Launched: 2023 Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ Facelift – From RM509,888

The face-lifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ has landed! 

Alongside the face-lifted and locally made (CKD) V177 A-Class sedan range, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) also introduced the W177 hatchback twin to which earlier today at the Sepang International Circuit. Presented in the flesh was the A45 S 4Matic+ superhatch iteration of which.

The arrival of this refreshed superhatch from Affalterbach sees MBM continue to offer the hatch-bodied fourth generation A-Class exclusively in both fully imported (CBU) form and high performance grades only for the Malaysian market.

In its latest 2023MY guise, MBM will officially offer the A45 S 4Matic+ in both a ‘Standard’ form, and a more up-specced ‘Street Style Edition’ guise alongside which. However, take note that the latter offering will be limited, though MBM did not specify any quantities or period for which.

The manic AMG-built superhatch was introduced earlier today at the Sepang International Circuit alongside its refreshed and locally-built V177 booted twins.

Like its lesser but booted V177 twins, the W177 A45 S 4Matic+ sees similar base exterior tweaks, which are modest to say the least. It includes redesigned headlamps with new LED DRL graphics, new AMG-specific grille design, plus the new rounded AMG emblem mounted up front above which.

The A45 S 4Matic+ continues to be sole A-Class offering sold by MBM that’s kitted with the tasty AMG Night Package that sees select exterior bits treated with a gloss black finish. Also exclusive to this variant is the wind tunnel-developed AMG Aerodynamics package that promises improved aero performance.

Exterior changes in this 2023MY version are modest to say the least.

Subtle tweaks were made to the headlights and its LED DRLs, as well as the AMG-specific front grille. New here too is the rounded AMG emblem above the grille.

Capping the exterior off are other key AMG-specific bits like the 19-inch allow wheels, rear spoiler lip, redesigned taillights, and the presence of twin-exhaust with quad-tips flanking the each side of the rear bumper.

Hand-built AMG 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill remains, offering manic outputs of 421 HP and 500 NM.

Underneath, the A45 S AMG 4Matic+ continues to employ the three-lettered performance badge’s signature hand-built M139 block. Said 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill continues to offer 421 HP and 500 NM to drive all four wheels via the 4Matic+ AWD suite and slick 8-speed AMG DCT automatic transmission.

Like before, this superhatch delivers super speed, with 0-100 KM/H sprints taking just 3.9 seconds whilst enroute towards a claimed V-max of 270 KM/H.

Changes on board are equally modest. Notably, the central touchpad has been deleted in favour of gaining more USB charging ports.

Both the AMG Performance steering wheel and control buttons are new (left), as are the configurable the MBUX displays (right)

On board, changes in the cabin are equally modest as seen in the booted V177 twins mentioned. Key highlights include a new AMG Performance steering wheel with integrated AMG buttons, plus a new sage grey hue for the familiar AMG sports seat.

Other notable bits include the new integrated fingerprint sensor, updated displays thanks to the latest MBUX software for the dual 10.25-inch displays, deletion of the central touchpad, plus the addition of more USB charging ports.

Also unchanged from before are the array of active driver assists (ADAS) seen in the pre-facelift version. It includes Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and Blind Spot Assist.

Pictured is the 'Street Style' version, which retails from a whopping RM539,888 figure.

As its name aptly suggest, the limited Street Style Edition trimline adds more sporty styling to the package. It includes an exclusive Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paintwork and edition-specific foiling with black/anthracite matt colour gradient and colour accents in fluorescent orange.

The cabin, on the other hand, gets contrasting orange stitching plus AMG trim treated in dark/orange Street Style Edition aluminium finishes as well.

Also face-lifted is the price for this AMG-built superhatch, and by a significant margin too. In Standard form, MBM is now asking RM509,888 sans insurance for this manic superhatch, marking an RM28,000 hike from before. The Street Style Edition, on the other hand, will set you back a further RM30,000 at RM539,888.

The sportier-specced 'Street Style Edition' sees limited availability, but it's uncertain if it's by unit number or sale period.

If this all sounds way too pricey for you, fret not as MBM also announced the availability of the slightly less powerful but also face-lifted 2023MY Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic sedan (V177) variant. Though this wasn’t shown today, MBM did confirm it will join both the refreshed A200 and A250 for local assembly (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang.

This sports saloon features an AMG-tuned version of the 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo heart from the A250 4Matic AMG Line, outputting higher 306 HP and 400 NM figures to enable 0-100 KM/H sprints in just 4.8 seconds and a 250 KM/H V-Max. It also promises similar sporty styling as seen in the full-cream A45 S variant slotted above it, but will command a lower estimated price of RM354,000 instead.