Mercedes-Benz AMG engineers have been spotted testing an updated version of the A 45 Hatchback.
No version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback is on sale in the US, but some of the changes you see here are likely to filter through. Related CLA 45 sold locally.
Likewise, changes to a Updated version of the regular A-Class Hatchback will most likely switch to the related A-Class, CLA-Class and GLA-Class sedans. Note, the updated A-Class sedan will not be sold in the US, as is the nameplate bow here after the 2022 model year.
2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG A 45 Hatchback facelift spy photo – Photo: S. Baldauf / SB-Medien
Looking at our spy shots of the updated A 45 Hatchback, we can spot new interior details for the lights at both ends, as well as a revised grille and side shields. lower before.
It’s not clear what AMG has planned for the powertrain, but the extra power to deal with the new versions of the Audi RS 3 and BMW M2 could be a possibility. The A 45 is currently powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four making 382 hp in the standard guise and 416 hp in the S guise, but AMG last year revealed a version of this engine with an electrified turbocharger spits out up to 442 hp. The engine has been introduced by AMG SL 43 and redesigned C 43.
Electrochemical turbo means a larger compressor can be used, resulting in more power without the trade-off of conventional turbo lag. It uses an electric motor to rapidly accelerate the compressor at low revs so that the charged air, also known as turbocharger, is always running. The same technology is used in Formula 1.
Mercedes-AMG E Performance electric exhaust turbocharger
Considering the current A 45 in S casing will sprint to 60 mph in less than 4.0 seconds and hit speeds close to 170 mph, a more powerful version will make sports cars Professionals must fear.
The rest of the A 45 Hatchback package will remain the same, which means a standard eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and rear-biased all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive system not only splits torque between the front and rear axles but also between the rear wheels thanks to a rear differential with two multi-disc clutches. This has allowed AMG engineers to create a Drift mode designed to give more control of the action to the side.
Look for the updated A-Class range, including this A 45 Hatchback, as well as the A 35 Hatchback and sedan, will launch later in 2022. These cars will debut as 2023 models. Note, this could be the last generation of the A-Class. The nameplate is Reportedly on the way out after the current generation, together with the B-Class, as Mercedes wanted focus on more profitable premium segments.
