Mercedes-AMG A45 S is one of the most powerful hatchbacks in the world. It has so much power that it seems wrong to call it a hot hatch. Beneath the hood is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers record-breaking 421hp of power. Not 200, not 300, an incredible four hundred and twenty horse, enough to embarrass a V8. This makes it a champion in terms of specific output. And then, since it’s turbocharged, with a watermelon-sized turbo, it also produces a huge 500Nm of torque.
On the outside, the A45 S is clearly more aggressive than a typical A-Class hatch. The front has AMG’s large Panamericana grille, a large air dam in the front, a side skirt, a spoiler in the back, and four large round exhausts in the back; The latter really hit the spot. Then the large 245/35 Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport (4) S tire fills the wheel arches and helps give it a highly sporty position.
Inside, the A45 S is actually like the A35 sedan on the front. You’ll find sportier trim and at the back, the seats are kept a little lower and there are no legrooms like the sedan. Still, what hits the house is Merc’s high-quality cabin. Standard features include a dual 10.25-inch screen with MBUX infotainment system and AMG performance display, a Burmester hi-fi audio system and a decent-sized sunroof. And, of course, you get AMG’s dynamic package. Optional equipment gives you ‘advanced’ sports seats with heating, massage and memory functions, a head-up display, a chrome external package and driver assistance systems like 360-degree camera, lane keep assist and blind spot alert. But what does it feel like to drive a car? Let’s go straight inside.
Mercedes AMG A45 S: First Impressions
The Mercedes-AMG A45 S is by far the most powerful hot hatch. It has pounds instead of pounds, the most powerful four-cylinder motor around and with it, as we have seen, the raw speed that surpasses the hot-hatch genre. But is this super hatch priced at Rs 69.5 lakh (ex-showroom)? Exactly how much does it thrill you around the corner? What does it feel like to drive on our daily roads and, importantly, should you consider a traditional sportscar instead? These, unfortunately, we can answer only after a thorough review. What we can tell you, and with fairly certainty, there is nothing like it. It has loads and loads of fun and definitely deserves AMG’s S badge. It’s that special.
Expressive design
Immediate lead: Attractive sporty design makes the Mercedes-AMG A45 model stand out from the Mercedes-AMG A35 4matic and AMG line. The bonnet Mercedes-AMG A45 model with its distinctive front apron, AMG-specific radiator trim and power dome really sets it apart. The front wings, which are much wider than the Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC, impressively reflect the abundance of driving enjoyment on offer.
Dynamic Rear View
Eye-catching features at the sporty, wide rear end include the two twin tailpipe trims measuring 90 mm in diameter. And the distinctive diffuser look with four vertical fins. The striking design is completed by the AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler finished in the body color.
INTERIOR
Instantly Connected
Both outside and inside, there’s no doubt whatsover that the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC + is a performance vehicle. Be it the MBUX multimedia system, the AMG TRACK PACE virtual race engineer or the AMG Performance seats: the entire interior is configured for driving pleasure and performance.
AMG Cockpit
The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC + are as sporty on the inside as they are on the outside. The MBUX multimedia system with instrument cluster, featuring three different display designs including Supersport mode with a large rev counter, is made for performance. The AMG Performance steering wheel complements this perfectly.
AMG Track Pace
The AMG TRACK PACE virtual race engineer is included as standard in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC + with Widescreen Cockpit. The AMG menu with additional information such as gear indicator, Warm-up menu, Setup menu, G-Meter, Race Timer and engine data is likewise available in all Mercedes-AMG A-Class models.
AMG Performance Seats
Yellow highlights throughout the interior of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC + underscore the vehicle’s motorsport character.
Split Folding Rear Seats
The rear seatbacks fold down in a split, offering a variety of cargo and passenger configurations. You can also fold the center section independently, to fit longer items like skis between two rear passengers. The release handles are in the trunk, so they’re conveniently located where you’ll need them, and can be kept out of reach simply by valet-locking the trunk.
PERFORMANCE
AMG-Enhanced 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Engine
A 421-hp 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine features numerous AMG enhancements for instant response. Increased boost from its liquid-cooled turbo puts its 500Nm of torque, for a 0-100 time of just 3.9 seconds. Rapid-multispark ignition and high-pressure Direct Injection act with millisecond speed and molecular precision. Beneath its red-striped engine cover, a lightweight diecast-alloy block, variable valve timing and reduced friction further raise efficiency and performance.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission
The aggressively geared 8-speed DCT combines racing-derived dual-clutch design with AMG SPEEDSHIFT® technology. Able to change gears faster than a human can shift a traditional manual gearbox, its shift paddles and rev-matched downshifts provide instant response. In addition to a Manual mode, it has two automatic modes, Comfort and Sport.
AMG Performance 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive
AMG Performance 4MATIC® all-wheel drive is cleverly integrated with the gearbox, for class-leading lightness. A multiplate clutch in the rear differential instantly varies the torque split between the front and rear axles. Cornering agility is further enhanced by 3-stage ESP® and torque-vectoring ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist. From more confident cornering to more capable handling in any season, on any road, it’s all-wheel drive of a higher order.
AMG DYNAMIC SELECT
Multiple drive modes let you transform the car’s character via a single control. Four modes (Comfort, Slippery, Sport and Sport +) alter the throttle response, shift points and steering effort, as well as the characteristics of ESP® and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. A fifth “Individual” mode allows you to create a mode of your own, even letting you set the transmission for purely manual shifting.
