Fresh off of the hot release of the Mercedes Benz A-Class, they have followed that up with the introduction of the hotted-up entry level car, the A45 AMG. Featuring the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, 4MATIC (MB-speak for their version of all-wheel-drive), and standard AMG exterior and interior bits, the A45 is poised to change the game in the entry-level luxury field.
First things first…the engine. Breaking away from tradition, the not-so-skunkworks that is AMG is going in a different direction, following the latest industry trend with a twin-scroll turbocharger to achieve a monstrous 360 hp and 450 Nm of torque. Pretty insane numbers in a car the size of an Audi A3 and the BMW 1 Series. That translates into naught to 62 comes in a scant 4.6 seconds, all the way up to an electronically-limited 155 mph. Tradition is not completely gone however, as this still embodies the “one man, one engine” mantra at AMG. On top of that, it will achieve excellent fuel economy, which is becoming more of a factor in this day and age.
What helps put down all of that power to the tarmac is Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system with (defeatable) ESP Curve Dynamic Assist, which furthers the movement of luxury cars coming out with AWD at least as an option, if not standard. Coupled with the AMG sports suspension with such notable features as a three-link front suspension, four-link rear suspension, specifically-tuned spring/damper units, larger stabilisers, and new elastokinetics, the A45 should stayed glued to the road, especially in the twisties. All of this is transmitted through 235/40 R18 tyres and twin-spoke AMG wheels.
Helping achieve all of this performance out back is the AMG sports exhaust system, similar to the one in the SLK55. An optional Performance exhaust system features an exhaust flap and exclusive tailpipe design to achieve an even throatier sound. Keeping things cool internally is the high-performance cooling system that’s based on the flagship SLS AMG. It utilises dual coolers and an air-water charge to make sure it’s keeping a cool hand during “spirited driving”.
The exterior features the standard AMG fare, with the AMG “twin-blade” radiator grille, large cooling air intakes (presumably to cool the brakes), side sill panels, and the AMG rear apron with two square chrome-plated tailpipes. Inside, the sports seats are done up in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with contrasting top-stitching (not to be confused with leatherette, this is some high-grade stuff). Carbon-fibre trim and touches of red round out the interior, with a pletora of individual exterior and interior options available, all at a premium.
Look for the hottest baby Benz to storm our shores later this summer.
Photo Credit: Newspress
