Iron Fist: Mercedes-AMG’s Hatch King A 45 S Tested

AMG A 45 has record hatchback pace, performance wrapped up in a Mercedes suit.

Seven years ago, Mercedes rewrote the hot hatch rulebook with the first A 45 AMG. That caused Volkswagen’s ever-improving Golf R, the Audi RS3 and one or two others to try to react to the Stuttgart Star that stole all the glory.

AMG has struck back to put its claim to the fastest 2-liter and hatchback on earth crowns beyond doubt. But how does this mad baby AMG shape up? Pretty well to tell the truth, now that we’ve tested it.

AMG A 45 S: Aggressive Design, 

The latest Mercedes-AMG A 45 S an imposing machine. That much is for sure. Now one of the family with its AMG-specific grille, it also has a jet-wing apron, broader wings and flared arches to accommodate an increased front track and those polished rim black 5-twin-spoke 19-inch 8.5 J light AMG alloys wearing 245/35 R 19 Michelin Sport Pilots. Add fatter AMG side skirts and that aggressive rear wing above quad 90 mm AMG tailpipes.

While subtle enough, some may find those overly macho aero bits a tad overwhelming. Never mind, some details could have been carbon finishes at the price. We also found some of that kit’s fit and finish to be a little disappointing for a Mercedes. Makes it feel like it’s more for show than the purposeful kit we know it is. That said, this car had over 15,000 miles on the clock, and we doubt any of those were easy. Still, it looks the part.

A 45 S however stands head and shoulders above from the moment you finger the starter button and that 415 HP 360 lb-ft twin-scroll roller bearing turbocharged M139 2-litre 4 pot shakes to life. It immediately feels like a race car. There’s no velvet glove here. Just a naked iron fist. Taut and stiff, A 45 S has a strengthened chassis, cross braces, and a lightweight shear plate under the engine. And judging by that feel, its engine mounts must be racecar solid too.