Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG (2015 - 2018) review - 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

McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset
McLaren McL 6GT
News

McLaren McL 6GT is a new manual supercar and a complete reset

Unbelievably, the design of this new McLaren is more surprising than the reintroduction of a manual transmission…
14 Aug 2026
The GMA S1 is today’s McLaren F1 – sorry, T.50 owners
GMA S1
News

The GMA S1 is today’s McLaren F1 – sorry, T.50 owners

Gordon Murray Automotive has revived the McLaren F1 with the road-biased GMA S1, a 12,100rpm V12 special based upon the ultra-exclusive S1 LM
14 Aug 2026
Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars
Lotus factory
Features

Lotus wants to save its Norfolk factory by developing and building other company's sports cars

The Emira will live on and there's an Esprit supercar on the way, but Lotus has another plan to keep Hethel active
18 Aug 2026