Mercedes-AMG A-Class Hatchback

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Overview

The W177 Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class is Affalterbach’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTI and the Golf R. This ‘entry level’ AMG is offered in three variants, the AMG A 35 4Matic which is available in both sedan and a hatchback, and the full-fledge AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ hot hatch. Prices starts from RM 336,277 to RM 437,673.

Unlike the Mercedes- AMG A 45 S, the Mercedes-AMG A 35s are deprived of a bespoke AMG engine. Instead, it is fitted with an uprated 2.0 litre M260 four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the A 250. Equipped with Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and a 7-speed wet DCT, it is still a serious bit of kit capable of achieving a sub 5 seconds 0-100 km/h time.

Powering the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is a newly developed 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine with twin-scroll turbocharger capable of 427 PS and 500 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful series production 4-cylinder engine on the market to date. Paired to a new AMG Speedshift DCT 8G transmission with Race Start function, it is one of the fastest accelerating hot hatches money can buy today, second only to the Audi RS3.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Design

Differentiating the AMG models over the standard Mercedes-Benz A Class are the more prominent AMG-specific radiator grilles and body kits. The twin-louvred radiator grille, front apron with flics on the air intakes, a front splitter, and silver chrome trim on the Mercedes-AMG A 35 are all hallmark features of the Mercedes-AMG design. Other AMG touches include the optionally available 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, and the AMG side skirts.

The AMG Edition 1 introduces AMG Night package which adds high-gloss black elements to the exterior, black chrome-plated tailpipe trim and heat-insulating dark tinted windows from the B-pillar. Also included is the AMG Aerodynamic Package with downforce increasing detachable body parts and a fixed AMG rear wing.

The Sedan’s classic 3-box design with short front and rear overhangs accentuates its sporty proportion. Wider wheel arches and AMG apron with wider diffuser element emphasize the visual width of the rear. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is clearly distinguishable from the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the standard AMG Line models by its strikingly sporty design. 

The distinctive AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, aggressively styled front apron, front wings which are far wider than those of the Mercedes-AMG A 35, and the bonnet with power domes make the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S really stand out.

On top of that, the wide rear end incorporates aerodynamic elements, including a diffuser-look design with 4 vertical fins, AMG spoiler lip, and a striking AMG roof spoiler, punctuated by the dual twin tailpipe trims measuring 90 mm in diameter. Optional 19-inch cross-spoke forged wheels and red-painted brake calipers round off the more powerful package.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Dimension

Based on the same MFA2 (Modular Front Architecture) platform that also underpins the standard W177 Mercedes-Benz A Class, the AMG models, including the sedan, shares an identical wheelbase at 2,729 mm. The Mercedes-AMG A 35 Sedan measures 10 mm longer than the standard A Class Sedan while the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and Mercedes A 45 S is 17 mm and 26 mm longer respectively compared to the standard hatchback. The A 45 S is the widest of all, measuring at 1,850 mm, a good 54 mm wider than the rest of A Class models.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Interior

Like in the standard Mercedes-Benz A 250, the airliner-style ‘glass-cockpit’ layout featuring two floating 10.25-inch high-resolution widescreen displays, spanning across half the dashboard, commands your attention. The MBUX multimedia system can operated using the steering wheel controls, console mounted touchpad, touchscreen or simply by voice command.

Smooth transitions between instrument panel, centre console and door trims create a wraparound effect. The tiered dashboard design is finished in Artico faux leather, accented with aluminium AMG design trim elements in black/silver, adding a touch of sophistication to the cabin. Jet-turbine-inspired circular air vents are another nod to the aviation world.

The limited AMG Edition 1 package introduces flat-bottomed multifunction AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather and AMG performance front seats with body-hugging side bolsters. The seats are upholstered in Artico man-made leather and Dinamica microfibre.

Difference in the AMG A 45 S is minimal if at all noticeable. The more expensive top-of-the-range model adds red colour accents on the interior upholstery with an upgraded Dinamica microfibre/Nappa leather mix steering wheel. 

