First Drive: 2016 Mercedes-Benz 45 AMG 4Matic Review by Henny Hemmes

Back on track, up front

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

            • SEE ALSO: Mercedes-Benz Research and Buyers Guide

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

DRESDEN - October 27, 2015: The past year has been a hectic one for Mercedes-Benz with presentations of amazing concept cars and the introduction of a slew of new production models. In early September, I drove several variants of the rejuvenated A-Class, including the most exciting of them all, the A45 AMG 4Matic. (To read Henny's review of the A-Class CLICK HERE)

From its introduction in 2012 until last summer, the A 45 AMG was the fastest hot hatch in its class. Then, the Audi RS3 quattro beat the Mercedes with 7 hp, but it proved to be a short moment of glory. AMG had its new weapon ready to surpass its 367 hp strong competitor. With 381 hp and 475 Nm/350 lb-ft of torque it is the most powerful 4-cylinder in production. You can choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and Race modes by turning a dial on the center console. The Dynamic Select system alters the characteristics of the throttle, steering, transmission and damping.

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

During the first drive event with the new A45, I could get the feeling of the powerful hatch driving in the city of Dresden and the open roads of Saxony. Then, in Comfort mode, the A45’s engine is smooth thanks to a lot of torque as from 2,250 rpm. Throttle response is ‘relaxed’ and the transmission acts in the same mode by choosing relatively high gears. But as soon as you push the pedal, the AMG Speedshift 7-speed DCT dual clutch sports transmission shows its capabilities, while the up and downshifts are accompanied by a growling exhaust sound. With the reworked chassis the fastest ‘A’ remains stable in the straight line and seems to love to work the bends.

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

At this point it is obvious to engage Sport or Sport+. You cannot forget the mode you've chosen, as the exhaust produces a meaner tune. Cornering speed is impressive with excellent grip and very little roll.

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

The reworked chassis is may be the biggest improvement of the A45. It is available with adjustable dampers that smooth out the ride that was formerly too-stiff-for-comfort during a daily drive. Now, the A45 AMG offers a nice set up with great control.

When we reach the Autobahn, the hatch accelerates from the entrance onto practically free lanes. It feels as if the A45 breaks loose and rockets shamelessly until the needle of the odometer reaches the red line. In standard trim the electronics limit the thrust at 250 km/h, or 155 mph and at 270 km/h, or 169 mph, unrestricted with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Lausitzring track layout

However it was at the Lausitzring race track where the youngest AMG model could show its true colors. The problem with test drives on circuits is that you would like to have more laps, first of all, to familiarize yourself with the ideal line. Secondly, to simply enjoy the drive. The Lausitzring was quite easy to adapt to, especially when following the AMG GT of Bernd Schneider, the Mercedes race driver and former DTM and FIA GT champion who is very familiar with the track that yearly hosts races for both series.

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

In Race mode, the car is not too difficult to deal with, as long as you keep in mind that it has 4Matic and needs an aggressive driving style. All-wheel drive does not need gentle ingress into corners in order to have the car obey and touch the curb at the inside of the bend. You have to use the steering angles in order to get on the inside of the bend. When we accelerate out of the pit lane, I immediately believe the A45 does a sprint from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds off the time of its predecessor. It is just a figure, but important to buyers of hot hatches.

When Schneider leads the way, I manage to stay on his tail. He pushes harder, but the A45 does not easily give up - the pace car cannot be beaten if Schneider really gives it a welly. The grip of ‘my’ Mercedes is immense and we are not pushed off the line when diving into bends. The car feels absolutely great and the beauty of driving on a race track is that you can try to find the limits of the car. In corners the car is not under steered provided you remain confident and keep pushing in order to hug the apex. Steering is firm and direct, although I would prefer somewhat more feed back.

Oh boy, the engine… the 4-cylinder power plant, is awfully quick and the transmission is such a good match. Using the paddles at the steering wheel allows for lightning fast gear shifts and the brakes are incredible.

2016 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG 4 Matic

Our test cars were equipped with the Dynamic Plus option with sport suspension and a front axle differential lock. The Ride Control, which is part of Dynamic Plus, you can choose between two settings of steering and damping; and in Race mode, you have already limited intervention of the ESP system.

It all adds up to the qualities of the Mercedes A45 AMG 4Matic. According to AMG, I am too old to be considered a potential customer. They say that the age of the target group lies between 30 and 45 years’. But anyone, like myself, who loves a hot hatch, can just ignore this and if the premium price is no obstacle, get behind the wheel and disguise yourself with face-covering sun glasses and a wig!

The main markets for the A45 AMG are Germany, China, UK, Australia, Japan and select European countries. It will NOT be launched in the US and Canada.

Technical Details

Engine 2.0-liter, 4 cylinders, twom-turbocharged, petrol.

Power 280 kW/381 hp at 6000 rpm.

Torque 475 Nm/350 lb-ft at 2250-5000 rpm.

Transmission AMG Speedshift 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Kerb weight 1555 kg/3428 lbs

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (62mph) 4.2sec;

Top speed 250 km/h/155mph (limited), 270 km/h/ 169 mph (unlimited) w/AMG Driver’s Package

Fuel economy 42.2mpg (combined EU cycle).

CO2 emission 161g/km