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

MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation
MST Mk1 Evo front
News

MST Mk1 Evo is an extreme Ford Escort road rally recreation

MST’s Mk1 Evo is a tarmac rally weapon that only vaguely resembles a Ford Escort
7 Jul 2026
Alpine A290 and Renault 5 get rally-style body kits from exhaust icon Milltek
Milltek Alpine A290
News

Alpine A290 and Renault 5 get rally-style body kits from exhaust icon Milltek

The A290 and R5 don’t have an exhaust to upgrade, so Milltek has turned to modifying the bodywork
10 Jul 2026
New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed – baby AMG now has McLaren-baiting performance
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
News

New Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 revealed – baby AMG now has McLaren-baiting performance

It might be electric but the new CLA 45 has synthesised engine sounds and gears to maximise driver involvement in its fight against Hyundai's Ioniq 6 …
9 Jul 2026