Mercedes-Benz AMG A-Class 2024 Review

The high-performance compact car market in Malaysia has been dominated in recent years by hot hatches. From the Audi S3 to the BMW M135i, all manufacturers are competing in terms of power and handling. The Mercedes-Benz AMG A-Class A45S 4Matic+ Limited Edition, set to be launched in August 2024, pushes its 2.0T engine to an impressive 421 horsepower, with an official 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds, making it top-tier in its class. In this test drive, we will see if, beyond its dazzling specifications, the car can balance performance with everyday practicality.

In terms of appearance, the A45S Limited Edition retains the aggressive design synonymous with the AMG family. The large trapezoidal front grille with vertical slats and the two raised lines on the hood emphasize its performance identity; the sharp design of the LED headlights, with the signature "eyebrow-shaped" three-pointed star DRLs, make it highly recognizable. The side profile is compact and sleek, with 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 245/35 R19 tires, along with slightly flared wheel arches that enhance the wide-body effect. The waistline stretches from the fender to the taillights, while the rear spoiler and lower diffuser further enhance its sporty vibe. At the rear, the most striking features are the dual four-round exhaust outlets, combined with the blackened LED taillights, creating a style that is aggressive but not overly ostentatious.

Sitting inside, the interior maintains Mercedes-Benz’s signature luxury. The dashboard features a dual-screen setup of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, providing above-average smoothness and clarity. The steering wheel showcases AMG’s exclusive flat-bottom design, complete with multifunction buttons and paddle shifters, offering solid grip; the seats feature sporty bucket designs with electric adjustment in the front, providing strong support and comfort even on long drives. In terms of material quality, the dashboard and door panels are covered with soft-touch plastic, complemented by silver trim accents, exuding a premium feel. For features, the car comes equipped with standard 360-degree cameras, ACC adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and lane departure warning, making daily use very convenient; however, the Burmester sound system is an optional extra, which is a slight letdown.

As for space, the A45S has dimensions of 4453mm × 1850mm × 1414mm, with a wheelbase of 2729mm. The front seating area is spacious, with approximately a fist's worth of headroom remaining for a 180cm-tall occupant and adequate legroom. The rear seat offers about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, which is sufficient for everyday family use. However, the raised center floor impacts the comfort of the middle passenger when seating five. In terms of storage, the front armrest box and door storage compartments offer moderate capacity, while the trunk provides a standard 355L of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats expands the space significantly, which can easily accommodate two 28-inch luggage cases.

The A45S's main selling point lies in its performance. The 2.0T turbocharged engine delivers a maximum power output of 309kW (421 horsepower) and a peak torque of 500N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed DCT gearbox and a 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system. Switching to Sport+ mode, the throttle response becomes extremely sharp, with slight wheel spin upon acceleration and a consistent pushback effect above 6000 rpm. The tested 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds is highly achievable. For daily driving, in Comfort mode, the power delivery becomes smoother, and the transmission shifts up quickly, making it suitable for urban commuting.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and the car has a clear sense of direction when cornering; the suspension is tuned on the stiffer side, resulting in noticeable vibration on bumpy roads, but the body roll is well-controlled during high-speed cornering, providing excellent stability. The all-wheel-drive system can intelligently distribute torque while cornering, ensuring no significant understeer even during fast turns. The braking performance is outstanding, with a 100-0km/h braking distance of approximately 35 meters, and there is no obvious brake fade during continuous braking.

In terms of fuel consumption, our tests on a mix of city and highway conditions showed an average fuel consumption of approximately 9.5L per 100km. Considering the 421 horsepower output, this result is within the expected range. Regarding noise control, tire and engine noise are not significant during low-speed driving. At a high speed of 120km/h, wind noise increases but does not affect in-car conversations.

Compared to its class rival, the A35 4Matic, the A45S has a significant advantage in power output (421 horsepower vs 306 horsepower), with an acceleration advantage of 0.8 seconds. Moreover, the all-wheel-drive system's response time and handling limits are higher. However, in terms of price, the A45S is 215,000 MYR more expensive than the A35. In terms of features, while the A35 comes standard with Burmester audio and rear air conditioning, the A45S requires additional costs for the audio system, and there is no mention of rear air conditioning. Overall, the A45S is more suitable for enthusiasts who pursue extreme performance, while the A35 is a better balance for daily family use.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2024 AMG A45S 4Matic+ Limited Edition are its top-notch power output, precise handling, and Mercedes-Benz's luxurious quality. It is ideal for consumers who want a vehicle that serves as both a daily driver and an occasional track-day thrill. If you have the budget and have high demands for performance, this car will not disappoint you.