Skip advert
Advertisement

Brabus boosts Mercedes-AMG A 45 hot hatch with new tuning pack

Visual and engine upgrades turn the smallest AMG into even more of a firecracker

The Mercedes-AMG A 45 is already a pretty mental hot hatchback, especially when you consider what we thought 'hot' not so long ago. It used to be 200bhp was a hefty amount of power for such a small car, but even an unmodified A 45 offers a seemingly incredible 376bhp - or 354bhp in a pre-facelift model. Now though, famed Mercedes tuner Brabus is turning up the wick on the A 45 offering to boost the car up to 395bhp with the B45 PowerXtra module.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Power is lifted and the torque figure now stands at a staggering 369lb ft. Brabus is unclear on how exactly this power upgrade has been achieved but has revealed that the car benefits from a new sports exhaust. We also suspect that some form of remap has taken place to aid in raising the power.

> Mercedes-AMG A 45 review

The car also receives aerodynamic and visual enhancements. A new custom rear diffuser is fitted as well as new 19” Brabus Monoblock R Red/Black wheels. They may not be to everyone tastes but they do at least suit the attitude of the car.

If retrofitted, an old A 45 could be just as fast at the new facelifted car. Both cars will reach 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds making them only a tenth slower to 60 than an Audi RS3. This was serious sports car pace in the pages of recent history.

> Brabus Bullit review

Brabus is yet to quote the price required to receive the upgrade, but it’s likely to be less expensive than premium required to upgrade to the new facelifted A45. So if performance was your only reason for wanting the new facelifted model, this may be a better option.

Brabus also offer upgrades for other A-class models within the rage. An increase of just over 30bhp is available for both A180 and A250 petrol models. The A200 CDI and A220 CDI diesel models receive power increases of 33bhp and 39bhp respectively. These upgrades lower down the range are likely to be the most used kits and stand to make the A-class range more desirable and a serious contender. Still want that new Audi RS3?

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

This retro Mercedes 190E is entering the world's toughest race, but it's not what it seems
HWA Evo R
News

This retro Mercedes 190E is entering the world's toughest race, but it's not what it seems

The maker of the Mercedes CLK GTR and Pagani Huayra R’s screaming V12 is officially bringing its take on the iconic 190E Evo II to the 2026 Nürburgrin…
9 Apr 2026
The Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept is a 220mph saloon with electrified paint
AMG GTXX Nardo
News

The Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept is a 220mph saloon with electrified paint

Affalterbach’s GT XX might be a concept, but it’s already broken multiple records to prove the platform that powers it. We’ve been onboard to find out…
28 Aug 2025
Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car
Mercedes CLK DTM
Features

Mercedes CLK DTM: the anatomy of the 2000s V8 touring car

In 2000, the DTM was reborn with a new rule‑set, a new ethos and a new hero car, the Mercedes CLK DTM. We look under its skin
2 Jul 2025
Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats
Best Mercedes AMG models
Best cars

Best AMG cars - Mercedes' all-time performance greats

From track-honed supercars to thundering sports saloons, Mercedes-AMG has produced countless performance car icons over the years. These are the best …
25 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nürburgring lap proves 1250bhp isn’t enough
Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nurburgring lap
News

Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 RS Nürburgring lap proves 1250bhp isn’t enough

The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the Manthey Racing kit has finally recorded an official Nürburgring time, and it makes Corvette’s 1250bhp ZR1X look a …
17 Apr 2026
The BMW Z8’s last chance at redemption – car pictures of the week
BMW Z8 front
Features

The BMW Z8’s last chance at redemption – car pictures of the week

Perfect ingredients, imperfect whole. But was the Z8 really deserving of its lowly three-star evo rating? We give it another chance
18 Apr 2026
Toyota GT86 review (2012 - 2021) – a flawed but fun and affordable Japanese sports car
Toyota GT86
In-depth reviews

Toyota GT86 review (2012 - 2021) – a flawed but fun and affordable Japanese sports car

Toyota’s small sports car wasn’t perfect but still offers genuine driving fun of an increasingly rare flavour
20 Apr 2026