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Expert Rating

Mercedes-AMG A 45

(2019 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

67
%
B

Used car score:

59
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

85
%
A

Safety Rating:

79
%
A

Eco Rating:

47
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

19
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

67
%
B

Used car score:

59
%
D

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

85
%
A

Safety Rating:

79
%
A

Eco Rating:

47
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

19
%
E

Summary


The Mercedes-AMG A 45 is a top-of-the-range performance variant of the five-door Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, which arrived in the UK in Summer 2019.

The next step up from the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hot hatch, the A45 was originally offered in regular 387hp A 45 format or the sportier 421hp A 45 S, both options using the same eight-speed automatic gearbox. However, as of late 2022, the more expensive A 45 S is the only version currently available in the UK.

Car Keys explains: “With its performance, astonishing drive and quality, this Mercedes AMG A 45 is no normal ‘hot hatch’, and truly enters uncharted territory for a model like this.”

Taking after bigger models in the Mercedes-AMG family, the A 45 has speed and acceleration that other similarly-sized hot hatches, like the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST, simply cannot match.

However, this disparity is reflected by its price. “Incredible power sets the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S apart”, says Carbuyer, “but its price tag is almost as breathtaking.”

Prices for the Mercedes-AMG A 45 start from £63K for the A 45 S, which is around £25,000 more than the cost of a stock Ford Focus ST, and more than double the price of a regular A-Class hatchback. For this price, the only hyper-hatch rival that can match the acceleration of the A 45 is the Audi RS 3.

Other than its cost, UK reviewers often point out that the interior trim of the A 45 isn’t much of an upgrade on the regular A-Class, and that despite the inherent quality of the motor, the engine tones from the previous generation of Mercedes-AMG A 45 sound better.

That said, reviews for the A 45 also frequently single out the hatchback’s responsive handling and quality transmission for particular praise, while Auto Express affirms that the A 45 has managed to retain the practicalities of the wholesale family hatchback it is based on, combining it with “the savagery of a true performance car.”

As of January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%. It has great reviews from the media and a strong safety score, but running costs are extremely high.

A 45 highlights

  • Has the most powerful four-cylinder in production
  • Very fast straight-line speed
  • Agile handling and body control
  • Quick-shifting gearbox
  • Still a practical hatchback

A 45 lowlights

  • Very expensive
  • More interior quality expected for price
  • Rivals have better infotainment
  • Old model sounds better
  • Hard to argue against opting for A 35 instead

Key specifications


Body style: Medium five-doot hot hatch
Engines: petrol
Price: From £63,285 on-road

Launched: Summer 2019
Last updated: Winter 2022/23
Replacement due: TBA


Media reviews


Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Car Keys

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Evo

+

Parkers

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 92%
Safety assist: 75%

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall A-Class range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2018.

Available as standard on the A 45 is automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance and driver attention monitoring. Blind-spot monitoring is also available for an extra cost.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG A 45 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

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Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the A 45, we’ll publish the score here.

Awards


Trophies, prizes and awards that the Mercedes-AMG A 45 has received

2024

    • What Car? Awards – Best hot hatch

2022

  • What Car? Awards – Best hot hatch

2020

  • What Car? Awards – Best hot hatch for big spenders

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mercedes-AMG A 45, you might also be interested in these alternatives


Audi RS 3 | BMW M2Honda Civic Type R | Renault Megane RS | Volkswagen Golf R


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The Mercedes-AMG A 45 holds the accolade of being the most powerful hot hatch currently in production, but its price tag is as eye-watering as its pace.Mercedes-AMG A 45