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.
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.
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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 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?
