A part of the recently upgraded A-Class range, the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+, facelifted for the year 2023.
Fully-imported (CBU), the performance-oriented hatchback comes in two trims. A standard, and a Street Style Edition (limited-time offer).
Both are blessed with the AMG Night Package and AMG Aerodynamics Package. The latter adds on the AMG Night Package II.
Priced (OTR, w/o insurance) at MYR 509,888 and MYR 539,888 respectively, each purchase includes a four-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
Weighing in at 1,680 KG, the new AMG A 45 S stands at 4,453 MM long, 1,992 MM wide, 1,414 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,729 MM.
Aggressively sporty, its dynamically-sculpted and compact silhouette sees subtle updates to its characteristic front-end.
Featured is a new bonnet with the Merc’s ‘Powerdomes’ and a new AMG badge, paired to a new vertically-slatted AMG radiator grille.
Accentuating the layout are the AMG Night Package (high-gloss black trims) and the AMG Aerodynamics Package (aerodynamic trims).
Differentiating the Street Style Edition, it sees a darkened, vertically-slatted AMG radiator grille and a high-gloss black AMG badge, all courtesy of the AMG Night Package II.
Elsewhere, it gets the Mountain Grey Magno MANUFAKTUR hue with Street Style Edition decals (black/matte anthracite colour grading - fluorescent orange highlights).
Coming with new updates, its familiar rear-end further exudes the athletic appeal with minimalistic and smooth contours.
Donning the layout is an aerodynamically-styled roof-edge spoiler, and an AMG diffuser featuring four vertical fins and twin-flow exhaust tips.
Matching the front and completing the look are the AMG Night Package, AMG Aerodynamics Package, and AMG Night Package II (Street Style Edition).
Flat and sharply-framed, installed are multibeam LED headlights with Adaptive High-Beam Assist Plus and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL). The latter is of a new design (old - L-shaped, new - top-single lightbar).
Familiar and befitting of the rear layout, the wraparound tail lamps are angularly-refined. Designed in an eye-drop-esque housing, installed are full LED units with dynamic turn indicators.
Electrically adjustable and retractable, the side mirrors come with turn- and blind spot-indicators, and an auto-dimming function.
Fitted is a setup of the AMG high-performance brake system, featuring ventilated, cross-drilled discs with red-coloured brake callipers.
Gripping it to the tarmac is a set of 19-Inch matte black with high-sheen rim flange, AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy rims (AMG cross-spoke forged rims - Street Style Edition), wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/35 R19 tyres.
The new AMG A 45 S gets a sportily ergonomic dashboard, with a very refined, clean and highly-premium finish.
Accentuated by a 64-colour ambient lighting, the layout features AMG aluminium trims in black/silver and dark/orange (Street Style Edition).
Filling up the space are the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system, and protruding, turbine-designed air-conditioning vents.
Elsewhere (centre console), deleted is the central touchpad. Swapped for a storage cubby, and the Dynamic Access drive mode button.
One half of a twin unit, installed is a 10.25-Inch Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7 software) with a Heads-Up Display (HUD).
Featured are three new AMG display styles (AMG drive modes, settings), and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).
Interior of the five-seater hot-hatch is upholstered in AMG Artico man-made leather/MICROCUT-microfibre in black (with orange contrast stitching - Street Style Edition).
Courtesy of the AMG Performance Seat Package Advanced, fitted up front are AMG Performance Seats with a Multicontour Seat Package, electronic adjustments, climate control and memory function.
Considering it to be a performance-oriented hatchback, the front and rear occupants get ample space. Adequately comfortable with generous head, leg and shoulder rooms.
Standard fitment is an AMG Performance steering wheel, in a three-rounded twin-spoke with a flat-bottom design, wrapped in Nappa leather/MICROCUT-microfibre.
