Wednesday 5th October 2022

Updated Mercedes-AMG A-Class launched

No more power, but a fresh look - and a new 'Street Style Edition' - for latest A35 and A45

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Just when it seems like the German horsepower wars have gone up a notch - see the 680hp C63 - so AMG, BMW M and Audi RS suddenly seem content with the status quo. You’d have assumed facelift time for both the A35 and A45 would be the perfect opportunity for AMG to put some air between the flagship A-Classes and rivals like the Golf R, Audi RS3 and BMW M135i, but no. These new models produce exactly the same 306hp/295lb ft (A35) and 421hp/369lb ft (A45) as they have since launch. 

For the A35 at least, that’s despite the fitment of a belt-driven starter generator, making the model a mild hybrid (a trait it shares with the rest of the updated A-Class range). AMG reckons it’s worth 10kW (13hp) at start up, yet rates overall power as the same. Driving through the Speedshift eight-speed auto, the AMG A35 hits 62mph in 4.7 seconds and 155mph. For the A35 saloon (yes, it’s still being made, can’t have everyone in a four-door S3), another tenth is added to the 0-62mph time.

The significant changes for both models are most covered off in styling and equipment. The new lights, grille and badges aim to move the ’35 and ’45 ‘closer to the AMG family’, and there’s a fresh look for the wheels, spoiler, and rear lights. Inside, an AMG Performance steering wheel is now standard, which might sound a bit gimmicky but does mean the key driving functions - ESP and AMG Dynamics - can be accessed without taking your hands off the wheel.

Elsewhere, the latest generation of MBUX infotainment is standard fit, with more USB charging power, new screen displays and, from Q1 next year, even fingerprint recognition for profile authorisation. In an A-Class! A trendy sage grey colour - their words, not ours - is now available for the seat, too, but there’ll be no changing that back via fingerprint…

Probably the most significant addition to the new lineup is the introduction of an AMG Street Style Edition. Yes, you read that right. Only available for the A45 and for a limited time only, the AMG SSE is in mountain grey magno with fluorescent orange accents. Naturally, the wheels are black (but the calipers are red, rather than orange) and the Aerodynamics Package is standard fit. Inside the Street Style there’s more orange, with aluminium trim in the same pattern as the exterior accents.

There’s no word yet on the UK availability for the Street Style Edition, though surely a few will make it here given our fondness for matt grey paint and AMG hot hatches. No word on prices yet either, but expect the rest of the revised A35/A45 range to be on sale before the end of the year.

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• Audi RS3 vs. Mercedes-AMG A45 S | PH Video
• 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series | PH Review

 

 

[Largechris]

Appears to have taken the ipad off the dash (wasn't the only offender) but they were crazy money before and will almost certainly be biggly crazy money now.

Always thought they made particularly the E class look really good value however.

[asci.white]

I really like these, however can any owners comment on how comfortable the seats are?

I like the look but can't help ponder if you could sit in them for long periods.

[PorkerHam]

Does the market really want red illuminated air vents?

If so....why?

[Demonix]

Had to check the calendar to make sure it wasn't the 1st of April, WTAF are MB doing? - one of the most conservative motor manufacturers on the planet have intentionally created a full Barry'd hot hatch - albeit one that yer average hoodie wearer can't afford unless they've done really well shifting E's Keys n G's.... mental

[Dombilano]

Street style, does Ashley Banjo deliver it to your door too?

[Court_S]

Largechris said:

Appears to have taken the ipad off the dash (wasn't the only offender) but they were crazy money before and will almost certainly be biggly crazy money now.

Always thought they made particularly the E class look really good value however.

iPad was taken off the dash ages ago….the dash is now literally two big screens. I personally think the interior of the current A Class is naff.

Mercedes seem to be able to do tacky better than any of their competitors.

[lpski1]

asci.white said:

I really like these, however can any owners comment on how comfortable the seats are?

I like the look but can't help ponder if you could sit in them for long periods.

I can only speak for the A35 AMG MY19, I find the seats very good and can easy do a 4+ hour trip without having to get out or finding it uncomfortable. They're certainly better than the ones in the S4 MY18 i had and that came with 3 massage settings.

[fantheman80]

I hope the A35 comes with red calipers now, that non painted/ silver white, cant afford the top spec, didn't look great.

[ChrisCh86]

The A35 is massively more popular than the A45, unsurprisingly given the price difference. The latest A45 does seem to be a rare car in the UK (in the last few years I've seen less than 5).

I'm not sure I can see the difference of this 'facelift' - looks identical inside and out barring the new dials on the steering wheel.

[Mr Moley]

I wonder if they'll stop making the wheels from poppadum after the facelift

[jimbobarooney_d]

PorkerHam said:

Does the market really want red illuminated air vents?

If so....why?

You can change the colour to whatever you want (including the mountain mix, a delightful flashing green affair). On a serious note, it's kinda fun to play around with when you're bored, or if you don't fancy it - just set it to white.

I will admit to one really useful feature of it - when it's dark and you hit the heater control to increase the heat, the lights go red for a moment and blue when you make it cooler - so you know you've hit the right button.

[jimbobarooney_d]

ChrisCh86 said:

The A35 is massively more popular than the A45, unsurprisingly given the price difference. The latest A45 does seem to be a rare car in the UK (in the last few years I've seen less than 5).

I'm not sure I can see the difference of this 'facelift' - looks identical inside and out barring the new dials on the steering wheel.

It has the new grill too, no? I've got a '19 (in France tho) and it has the same grill as the normal a class (albeit with the small AMG logo).

[JD]

Have they ditched the touchpad now?

[robertdon777]

Street Style....have they been where the biggest customer base is...The Streets of Brum


So it should come already Staged 2'd, and have the throttle nailed to the floor.

[Nickbrapp]

I like the lighter colour, almost silvery grey, would look good with silver wheels and a debadged without the aero kit

Saw a a35 recently without the aero and it looked properly good, just a slightly fatter stance than a normal a class, I even like the chintz of the interior, not sure it will be quite as cool in 10 years though.

Certainly one to PCP

[Coopervisor]

asci.white said:

I really like these, however can any owners comment on how comfortable the seats are?

I like the look but can't help ponder if you could sit in them for long periods.

I have the non plus A45s 2021 (no longer available to buy new it seems), so comes without the electronicly adjustable seats and they're pretty comfortable.

Drove around 4hrs down to Goodwood in it and back, with no complaints from me or my passenger. Same passenger got back issues after an hour in my Supra's seats, so they're at least better than them.

[bluemason]

ChrisCh86 said:

The A35 is massively more popular than the A45, unsurprisingly given the price difference. The latest A45 does seem to be a rare car in the UK (in the last few years I've seen less than 5).

I'm not sure I can see the difference of this 'facelift' - looks identical inside and out barring the new dials on the steering wheel.

The shooting brake variant is also very rare for both models. I do think merc should have kept the signature eyebrow led design.

[Silvanus]

£60,628 for the S before options. What happened to affordable light simple hot hatches. All those lights, digital screens and gadgets. Not my cup of tea, sure they will sell all of them.

[Haltamer]

I look forward to seeing them doing pulls down shoreditch highstreet at 3am between pulling over to sell small packages to passersby...

[iphonedyou]

Silvanus said:

£60,628 for the S before options. What happened to affordable light simple hot hatches. All those lights, digital screens and gadgets. Not my cup of tea, sure they will sell all of them.

Did Mercedes ever offer an affordable, light, simple hot hatchback?

I don't think it's new model was ever going to be one of those (and its customer base wouldn't thank them for it, either).