The Mercedes-AMG A-Class represents the high-performance version of Mercedes-Benz’s entry level A-Class model. AMG started in 1967 as a tuning and racing shop founded by Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in Burgstall, Germany (About Mercedes-AMG). They specialized in tuning Mercedes-Benz vehicles for improved performance and motorsports applications. In the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz officially acquired a majority stake in AMG, marking the start of AMG models being factory produced and sold through Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
The first AMG version of the A-Class debuted in 2006 with the W169 A 200 Turbo. More powerful AMG variants soon followed, including the A 45 AMG launched in 2013 with the W176 generation. Today, the A 35 and A 45 AMG models represent the top performance versions of the A-Class, offering more power, improved handling, aggressive styling, and luxury appointments.
A 35 AMG
The Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC is the entry-level performance model in the A-Class range. It features a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (Car and Driver). The A 35 uses AMG’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive system and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
Some key features of the A 35 AMG include:
- 302 hp @ 5800 rpm
- 295 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- AMG-tuned 4MATIC all-wheel drive
- 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
- Top speed of 155 mph (limited)
The AMG A 35 brings impressive performance and agile handling to the compact luxury segment. With its turbocharged engine, quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, and traction of all-wheel drive, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience.
A 45 AMG
The Mercedes-AMG A 45 is the high-performance variant of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. It features a powerful turbocharged engine, upgraded brakes and suspension, and aggressive styling touches.
The A 45 is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This allows the A 45 to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 168 mph (Carwow).
Compared to the lower-trim A 35 model, the A 45 offers significantly more power – 382 hp vs 302 hp. The A 45 also has larger brakes, adjustable suspension dampers, and additional exterior styling elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips (WhichCar).
Key features of the A 45 AMG include:
- Turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine
- 382 horsepower, 354 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds
- 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Upgraded brakes and adjustable suspension
- Aggressive exterior styling
Driving Experience
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class models provide an exhilarating driving experience that belies their compact size. Powered by high-output AMG-tuned engines, these hot hatchbacks deliver brisk acceleration and agile handling. According to Car and Driver, the A35 AMG sprints from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. The even more potent A45 AMG achieves the same feat in only 4.0 seconds.
Reviewers praise the immediate throttle response and traction provided by the AMG-tuned all-wheel drive systems. The AMG Dynamic Select drive modes alter the transmission, suspension, steering, and engine behavior to suit different driving scenarios. With precise steering and tenacious grip, the A-Class AMG models instill confidence when attacking corners. As Motor Trend notes, the A220 4Matic already displays agile moves, so the AMG variants take the handling prowess to an even higher level.
For driving enthusiasts seeking compact performance, the Mercedes-AMG A-Class delivers a truly engaging experience. Buyers can further hone their high-performance driving skills at the AMG Driving Academy. This program offers different levels of instruction, enabling drivers to master advanced techniques on a track using AMG models like the A45 under the guidance of professional instructors.
Interior Features
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class boasts high quality interior materials and advanced technology. The cabin layout is driver-focused, with the widescreen cockpit display integrated seamlessly into the dashboard. According to Jalopnik.com, “There is one pretty notable chance to MBUX – the trackpad is gone” [1]. Seating in front is sporty yet comfortable for long drives, and the rear seats are spacious enough to fit adults in comfort.
Cargo capacity stands at 15.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 29.1 cubic feet with the seats folded down, providing ample room for luggage. The latest MBUX infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, with natural voice commands and augmented reality navigation. Other standout tech features include ambient lighting, wireless charging, and a Burmester surround sound system on higher trims.
Exterior Styling
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class features an aggressive and sporty exterior design with signature AMG styling cues. It has a unique front fascia with a diamond-block grille and large air intakes to feed the performance drivetrain. At the rear is a prominent quad exhaust system with two exhaust tips on each side, emphasizing the car’s sporting character.
