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

2028 Land Rover Defender Sport spied – baby SUV will soon be on a school run near you
2028 Defender Sport
News

2028 Land Rover Defender Sport spied – baby SUV will soon be on a school run near you

The Land Rover Defender family is set to expand, with a smaller, more affordable Sport variant
14 Oct 2026
Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money
Bentley Continental GT Mk3
In-depth reviews

Bentley Continental GT (Mk3, 2018 - 2024) review – the last 12-cylinder Bentley is now BMW M2 money

Bentley’s last-generation GT was an major upgrade on its predecessor and now, it’s properly good value
15 Oct 2026
New Porsche Mission S previews a supercar to sit above the 911, and help turn the brand’s fortunes around
Porsche Mission S
News

New Porsche Mission S previews a supercar to sit above the 911, and help turn the brand’s fortunes around

Porsche will build a new supercar based on the Mission S concept as part of its new model strategy. The best bit? It won’t be electric
15 Oct 2026