CAR OF THE WEEK

Mercedes-Benz A45 S AMG: A True Modern Performance Icon

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The 2025 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ 5dr Auto is one of the most extreme interpretations of the hot-hatch formula. Beneath its relatively compact five-door body lies an engineering philosophy forged through more than a century of competition. Mercedes-Benz traces its motorsport origins to the 1894 Paris-Rouen race, while AMG itself was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, initially driven by a passion for racing.

1. The most powerful four-cylinder in its class

At the heart of the A 45 S is AMG's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder M139 engine. It produces 310 kW (421 hp) and 500 Nm, compared with 225 kW (306 hp) and 400 Nm in the A 35. That substantial increase is reflected in performance: the A 45 S reaches 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, compared with 4.7 seconds for the A 35, while its electronically limited top speed rises to 270 km/h.

2. 4MATIC+ intelligent all-wheel drive

The A 45 S does far more than simply distribute power between four wheels. Its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ system can vary torque distribution between the front and rear axles, helping maximise traction when accelerating and agility when cornering. The technology reflects a fundamental lesson from Mercedes' racing history: performance is not merely about producing power, but controlling it.

3. Racing DNA—and lessons from adversity

Mercedes-Benz has experienced extraordinary highs and painful setbacks in motorsport. The Silver Arrows won nine of their 12 Formula 1 races in 1954–55, with Juan Manuel Fangio taking consecutive World Championships. Yet the 1955 Le Mans disaster led Mercedes to withdraw from motorsport, creating a decades-long gap before its eventual return.

AMG's own reputation grew through competition, notably the 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG at the Spa 24 Hours. Later, Mercedes returned to F1 through Sauber and McLaren before establishing its modern works team. The result was an extraordinary hybrid-era run of consecutive drivers' and constructors' championships beginning in 2014.

4. Performance hardware to match the engine

The A 45 S combines its power with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed transmission, performance-oriented chassis tuning and powerful braking hardware. Optional AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive suspension broadens its ability from everyday road car to serious track machine.

5. A genuine step beyond the A 35

This is ultimately what makes the A 45 S special. The A 35 is already a rapid and sophisticated AMG hatchback, but the A 45 S adds another dimension: 421 hp versus 306 hp, 500 Nm versus 400 Nm, 3.9 seconds versus 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h, and a 270 km/h rather than 250 km/h top speed.

The result is more than a faster A-Class. The A 45 S represents the modern expression of Mercedes-AMG's racing philosophy: learn from competition, overcome setbacks, and translate that experience into technology that can be enjoyed every day.

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