Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG review – furiously fast, but frustratingly, not much fun (2015 - 2018) - Design

Dramatic performance and plenty of grip for AMG's smallest offering, but you can find more fun for less money elsewhere

Evo rating
RRP
from £41,830
  • Blisteringly quick everywhere
  • Not as rewarding as some slower rivals

Design

The A45 still looks as imposing now as it did at launch, and its aggressive prow and deeply sculpted flanks mark it out as both something different from the herd, and from lesser A-class models. AMG addenda includes a jutting chin spoiler, extended side sills and a small rear spoiler, but as you can see in our photographs, various extras are available to embellish it further as part of the £1530 AMG Aerodynamic Package.

As standard, the A45 AMG rides on 18in five-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40 R18 tyres. Ordinarily, we’d suggest sticking to the smaller wheel options to the benefit of ride and little handling compromise - but having driven A45s on both 18 and 19-inch wheels and experienced equally punishing ride quality in both, we see little reason not to tick the 19in box and reap the aesthetic benefits.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds
Genesis GV60 Magma
News

The £75k Genesis GV60 Magma performance EV has fake Porsche 911 sounds

The GV60 Magma is up for order in July from £75k, as the first proper performance car from Genesis, with 641bhp and a simulated 9000rpm six-cylinder e…
28 May 2026
New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus
Morgan Supersport 400 front
Reviews

New Morgan Supersport 400 review – a real Porsche 911 rival with added power and focus

A 67bhp power hike makes this the most powerful Morgan road car ever, and one of the most exciting
27 May 2026
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed
Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 corner rear
Reviews

Rocketeer Mazda MX-5 review - the 340bhp V6 sports car you never knew you needed

By putting a 340bhp Jaguar V6 in Mazda's MX-5 specialist Rocketeer has created one of 2026's unexpected driving hits.
22 May 2026