AutoTrader has tested the newest hot hatches from Mercedes-AMG: The Mercedes-AMG A 35 and the more expensive Mercedes-AMG A45S. Is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S really worth 15,000 euro more than the A35? Here is the answer.
The Mercedes-AMG A 45S is equipped with the most powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine in history (maximum charging pressure 2.1 bar), which delivers 421 hp and 500 Nm / 5,000-5,250 rpm and transmits the power of all four wheels through a 8G-DCT 8-speed double clutch automatic gearbox. It does 0-100 km/h in 3.9 s and has a top speed of 270 km/h with AMG Drive Package.
Equipped also with a 2-liter turbo, the Mercedes-AMG A 35 develops 306 hp and 400 Nm/3,000-4,000 rpm also transmitted to all four wheels through a 7G-DCT 7-speed double clutch automatic gearbox. It does 0-100 km/h in 4.7 s and has a top speed of 250 km/h.
The 4Matic systems from A 35 și A 45 are also different. A35 AMG has a 4Matic system with multi-disc clutch integrated in the rear axle transmission and controlled electro-mechanically.
A45 has two ellectronically controlled multidisc clutches each of which is connected to a rear axle drive shaft. In this way the drive power can not only be completely variably distributed between the front and rear wheels, but also selectively between the left and right rear wheel. This means that depending on the driving mode and situation, the drive torque can be separately distributed to both rear wheels. And this solution allows Drift mode which can be called from the race program.
A 35 has five driving programs: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual while Race program is reserved only for A 45 S. Drift mode can be called up in the “Race” driving mode using the shift paddles, provided that ESP is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode.
Read the first test Mercedes-AMG A 35
Both cars have the AMG Dynamics which is a feature of AMG Dynamic Select. This integrated vehicle dynamics control extends the stabilising functions of ESP with agility-enhancing intervention in the all-wheel control, steering characteristics and additional ESP functions.
Basic is assigned to Slippery and Comfort and Advanced is assigned to Sport and Sport+ in case of A 35.
A 45 offers more AMG dynamics programs: Basic is assigned to Slippery and Comfort, Advanced to Sport, while Pro belongs to Sport+ program and Master belongs to Race program.
Master is indicated on the racetrack and offers a slight oversteer, a low steering angle and more agile steering.
You can order in both cars the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension with three modes.
And now the answer to the question. Is the Mercedes-AMG A45 S really worth 15,000 euro more than the A35?
Both cars have a similar look but the big difference is the price. Ok, the A 45S has the Panamericana grill and the 6 piston calipers with 19 inch wheels while A 35 comes standard with 18 inch wheels. The black one, A 35 AMG costs 47,796.35 euro while the yellow one, the A 45 S AMG costs 61,820.10 euro, so 15,000 euro more.
The A 35 AMG offers a lot for this price but understeers at the limit. The interior offers the Mercedes-Benz quality and is the same like the A 45S which is more expensive.
The A 45S is not just shockingly fast in straight line but also loves the corners. With the Drift Mode you can go fully sideways in curves. The A45S is unique in this moment.
The older A 45 was a very fast car but not so fun to drive. The new one is completely different, is engaging, is involving, is a hell of a machine.
The brakes are much stronger than in the A 35.
On the reace track, the A 45S was quicker as we expect: 36.79 seconds vs 38.04 seconds for the A 35.
It deserves to pay 15,000 euro more for the A 45S while the A 35 is so good? The answer is yes. Absolutely. The A 35 is a brilliant car, is fun to drive but the A 45S is in another league.
The A 35 is a great hot hatch trying its best to be a sports car but the A 45S is much more than that. It is a genuinely good sports car in a body of a hatchback.
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