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

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini
Ford Mondeo
Opinion

Why this 300,000-mile Ford Mondeo felt more revolutionary than a Lamborghini

With one of the development parameters being the ‘perfection feeling’, the Mondeo was always going to be something special
22 Oct 2026
My BMW is great for big miles, but cheap fuel uncovered an unusual flaw in the M2
evo Fast Fleet BMW M2 G87
Long term tests

My BMW is great for big miles, but cheap fuel uncovered an unusual flaw in the M2

The evo Fast Fleet BMW M2 proves its versatility as it conquers the cruise...
22 Oct 2026
Jaguar Type 01: Everything you need to know about the British brand’s critical new car
Jaguar Type 01
News

Jaguar Type 01: Everything you need to know about the British brand’s critical new car

Jaguar has revealed its controversial Type 01 electric car, we talk to the people responsible for its creation and ask
22 Oct 2026