It features rounded AMG controls (multi-function, AMG Dynamic Select), paddle shifters, column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Practical storage spaces present. E.g., a centre console storage box and compartmentalised spaces, medium sized glove box, and seat back and side door pockets.
There are four cup holders, and four bottle holders.
Equipped with the USB Package Plus, it features multiple USB-C ports placed around the cockpit. Also, present are two 12-V power sockets, and a wireless charger.
The boot comes with the Easy-Pack tailgate feature (hands-free), providing a contactless function that opens up to 370-Litres of load space (1,210-Litres - rear seats folded).
Standard, the new AMG A 45 S features the following sets of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Under Driving Assistance Package, grouped are, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Exit Warning Assist. Under Parking Package, grouped are Active Parking Assist, and 360-degree camera. Others include Adaptive High-Beam Assist (AHA), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Passive safety under GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, grouped are Anti-theft Alarm system (ATA), interior monitoring system, and tow-away protection (warning – visual, audible). Others include seven airbags (driver, passenger, front side, front/rear curtains), airbag disable function, seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, parking sensors (6-front, 6-rear), door ajar warning, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
Five drive modes accessible via the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT programme. Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery and Individual.
Another half of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) multimedia system (NTG 7), installed is a 10.25-Inch touchscreen display.
Featured are new display styles (AMG drive modes, settings), AR-Navigation, Interior Assistant, Mercedes-me Services, and live traffic. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.
Also included is the AMG Driver’s Package, featuring AMG Real Performance Sound, and AMG Track Pace.
The suites of ADAS will make travels less fatigue and less of a burden for the driver, as well as much safer at all speeds.
Accompanying the infotainment is a Burmester surround sound system.
The new AMG A 45 S harbours the familiar M139, AMG 2.0-Litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 421 HP/310-KW at 6,750 RPM and 500 NM of torque at 5,000 to 5,250 RPM.
Highlight: this Mercedes-AMG engine is manufactured according to the ‘one man, one engine’ principle, and thus features a personally signed plaque on the engine.
Installed is an AMG SpeedShift 8G-DCT (eight-speed, dual-clutch) automatic transmission, with Race Start program.
Power is sent to all four wheels via the active-fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, which features the AMG Torque Control.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 270 KM/H.
It has a 51-Litre fuel tank, and its fuel consumption is between 9.2L to 8.8L/100 KM (WLTP).
Standard kit on the new AMG A 45 S includes KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (keyless go/hand-free access), Easy-Pack tailgate (contactless), THERMOTRONIC dual-zone automatic climate control (with rear air-vents), AMG Performance Seats (Multicontour Seat Package, electronic adjustments, climate control, memory function), AMG Performance steering wheel (multi-function, AMG controls, paddle shifters, Electronic Power Steering (EPS), column adjustments), MBUX multimedia system, 64-colour ambient lighting, auto headlamps and wipers, wireless charger, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors (exterior, interior), 360-degree camera, interior monitoring system, interior map lights, Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), and auto-pinch windows (up/down).
There are air-conditioning vents present, located at the rear part of the centre console.
Setup installed, the AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive dampers (Comfort, Sport, Sport+), AMG Dynamic Select drive programs, and AMG Dynamics control system.
Courtesy of all these, the ride comfortability feels precise and firm at the same time. The overall drive is tuned to provide complete stability and grip to the driver.
Ultimately, it has superior roadholding, and great handling stability and agility at high speeds without compromising any comfort.
Good sound insulation with the NVH aspects accounted for. The cabin is acoustically designed, to enhance the in-car ambience and block out exterior noises.
Overall, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, even when cruising through bumpy asphalts or at all speeds.
The new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ just radiates aggressive elegance, a well-deserved upgrade for the 2023 model year.
It offers both performance and comfort, while encapsulating passengers in a racing-inspired and luxuriously-appointed cabin.
Overall, inside and out the build quality is top class, and with all the bells and whistles it comes with, the new AMG A 45 S hot-hatch is definitely a Merc to have.