Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG (2015 - 2018) review - interior and tech

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

Interior and tech

The scratchy plastics around the transmission tunnel let you know the A45 is based on one of Mercedes’ cheapest models. The black vinyl material embossed with a carbonfibre pattern that covers the dash and air vents surrounded by shiny red plastic attempt to create a sporty atmosphere, but instead look and feel cheap.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Thankfully, the aluminium switchgear with cutout icons are far more premium and add some much needed Mercedes quality. The seats, shared with other AMG models, are supportive and look brilliant. They are firm, which might add to the A45’s less than comfortable ride, but help create a great driving position.

The steering wheel, seats and switches almost make up for the ill-judged splashes of red and faux carbonfibre.

It's well worth spending an extra £570 on an Alcantara and Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel like that of larger AMG products, which really lifts the cabin ambience. AMG’s instruments are clear and legible too, while the typical Mercedes transmission stalk makes way for a sculpted, Affalterbach-embossed lever in a more traditional location.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation
MST Ford Escort front
News

MST Mk1 Sports is a more affordable less extreme Ford Escort recreation

Costing a tenth of most made-new classics, the MST Mk1 Sports is comparatively accessible
8 Jul 2025
Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
6 Jul 2025