Among the few choices of hot hatches in Malaysia is the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+. Launched in the middle of 2020, it is sold alongside the coupe Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+. Other compact AMGs in Malaysia are of the ‘35’ series. Only sold the A 45 S, the compact AMG now fetches a price of RM 481,888.
Powered by Mercedes-AMG’s most powerful four-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ launches from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. That “most powerful-AMG-4-banger engine” is the M139 which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that makes 421 hp @ 6,750 rpm and 500 Nm @ 5,000 to 5,250 rpm. Paired with an 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), the powertrain provides a top speed of 270 km/h.
In the driving dynamics department, the AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ is equipped with AMG Torque Control system in the rear differential. Consisting of two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches, the system not only variably distributes power between the front and rear wheels, but also between the rear right wheel and rear left wheel.
Under the ‘Race’ driving settings of the A 45 S, there is a ‘Drift Mode’ in case you’re in the mood for some sideways action. In Drift Mode, the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) will be deactivated and the transmission will be set to “manual”.
Distinguishing the A 45 S MATIC+ from its non-AMG siblings is the AMG Aerodynamics Package which includes a rear spoiler, a front splitter, and a rear diffuser. Unmissable at the front end is the Panamerica grille. It also sits on a set of massive 19-inch five twin-spoke light alloy wheels that add to the overall aggressive look of the car. At the front, the AMG A 45 S gets 6-piston brakes and red brake callipers.
As for colour options, the choices include Polar White, Sun Yellow, Digital White, Iridium Silver, Cosmos Black, Rosé Gold, Mountain Grey, and Denim Blue. There are two optional colours, namely the MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Red Metallic which costs an additional RM3,000 and the MANUFAKTUR Mountain Grey Magno which costs an extra RM9,000. The unit you see in these pictures is in Cosmos Black.
On the inside, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S provides AMG Performance seats, AMG Performance steering wheel with Dinamica fibre, and AMG illuminated door sills. There are also electric adjustable front seats with memory function and AMG floor mats.
As for the infotainment unit, the AMG A45 S is equipped with its launch year version of MBUX with the respective-year navigation services system. There is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and a Burmester surround sound system. Standard on the A 45 S is the AMG Track Pace system that can display 80 vehicle-specific parameters such as acceleration and lap times and more using GPS.
In the safety department, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+ provides blind spot assist, active brake assist, active lane keeping assist, and active parking assist with Parktronic. It also comes with the Parking Package with 360° cameras.
GALLERY
Keyword: Gallery: Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4MATIC+, from RM 482k – 421 hp, 500 Nm