Alongside the new A 200 and A 250, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today also unveiled the facelifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4 Matic+ here on our shores for those who are looking for a little more bite. Offered solely in the hatchback form, the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S will be fully-imported from Germany, priced from RM509,888.
Its younger brother, the A 35 Sedan, wasn’t shown off at the launch event in Sepang today. However, press information from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia indicates that it’s also now available for pre-booking, at an estimated price of RM354,000, pending approval from authorities.
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The new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S’s powertrain is completely unchanged from before, and continues to be powered by the same AMG-specific M139 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine, making 421 hp and 500 Nm of torque.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the eight-speed DCT gearbox and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system, translating to a century sprint of 3.9 seconds, onward to a top speed of 270 km/h. Uniquely, the AMG A 45 S is the sole variant in the A-Class line-up here in Malaysia to not feature any 48-Volt mild hybrid assistance.
Meanwhile, the A 35’s utilises the same M260 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine as the A 250, with outputs rated at 306 hp and 400 Nm. Just like its regular A-Class siblings, the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic also gets the 48V mild hybrid system, supplying up to 14 hp of extra temporary boost when needed.
Paired to a new dual-clutch transmission with one more extra ratio than before (the same AMG SpeedShift eight-speed DCT as the A 45 S), the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.8 seconds, onward to a top speed of 250 km/h.
Visual changes on the new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 35 and A 45 S mirrors that of the standard A-Class, with the most obvious update being the new headlamps, now featuring a single brow-type daytime-running light and an oval-shaped projector unit for the MultiBeam LED system with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.
Two new “power bulges” adorn the bonnet (on the A 35), while the front grille has also been reprofiled slightly, fitted with the signature Panamericana mesh to differentiate itself from its non-AMG counterparts. The round badge above the grille now bears the AMG emblem instead of the traditional Mercedes-Benz star, while the tail lights also gets a mild update with new graphics.
The updated bumpers here mimic those of the AMG Line kit for the A 250, but the true-blue AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ does get a few unique items, including the quad exhaust tips round the back (dual ovals on the A35), as well as the Aerodynamics Package as standard that adds flics, bumper inserts, a more elaborate diffuser at the back, and a front splitter for a more aggressive appearance.
Obviously, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4 Matic+ is also the sole variant in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class family here in Malaysia to come in a hatchback form; the A 35 continues to be offered as a sedan.
Other exterior highlights include the 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light alloy wheels, with additional matte black aerodynamic panels on the range-topping A 45 S model, red-painted brake callipers, as well as the AMG Night Package that removes most chrome elements on the exterior.
At launch, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ will also be offered in a limited Street Style Edition that offers an exlusive Manufaktur mountain grey magno paint job on the outside, edition-specific fluorescent orange accents, an AMG fuel filler cap, Edition decals and gloss black model badging, and a unique 19-inch cross-spoke forged wheels.
Inside, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is equipped as standard with the new AMG Performance steering wheels with touch-control panels and Multicontour AMG Performance Advanced seats, alongside unique AMG-specific trim pieces on the dashboard. The MBUX system for the dual 10.25-inch screens also gets unique AMG displays, including a built-in drag race timer. Just like the normal A-Class facelift, the touchpad on the centre console has been removed.
The seats are wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre as standard on the A 45 S, and Artico only on the A 35’s standard sports seats. Other interior highlights include the red seat belts, 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated AMG door sill plates, Burmester surround sound system, and a panoramic sunroof (exclusive for A 45 S).
Opt for the Street Style Edition, and you’ll get pure microfibre upholstery on the seats, with additional orange accents all throughout the cabin as well. The AMG aluminium trim elements on the interior also gets the same pattern to match the exterior decals.
Safety kit on the AMG models include a 360-degree surround view monitor as part of the active parking package, driving assistance package with lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and exit warning assist.
The new 2023 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is priced at RM509,888 for the standard model, and RM539,888 for the Street Style Edition. Prices are on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Pricing for the A 35 variant is not yet confirmed, though the press kit mentions a RM354,000 estimated pricing.
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