You also get a set of designo seatbelts in red along with light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim in the cabin. Practicality is not compromised despite the enhanced dynamic capability. The AGM models continue to offer the same 370 litres of cargo carrying capacity at the back for the hatchback variants and 420 litres for the sedan.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Features

Standard fit items include keyless entry, head-up display, Thermotronic dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, AMG illuminated door sill scuff plates, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a reverse camera. Mercedes-AMG A 45 S gets upgraded Burmester surround sound system and an AMG track pace system, your virtual race engineer capable of tracking and analysing your track-day drive based on live telemetry data including your lap, sector, and acceleration time.

Also standard are the dual 10.25-inch widescreen touchscreen display with Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, controlled using either the touchscreen, dedicated media buttons, touch control button on the steering wheel, touchpad on the centre console or the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice command function. Other available functions include a wireless charger, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and Mercedes Me connected services, which is accessible via the onboard LTE communications module.

All variants are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive safety and driver assistance system. Standard features include Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist, Keyless-Go, Pre-Safe System, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Kneebag is standard across all variants while the sidebags in the rear are only available in the range-topping Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Driving Performance

Engine

Powering both the Mercedes-AMG A 35 hatchback and the sedan is an uprated 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine from the Mercedes-Benz A250. It produces a very respectable 310 PS at 5,800 RPM and 400 Nm of torque from 3,000 RPM, 82 PS and 50 Nm up from the non-AMG model. 0-100 km/h takes 4.7 seconds and tops out at 250 km/h. The sedan took 0.1 second longer to complete the century sprint.

The M139 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is an all-new bespoke AMG powertrain. Like all high-performance AMG engines, this unit is also hand-assembled employing the ‘one man, one engine’ philosophy. At 421 PS, it is quite simply the most powerful series production 4-cylinder engine in the world with an engine specific output of 211 PS per litre. Peak torque of 500 Nm is available from 3,000 RPM, a significant power bump over the predecessor’s M133 2.0 litre 4-cylinder engine with 360 PS and 450 Nm.

Notable technical highlights on the all-new engine includes the all-aluminium crankcase, forged steel crankshaft, forged aluminium pistons, repositioned injectors as well as two-stage (port and direct) injection as well as larger exhaust valves, additional cooling, and a higher compression ratio of 9.0:1. This results in one of the most accelerative hot hatches on the road today, capable of hitting 100 km/h from a standstill in a mind-boggling 3.9 seconds before maxing out at 270 km/h with the AMG Driver’s package.

Transmission

The AMG Speedshift DCT 7G transmission fitted to the Mercedes-AMG A35 delivers fast gear changes but also boast comfort-oriented, barely imperceptible gear shifts. The standard-fit 4Matic all-wheel drive system varies the torque distribution anywhere between full front-wheel drive and 50:50 distribution, maximizing traction and its cornering agility.

The new engine on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is mated to a new AMG Speedshift DCT 8G transmission with Race Start function. Gear shifts are lighting fast and the Race Start function gives you optimal acceleration from a standing start. 

The partial ignition interruption during upshifts and automatic double declutching during downshifts ensure a more involving drive, especially in S+ mode. Also available are the fully variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and AMG Torque Control. With the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, the car adds a new Drift Mode as well as larger front brakes with six-piston monoblock callipers.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Ride Comfort

AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping offers a broad range of operating parameters between a comfortable ride to a very sporty setup. Being a performance car made essentially for the track, the ride is leaning towards the firmer side even when in Comfort mode. In Sport or Sport+ the change in the suspension characteristics is immediately discernible, which is ideal for a twisty backroad but can quickly become uncomfortable driving around town.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption is rated at 7.3 L /100 Km for the Mercedes-AMG A 35 and 8.3 L/100 Km for the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S.

Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class Conclusion

The Mercedes-Benz AMG A Class is no doubt an exciting piece of kit, especially in the range-topping AMG A 45 S trim with its bonkers performance figures. The ride is a tad too firm for everyday drive and there is no two ways about it, but you can almost forgive the fact given its on-track performance. Whether the Mercedes-AMG A 35 has done enough to earn itself an AMG badge is certainly still up for debate, but one thing is for certain, they are now bigger, better, and faster than ever.