Skip advert
Advertisement

Updated 2023 Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S revealed

AMG’s hyper hatchback gains updated style and tech, but no power upgrades

Mercedes has given its A35 and A45 S hot hatchbacks a mid-life update alongside the standard A-class, introducing a spread of changes for both models, mechanical and aesthetic. UK specifications have yet to be confirmed, but we expect them to start at similar price points as the current models, which cost from £45,930 for the A35 and a whopping £63,140 for the A45 S. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The flagship A45 S hasn’t had much in the way of technical updates, but retains its title of being the most powerful hot hatchback on sale. The M139 turbocharged four-cylinder engine still produces 416bhp and 369lb ft of torque, reaching 62mph in 3.9 seconds thanks to impervious traction from its all-wheel drive system. These figures are largely superior to its key rival, the Audi RS3, but there’s reason to believe a hotter RS3 could well be on its way to tip the favour back in Audi’s direction. 

Instead the new 45 S focuses largely on aesthetic updates, with new lighting units front and rear, plus fresh colour and trim options. There is a limited-run AMG Street Style edition being launched alongside the main update in Germany which includes red highlights overtop of a matte grey paint finish – it remains to be seen if Mercedes UK’s product planners are brave enough to market it here.

The mid-level A35 has gone through more substantial updates, due largely to the fact it shares more of its underpinnings with the standard A-class. This includes the adoption of Merc’s 48V mild-hybrid module which not only adds 13bhp to the powertrain at low loads, but also powers the engine’s ancillaries. Peak figures are still the same, 302bhp at 5800rpm and 295lb ft between 3000-4000, and are derived entirely from the existing turbocharged 2-litre four.

The A35’s design has been given a more robust update, with a new front bumper combined with a domed bonnet borrowed from the A45. This, plus the new wheel designs and fresh lights add up to a much sharper looking mid-level hot hatchback that rivals everything from the Audi S3 to a Volkswagen Golf R

The cabins on both models are also largely similar, with only software updates to the existing dual-screen layout, but there are further colour and trim changes including new trim finishes for the upper dash. 

AMG’s complex twin-prong steering wheel has also been fitted, complete with the additional drive controllers that give quick access to the various drive modes and all their specific elements. 

UK variants have now been specified, with the A35 coming in three different trim levels priced between £45,930 and £50,860, while the A45 S will only come in the sole top-spec trim at £63,140. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?
Audi RS3 – front
Reviews

Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?

With no power boost, the new Audi RS3 relies on a host of chassis and drivetrain upgrades to take on the AMG A45 S and Honda Civic Type R
27 Oct 2024
'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'
Renaultsport Megane R26.R 24
Opinion

'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'

Richard Meaden reflects on the golden age of Renault Sport hot hatches, and what the future might hold for Alpine EVs
27 Oct 2024
Mini Cooper S (F56, 2014 - 2024) review – the last manual Mini
Mini Cooper S 2022 – front tracking
In-depth reviews

Mini Cooper S (F56, 2014 - 2024) review – the last manual Mini

The F56 Mini Cooper S marked the end of an era for the Mini hatch, being the last to offer a manual transmission
24 Oct 2024
2025 Mini John Cooper Works gets design tweaks but no more power
2025 Mini JCW
News

2025 Mini John Cooper Works gets design tweaks but no more power

Following the launch of the JCW Electric, Mini has revealed its updated petrol-powered John Cooper Works 
22 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Vanquish 2024 review - Britain’s Ferrari 12 Cilindri rival
Aston Martin Vanquish – front
Reviews

Aston Martin Vanquish 2024 review - Britain’s Ferrari 12 Cilindri rival

The third-generation Aston Martin Vanquish is not only the best yet, it’s the best Aston Martin full stop
28 Oct 2024
Potential sale of McLaren Automotive imminent
McLaren for sale
News

Potential sale of McLaren Automotive imminent

McLaren’s Bahraini owners could sell to Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings, which already has investments in Gordon Murray Technologies and Nio
29 Oct 2024
The new Porsche 911 Carrera T is pared back, lightweight and manual-only
Porsche 911 992.2 Carrera T – front
News

The new Porsche 911 Carrera T is pared back, lightweight and manual-only

Porsche’s 992.2 Carrera T is a manual-only, lightweight 911 with bespoke chassis mods – could this be the sweet spot in the range?
29 Oct 2024