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

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5 2025 review – a cut-price Honda Civic Type R?
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5
Reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport Mk8.5 2025 review – a cut-price Honda Civic Type R?

The Golf GTI Clubsport lifts the Mk8.5 GTI to a higher level, but it’s still not quite a match for the best in class
4 Jul 2025
VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 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
Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch
Honda Civic Type R deal
News

Honda Civic Type R for £5k off – save 10 per cent on the ultimate hot hatch

The Civic Type R is not long for this world and there are deals to be had on Honda’s pricey but near-perfect hot hatch
26 Jun 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025