The AMG Line models add even more aggressive styling elements like a sportier front bumper and rear diffuser, chrome diamond-block grille, and 18 or 19-inch AMG wheels. Unique side skirts and spoilers make the A-Class appear lower and wider. This gives the small hatchback a very dynamic look and stance on the road.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Mercedes-AMG A-Class measures 179.1 inches long, 80.4 inches wide, and 56.3 inches tall with a curb weight of 3,415 to 3,693 pounds depending on powertrain and trim. The long hood, short rear deck, and fastback roofline give the A-Class a sporty profile. Overall, the bold AMG design transforms the A-Class from a regular compact into an aggressive hot hatchback.
Safety & Technology
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class comes equipped with a range of standard safety features including seven airbags, blind spot assist, attention assist, electronic stability control, and crosswind assist (Euroncap, 2021).
Available safety technologies include:
- Active brake assist with cross-traffic function
- Active distance assist DISTRONIC
- Active emergency stop assist
- Active lane keeping assist
- Parking package with reversing camera
The A-Class received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2018, with high scores for adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and safety assist features (Euroncap, 2021). According to NHTSA testing, the A-Class earned 5 out of 5 stars overall for safety (NHTSA, 2020).
In terms of technology, the A-Class offers the latest Mercedes-Benz infotainment system called MBUX, which has a voice assistant feature. The system can be controlled via touchscreen, touchpad, or voice commands. Other available technology features include:
- Satellite navigation
- Smartphone integration
- Wireless charging
- Head-up display
- Multibeam LED headlights
Overall, the Mercedes-AMG A-Class provides drivers and passengers with a high level of safety and access to the latest technology advancements from Mercedes-Benz.
Pricing & Availability
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class is available in two performance versions – the A 35 and A 45 models. The A 35 has a starting MSRP of around $46,500 while the higher-performance A 45 starts around $56,000 (https://www.kbb.com/mercedes-benz/mercedes-amg-a-class/2020/).
In the US, the AMG A-Class is sold at Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide. It’s also available in markets like South Africa, where pricing starts at R934,108 for the A35 AMG Line (https://www.mercedes-benz.co.za/passengercars/models/hatchback/a-class/finance.html).
For buyers looking at pre-owned models, pricing ranges from the mid-$30,000s for earlier A35 models up to the mid-$40,000s for low-mileage A45 versions.
Comparable Models
The Mercedes-AMG A-Class competes most directly with other sport compact models like the BMW M235i Gran Coupe and Audi S3. These are all entry-level performance versions of small luxury sedans or hatchbacks. The main alternatives include:
BMW M235i Gran Coupe – The rear-wheel drive M235i uses a 302 hp 2.0L turbocharged engine, compared to 302 hp in the A35. The BMW focuses more on rear-bias and handling, while the A35 has a more balanced AWD system. In reviews, the AMG is seen as more refined while the BMW is more raw and engaging.
Audi S3 – A very close rival to the AMG A-Class, the S3 also has a 2.0L turbo with around 300 hp. The Audi offers a more upscale interior while the A-Class emphasizes sportiness. Driving dynamics are quite close, with the AMG edging out the Audi slightly for agility.
Other competitors include the Cadillac CT4-V with its 321 hp turbocharged engine and the Volkswagen Golf R with its 292 hp turbo-four. Overall the AMG A-Class compares very favorably to others in the segment in terms of power, luxury appointments, technology, and nimble handling.
The Future
Rumors and expectations are circulating about future Mercedes-AMG A-Class models. With the success of the current A 35 and A 45 models, many believe Mercedes will continue to develop even higher performance versions.
Potential future changes may include increased engine power and torque, with some speculation about a 4-cylinder hybrid setup producing over 400 horsepower. More aggressive styling, larger brakes, and track-focused suspension upgrades are also rumored.
According to MotoringResearch, larger wheel sizes up to 20″ could be an option on future AMG models. This would provide more brake clearance and accommodate larger brakes for improved stopping power.
Inside, Mercedes may add increased interior customization and more premium materials. New technology like augmented reality heads-up displays have also been rumored.
While details are still speculative, it’s clear Mercedes-AMG will continue pushing the performance envelope with the A-Class. Expect even more power, precision and driver engagement from this sporty compact car in the future.
