Mercedes-AMG A-Class Hatchback

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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 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.

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. 

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.