2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S – What does RM 80k get you over the A35?

The Mercedes-AMG A45 S was launched in Malaysia last week, priced at RM 459,888. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG A35 has a price tag of RM 379,888.

1. What does Toyota Vios money get you?

For one, the A45 S gets the M139 engine that makes 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque. It’s the world’s most powerful 4-cylinder engine and is bounded by the “One man, one engine” principle of AMG, as you see from the plaque that sits proudly on the engine cover.

The A35 on the other hand, has the same engine (M260) as the A250, only revised to give 306 PS/400 Nm.

2. What about transmission?

The M139 engine’s other half is the AMG Speedshift DCT 8G, or in simpler terms, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmissios.

The A35 is one gear ratio down on the A45 S, with the AMG Speedshift DCT 7G.

3. Any other performance tweaks?

With great power, comes great stopping power. The A45 S has larger brakes with six-piston calipers up front. And it wears wider tyres, measuring at 245/35 R19 (235/35 R19 on the A35), which should provide better grip.

4. Does the A45 S have a party piece?

Yes, it does. The 4Matic+ has two clutches on the rear axle to not only distribute power between front and rear wheels, but side to side as well. This becomes apparent when Drift Mode is selected, which turns this AWD hatch into a sliding powerhouse.

5. How do I tell them apart from the outside?

The A45 S has Panamericana grille with the vertical slats and a slightly different front bumper. The A45 is also shod with different set of wheels, twin five-spoke items against the A35’s multi-spoke wheels. At the rear, there are quad exhaust tips on the A45 S while the A35 has one on each side.

6. Are they identical on the inside?

Close, but not quite. They have different contrasting colour themes and different steering wheels. The AMG steering wheel on the A45S is wrapped with suede-like material and has drive mode selection, while the A35 is leather wrapped and goes without the switches.

Present only in the A45 S is the Burmester surround sound system and the AMG Track Pace, which is described as a virtual race engineer to help drivers improve their lap times. Also, the A45 S has a panoramic roof.

7. Slightly off topic, but why is the A45 S more expensive than the CLA 45 S?

Well, at the moment, the A45 S is dressed in Edition 1 while the CLA 45 S isn’t. The Edition 1 adds the Aerodynamics Package, which includes larger rear spoiler, air deflectors on the bumper with a larger splitter, and a more aggressive rear diffuser.

This is available only for a limited time and limited colours. Meaning there’ll be an A45 S available without the Edition 1 skin and will likely be priced lower. Same goes for the A35.

8. What about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)?

Both the A35 and A45 S are equipped with Pre-Safe, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist with Parktronic, and Blind Spot Assist.