The previous A-Class was never considered by many as a true Mercedes. This was attributed to the numerous ills it had, chief among them being its overall design. It looked more of a mini MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) than an actual hatchback.
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| Mercedes A45AMG |
To come up with its replacement, Mercedes went to greater length including borrowing some specialists from its in house tuning division, AMG. The result was is one of the best hatchbacks in the planet. The two companies teamed up yet again and what they have come up with is the most epic A-Class in history.
Design
Its aggressive front is characterised by a “twin blade” radiator grille and the cross strut in the AMG front apron. Both are painted in matt titanium grey. Striking black flics surround the large cooling air intakes. Light AMG light alloy wheels, with a twin spoke design, and sill panels, finished in matt titanium grey, adorn the side.
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| AMG’s twin blade radiator grill |
An AMG rear apron is highlighted by air outlets and a diffusor insert trimmed in matt titanium grey. Two square, chrome-plated AMG sports exhaust pipes, with exhaust flap, reveal the A45 AMG’s incredible soundtrack.
Power
AMG’s impressive job on the A-Class is reveled when one opens the bonnet. Inside rests a handmade 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. Maximum output rated at 265 kW (360 hp) and 450 Nm of torque.
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| Rear profile |
0 to 100km/h takes just 4.6 seconds while top speed is limited at 250km/h. Its tiny heart is currently the most powerful 2.0litre 4-cylinder engine ever made. It only needs 6.9 litres to cover 100 kilometers.
Transmission
Mated to the engine is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission. It offers spontaneous gear shifting without any interruption in tractive power. In Comfort or Sport mode the driver can switch to Manual mode easily by pressing “up” or “down” shift paddle. Another special feature designed to enhance dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is so-called “Momentary M mode”. In this mode the driver experiences the dynamism and performance of the A45 AMG in its truest form.
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| Cockpit |
Power to the wheel is managed by a performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard. The AMG sports suspension, with three-link front suspension, manages the front wheel while the rear axle has more rigid bearings for increased driving stability. The Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG rides on 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. They are painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish. In normal driving, the A45 AMG uses front-wheel drive for optimum efficiency. It can then shift power in between the front and rear axle at a ratio of 50: 50 to improve driving dynamics. The variables influencing the power distribution ratio are vehicle speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, steering angle, speed difference between the individual wheels, selected gear and accelerator position. An exclusive feature is the interaction of the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive with the three-stage ESP® and the ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist. The three ESP® stages enable the driver to vary the dynamics of the A45 AMG according to their individual wishes at the push of a button.
Interior
Sports seats finished in ARTICO man-made leather together with DINAMICA microfibre adorn the interior. The seats feature red contrasting top-stitching. A multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and the AMG DRIVE UNIT emphasize A45 AMG’s sporty character inside.
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| Sporty interior |
A carbon fiber look adorns the dashboard. It matches with the five air vents (in black/red), the red seat belts and the AMG door sill panels. A central colour display is visible at the AMG instrument cluster.
Extras
Optional extras for the A45 AMG include, AMG Aerodynamics package: AMG rear aerofoil, additional flics in front apron, larger front splitter, AMG carbon-fibre exterior mirror housing, AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package: front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fibre, AMG rear aerofoil, AMG Exclusive package, AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/35 R 19 tyres, in two variants: painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matt black, AMG Night package: privacy glass, black anodised waistline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome,
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| Side profile dominated by 18-inch wheels |
high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim, AMG Performance exhaust system incl. tailpipe trims in specific design, AMG Performance suspension with tauter spring/damper tuning, AMG Performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, electronic key with AMG emblem, AMG Performance seats, AMG wheel bolt covers in black with hub caps in central-locking look (for standard AMG light-alloy wheels only) and red painted calipers.
Verdict
The new A45 AMG is officially the number one performance hatchback. Its impressive design, performance and driving dynamics are something its key rivals should look out for. Official prices to be released soon.