Marking the debut run of its AMG Performance Tour in July this year, Mercedes-Benz South Africa unveiled significant upgrades to their hottest compacts – alongside a few other high-performance surprises – in a race for glory at the Kyalami International Grand Prix Circuit.
‘The most powerful family in the world’ is how Mercedes-AMG describes its mega thrilling high-performance collection of hatches, saloons, and sports cars at the inaugural AMG Performance Tour held at Kyalami this year.
The event, a celebration of AMG’s sterling history and its awe-inspiring future, marked the reveal of a duo of significantly upgraded performance-bred compacts, the A35 4MATIC and A45 S 4MATIC+, alongside the first-ever GLB 35 4MATIC, EQE43 4MATIC, SL43, and the fire-breathing C63 S E 4MATIC+.
While we had the opportunity to sample all but the C63 around the high-speed Kyalami track, along with other AMG models in attendance, we look at the cars that introduce the AMG lifestyle – the A35 and A45 S – here.
AMG-FOCUSED LOOK
For Mercedes-AMG, the A35 and A45 S represent the highpoint of performance in the A-Class range, and are now aesthetically revised to be better aligned with the AMG family’s overall design language.
At the front, both cars feature a revised AMG-specific radiator grille and the new, round badge with the AMG emblem instead of the Mercedes star with a laurel wreath. The power bulges familiar from the A45 and a redesigned front apron have been added to the A35, while a new wheel design, the rear spoiler lip, revised rear lamps and the hallmark round exhaust pipes (twin-flow on the A45 S 4MATIC+) underline the AMG look.
Inside, both Merc-AMG A-Class cars boast an AMG Performance steering wheel with AMG steering wheel buttons that control AMG-specific features such as the three-stage ESP and AMG Dynamics. New AMG performance seats are now also available in a sage grey colour.
More USB charging ports, an updated AMG screen design, and the latest MBUX infotainment system with increased performance and improved connectivity also enhance the driving experience.
POINTED PERFORMANCE
Although different in many ways, both AMGs raise the thrill level to the max with distinctive performance enhancements.
Equipped with a 48-volt auxiliary power supply and a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG), the A35 4MATIC churns out 225 kW and maximum torque of 400 Nm to achieve a zero to 100 km/h acceleration time of 4.7 seconds. Being a mild hybrid, the RSG enhances agility with an additional 10 kW of power during start-up. Power is sent to all four wheels via AMG’s eight-speed SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission.
On the other hand, the A45 S 4MATIC+ boasts significantly more power – 310 kW and 500 Nm of torque – and will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine has a maximum charge pressure of 2.1 bar, leading its segment in this respect. Additionally, the electronically controlled wastegate allows for precise and flexible charge pressure control to optimise responsiveness when accelerating at speed.
LAST WORD
Combining exhilarating performance and significant exterior and interior upgrades, the A35 4MATIC and A45 S 4MATIC solidify Mercedes-AMG’s segment leadership and technical prowess. Although also available in a saloon variant, the A35 hatchback is a fitting entry to the world of AMG and offers, in our view, the best mix of value and desirability at its price point, while the A45 S (available exclusively as a hatchback) will satisfy the style and power needs of dyed-in-the-wool AMG fans.
| MERCEDES-AMG A35 & A45 S | ENGINE | POWER (kW @ r/min) | TORQUE (Nm @ r/min) | TOP SPEED (km/h) | 0-100 KM/H (seconds) | FUEL (l/100 km) | PRICE |
| Mercedes-AMG A35 sedan 4Matic | In-line 4-cyl; 1,991 cc turbo | 235 @ 5,800 | 400 @ 3,000-4,000 | 250 | 4.8 | 7.3 | R1,141,046 |
| Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch 4Matic | In-line 4-cyl; 1,991 cc turbo | 235 @ 5,800 | 400 @ 3,000-4,000 | 250 | 4.7 | 7.4 | R1,247,453 |
| Mercedes-AMG A45 S hatch 4Matic+ | In-line 4-cyl; 1,991 cc turbo | 310 @ 6,750 | 500 @ 5,000-5,250 | 270 | 3.9 | 8.9 | R1,397,793 |
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © MERCEDES-BENZ SOUTH AFRICA