 4MATIC will be available also in the standard CLA, though not with all engine options.