A-CLASS OF ONE

The new 415bhp Mercedes-AMG A45 S is here... with Drift mode

The age of the 400bhp+ hot hatch is upon us, people. Welcome to the new Mercedes-AMG A45 S. All 415bhp of it. And if you’d prefer a sleeker look, the CLA 45 AMG has returned too. Pick your poison.

The standard A45 now develops 382bhp, but for the first time, there’s an ‘S’ model, complete with bigger tailpipes, a Focus RSstyle Drift mode for the 4WD system and a power boost. With 415bhp, it’s good for 0–62mph in 3.9secs and 174mph.

Drift mode doesn’t mean deactivating the front driveshafts, as per the E63 AMG. No, it’s done by clever clutch packs integrated into the rear diff which can overspeed the rear wheels. Remember when 4WD was for safe, sensible cars? Yeah? Well, now it’s for yobbos.

There is so much to nerd out about here. The engine torque, for example. No megawide diesel-style torque-band here. You get maximum twist of 369lb ft (354lb ft in the non-S) only from 5,000 to 5,250rpm. Mmm,

boosty. Want more geek? Let’s go Full Geek. The engine cover: it’s been shaped to blast airflow down onto the engine to help cool it. Power arrives at the wheels via an 8spd dual-clutch gearbox and many, many modes. Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, Race, Individual… and then there are the chassis assistance settings – Basic and Advanced, and in the A45 S, Pro and Master, each with lower levels of guardian angel attentiveness. There are three modes of hardness for the adaptive suspension. Different screen graphics. If you like to fiddle with your car’s settings, you’ve found the ultimate tweakable hatchback.

Elsewhere, you can spec a big wing. There are bucket seats. AMG’s angriest grille has been grafted onto both cars, and there’s a set of enormous brakes under the new wheels and stickier tyres. We’re yet to hear a price, but change from £50k is unlikely if you’re after an S with a few options. And some spare tyres. You’ll be needing them…