Mercedes-AMG has taken the covers off the new-generation A45 and A45 S hot hatchbacks. Revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, ahead of its launch later this year, the A45 heads a quartet of rapid, new compact Mercedes-AMG models equipped with the M139-designated four-cylinder petrol engine. These include the four-door CLA45 and CLA45 S 4Matic+ sedans.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre unit is the most powerful four-cylinder series-production engine in the world and will be offered in two distinct power outputs. In the new, standard A45 the engine develops 387hp at 6,500rpm and 480Nm of torque between 4,750 and 5,000rpm. The S models put out a higher 421hp at 6,750rpm and 500Nm of torque between 5,000 and 5,250rpm. The A45 completes the 0-100kph sprint in 4sec, while the A45 S is marginally quicker, taking 3.9sec to reach 100kph. The limited top speed of the A45 and A45 S is 250kph and 270kph, respectively.
The new AMG engine comes mated to a standard 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a newly developed multi-plate clutch, 4Matic+ four-wheel-drive system. This features an AMG torque control function that separates electronically controlled clutches within the rear axle to vary the amount of drive sent to each individual rear wheel.
As a result, they can be configured to send the majority of drive to the rear wheels via a new Drift mode function, which is included in an optional AMG Dynamic Plus package, when the car’s stability control is deactivated and the gearbox is set to manual mode. Overall, the new driveline offers up to six driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, Individual and Race, the last of which is standard in range-topping S models and optional as part of the AMG Dynamic Plus package in standard models.
Further changes made to the standard A-class include a new performance brake package. This features 350mm front and 330mm rear discs, in combination with four-pot and one-pot calipers, respectively, in the A45. The A45 S, meanwhile, gets larger, 360mm front and 330mm rear discs, with red painted six-pot front and one-pot rear calipers.
AMG has also introduced a re-engineered steering rack with a variable ratio and two different software maps, depending on the driving mode. The steering rack itself is mounted on a new carrier, which is claimed to increase precision.
The suspension retains the same MacPherson strut front and four-link rear design in less powerful versions of the fourth-generation A-class. However, the components, including a wider front track and bespoke front axle carrier, are described as being all new, with unique geometry and reduced unsprung masses. Additionally, AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping is available as an option. The base A45 features 18-inch wheels, with the S version receiving 19-inchers.
The suspension is supported by a stiffened bodyshell that features a new aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine, a strut brace between the front suspension towers and reinforcements within the lower part of the A-pillars – all of which, AMG claims, leads to “considerably reduced body torsion along the longitudinal and transverse axis.”
Stylistically, the new car builds on the A35 4Matic, with an AMG Panamericana grille, wider front wings, flared wheel arches, a uniquely styled front bumper with integrated splitter element and wider sills. At the rear, there is a prominent tailgate-mounted spoiler and a unique bumper that houses two round tailpipes (82mm in diameter on the A45 and 90mm on the A45 S) as well as a twin-channel diffuser element.
While there is no news yet of the new A 45 and A45 S making it to India anytime soon, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the A-class sedan and the GLB SUV will make it to our market.
Also see:
2019 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S image gallery
Click here for all Mercedes-Benz models, prices, reviews, images, videos and more