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

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test
evo tyre test 2026
Features

Best car tyres 2026 – evo tyre test

What are the best road tyres for your hot hatch? We tested and ranked nine of them
18 Oct 2026
Porsche 911 Turbo (930, 1974 - 1989) review – when Germany took on Italy’s icons
Porsche 911 Turbo S 930
Reviews

Porsche 911 Turbo (930, 1974 - 1989) review – when Germany took on Italy’s icons

Arriving as the supercar began to reach its stride in the mid-1970s, the 911 Turbo has always been a thorn in the side of the exotic establishment
19 Oct 2026
No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…
2028 Tesla Roadster
News

No, you can’t drive the ‘flying’ Tesla Roadster on the road, or buy one…

The demo for the revived Tesla Roadster was certainly awe inspiring, but don’t start planning your flight routes to work just yet
16 Oct 2026