2019 Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC+ A 45 S 2.0L 8AT AWD (421 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz was successful with the first generation of the A-Class 45 AMG, and when it switched to the second iteration of this hatchback, it also changed the name to Mercedes-AMG A45 4MATIC+.

After AMG became a distinct brand, most of its models were based on Mercedes-Benz cars, as was the case with the A-Class. But, apart from the general look of the bodywork, it changed everything. Thus, the vehicles it produced were more aggressive and not subtle at all. Furthermore, their drivetrains were unique, and so were the hand-crafted engines under their hoods.

Sporting the Panamericana grille was one of the specific details that made the A45 4MATIC+ look different than a mundane A-Class hatchback. In addition, the front bumper featured a large air intake in the lower dam flanked by side scoops and a pair of winglets to improve aerodynamics. From its profile, the 18” alloy-wheels were stamped with the AMG logo and wrapped in 245/40 sticky tires. At the back, above the tailgate, the German automaker added a functional wing that added some downforce to the car.

The cabin boasted high-bolstered bucket seats with integrated headrests, and sported cutouts for race harnesses, although those were mostly for the sporty look. But still, like the rest of the A-Class range, it was fitted with two screens covered by the same piece of glass. The one fronting the driver was for the instrument panel, while the one placed above the center stack was for the MBUX infotainment system. The automaker installed turbine-like vents, carried over from the regular A-Class, but the three-spoke steering wheel was reserved for AMG versions.

Under its skin, the A45 4MATIC+ featured a transversely-mounted inline-four turbocharged engine paired to an eight-speed SPEEDSHIFT DCT-8G (dual-clutch) automatic gearbox that sent the power in all corners.