Mercedes-AMG A 45 facelift unleashed, gets new looks and more power! [+Video]



Following the facelifted Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the top-of-the range baby Merc gets updated with power hike to complement the refreshed looks. The entry-level AMG is no longer a Benz, from now on it will be known officially as the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC.

It still looks as wild as before, but minute changes are evident especially from the front. The bumper now features the distinctive AMG A-wing like on the bigger AMG siblings, and the LED High Performance headlamps are fitted as standard on the A 45.

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse (W 176) 2015Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 176

At the tail end, the badges swapped positions, where the AMG emblem now sits on the left side of the hatch. New tail lights are the same as the non-AMG models, but the diffuser and the rectangular tailpipes down below are unique to the A 45.

This super hot hatch gets all the updates from the normal A-Class, including the revised graphics, switches, and bigger screen. The new steering wheel is chunkier in the A 45, while the distinctive AMG gear selector takes centerstage on the center console. In addition to that, the sports seats get seat cushion depth adjustment as standard. The A 45 will also receive Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink mobile phone connectivity.

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse (W 176) 2015Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 176

The “beast” under the bonnet is the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, but it has been spanked to extract 21 hp and 25 Nm more than before. Thanks to the reconfigured timing and valve assembly, it generates a total of 381 hp and 475 Nm, extending its lead as the most powerful series production four-cylinder engine now with 191 hp per litre. Amazingly, the fuel consumption remains at 6.9 litres per 100 km.

Mated to a reworked AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission with shorter ratios, the A 45 shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than before. The AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive system with infinitely variable torque distribution stays, shuffling up to 50 percent of the power to the rear axle to increase traction when needed.

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse (W 176) 2015Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 176

The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes gains a Sport+ mode, which quickens the shift times as well as sharpens the throttle response along with an amplified soundtrack from the engine. On top of that, an automatically controlled exhaust flap controls the volume on the outside depending on the chosen driving mode.

To those who plan to take their A 45 to the circuit, a new optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package can be specified on the A 45. For the first time on the A 45, it brings a mechanical front axle locking differential for an even improved traction in the bends. Also included is the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with fully-automated two-stage adaptive dampers, as well as an additonal and more extreme Race mode where the SPORT HANDLING MODE on the 3-stage ESP allows for a wider drift angles.

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse (W 176) 2015Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 176

The A 45 mirrors the standard A-Class‘ safety features and driving assistance systems, and it includes the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS with autonomous partial braking.

The A 45 used to sell for RM348,888 in its Edition 1 guise but is currently sold at RM343,888 – a full RM5,000 cheaper. With the increased power in the new A 45, surely it will cost more than that, no?


IMAGE GALLERY