Mercedes-AMG A45 S review - design
Almost as subtle as a regular A-class if you choose the right colour, and nearly as angry as an Integrale if you opt for the aero kit
To our eyes the latest A-class is more attractive than its predecessor, and that carries across to the A45. You’d probably not describe it as one of the all-time great hatchback shapes, but in its basic form it’s pleasingly simple, well-proportioned and has just the right air of aggression courtesy of the AMG-specific wheels, grille and lower spoilers.
The A45 S’s design differs from its lesser A-class siblings mostly from its pumped front wheel arches and wider 19-inch alloy wheels. In isolation the effect might appear subtle, but sit an A45 next to an A35 and the differences are more striking.
You can pump everything up further in Plus form with AMG’s aero kit, which adds a larger rear wing and front canards and forged alloy wheels, and opting for the Sun Yellow paint of our evo Car of the Year 2019 contender is a surefire way to shine a spotlight on the styling – though keep to a subdued colour and avoid the aero pack, and the A45 can be rendered incredibly subtle for a car making 415bhp.
