Iron Fist: Mercedes-AMG’s Hatch King A 45 S Tested
Steering Like Lewis!
That market leading multifunction steering wheel also harks after the device that Hamilton uses. With a brilliant touchpad, dials and buttons on each stalk to respectively control driver and infotainment functions, there’s a pair of extras controllers just below. For one-touch control the car’s various engine, drive and chassis wizardry. Alas, some cabin aspects are also flimsy. Finishes feel cheap, the piano black is noticeably plastic, and it tends to creak and groan too much, too.
But those are just the trimmings that come a significant second to this car’s red-blooded extreme performance pedigree. A giant leap forward over its already milestone predecessor, this one is not just considerably more powerful, quicker and faster, but the latest Mercedes-AMG A 45 S also brings night and day chassis improvements to make remarkable progress in the short time since the last one arrived.
At an eye watering $65,000 in Europe however, (it’s not sold in the US, where he nearest substitute is its softer $45,850 little bro AMG A 35 Sedan) there are indeed a few aspects lacking. Some may find those concerns hard to accept at this price bracket, but it’s unlikely any of that will ever matter to the guy or gal who will go out and buy one of these. And to them, the message is clear.
Long Live the King!
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is a huge fun, great looking and still practical ultra-performance hot hatch that ticks every dynamic box with distinction. Enough to conclude, long live the hot hatch King. Go get it!
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-AMG A 45 S Engine: 415 HP 360 lb-ft 2-liter turbo petrol I4 Drive: 8-speed DC auto AWD TESTED: 0-40 mph: 2.02 sec 0-60 mph: 3.72 sec 0-75 mph: 5.16 sec 0-100 mph: 8.22 sec ¼-mile: 11.8 sec @ 121 mph 40-75 mph: 2.29 sec 75-100 mph: 3.24 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 170 mph Fuel: 28 mpg RATED: 8
Images: Michele Lupini