Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG 4Matic (2016)

AMG 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with numerous high-tech components

The high-tech features of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Mercedes‑AMG include spray-guided direct petrol injection. Piezo injectors centrally located in the four combustion chambers inject the fuel at a pressure of up to 200 bar. The combination of multiple fuel injection and multi-spark ignition improves fuel economy and significantly increases thermodynamic efficiency, leading to low exhaust emissions. The twin-scroll turbocharger and maximum dethrottling of the exhaust system improve the charge pressure build-up, and therefore the engine's response to the accelerator.

Other highlights include: gravity sand-cast all-aluminium crankcase, weight-optimised crank assembly with forged steel crankshaft and forged pistons with friction-optimised piston rings, NANOSLIDE® cylinder wall technology, alternator management and ECO start/stop function. Sophisticated cooling of the engine oil, coolant, charge air and transmission fluid not only improves durability, but also suitability for the racetrack.

The trailblazing technologies and outstanding attributes of this high-end four-cylinder have also elicited the highest praise from independent experts: in 2014 and 2015 the AMG engine received the coveted "International Engine of the Year" award in the 1.8 - 2.0 litres displacement class.

High torque, great flexibility and an emotional engine note

On the road the turbocharged AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine thrills with extremely fast responses to accelerator movements, high torque, enormous flexibility and an emotional engine note. The exhaust system features an automatically controlled exhaust flap as standard. The intensity of the engine note changes according to the currently active AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode. The sound has also been generally refined and perfected.

From the GT and C63: the new AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes

Already familiar from the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car and the top C-Class model, the Mercedes-AMG C63, DYNAMIC SELECT now also allows the widest possible selection of driving dynamics in the Mercedes-AMG A45. To this end the four modes of "Comfort", "Sport", "Sport +" and "Individual" are available for selection. The modes are selected using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT Controller, and modify parameters such as the engine and transmission characteristics. The Controller is positioned in the centre console, behind the selector lever for the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission.

"Comfort" mode allows consumption and comfort-oriented driving with a subdued engine note and gentle gearshifts. The 'sailing' function installed for the first time helps to save fuel by decoupling the engine from the powertrain as soon as the driver releases the accelerator within a speed range of 60 to 160 km/h. In Comfort mode the ECO start/stop function is also active, switching the engine off automatically whenever the vehicle stops for a longer period.

"Sport" mode emphasises agility and driving pleasure, with a sporty engine and transmission configuration. The sound of the turbocharged engine becomes more throaty. The ECO start/stop system and the sailing function are inactive.

In "Sport +" mode the power transmission reacts even more immediately. The shift strategy of the transmission is optimally modified for the needs of a very sporty driving style - including extremely short shift times, emotional double-declutching and faster responses to the accelerator. Partial cylinder suppression by means of a momentary and precisely defined retardation of ignition and injection under full throttle speeds up the gear changes, and is also audible to the driver.

Over and above the preconfigured modes, the "Individual" driving mode makes it possible to vary individual parameters for the engine, manual or automatic transmission mode and 3-stage ESP®.

All DYNAMIC SELECT modes are also visualised in the cockpit display. The driver sees a special icon and corresponding information in the central display of the AMG instrument cluster. A pop-up window also appears on the free-standing central display whenever the transmission mode is changed: depending on the mode, the animated Mercedes-AMG A45 is shown with an appropriate graphic and colour presentation. While subdued shades of blue predominate in "Comfort", the car is shown on a racetrack in "Race" mode (included with the optional DYNAMIC PLUS package or the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension - including red/white kerbs.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package with front axle locking differential

Completely new for the Mercedes-AMG A45, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package sharpens up the vehicle dynamics even further. It clearly shows the influence of the numerous motor racing successes by Mercedes-AMG on the development of road vehicles.

One major component is the newly developed, mechanical front axle locking differential, which significantly improves traction when driving in a sporty style. The greatest advantages become apparent during fast acceleration out of bends, where the locking differential allows maximum grip and high rates of lateral acceleration. Moreover, the A45 is stabilised even more effectively during load changes and at high speeds.

The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package also includes the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension: one of its new features is the two-stage, adaptive damping adjustment. The system operates fully automatically, adapting the damping forces for each wheel according to the driving situation and road conditions. This happens within milliseconds and is infinitely variable, with a wide spread of damping characteristics. This ride comfort and agility are enhanced in equal measure. The driver is also able to preselect the basic damping characteristics in two stages for a personally configured set-up. There is a choice between maximum sportiness or pronounced long-distance comfort at the touch of a button. The RIDE CONTROL sport suspension is also available individually as a separate optional extra.

The speed-sensitive sports power steering fundamentally supports a more sporty driving style with its high steering precision and direct self-steering characteristics. It has two different sets of characteristics: depending on which damper set-up the driver has selected, it provides a taut, sporty or more comfortable steering feedback.

The fifth DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode "Race" is included with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension: this makes the A45 4Matic ideally suited to fast laps on the racetrack. The response characteristics of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and the accelerator are now even more immediate than in "Sport +". The exhaust system, suspension and steering remain at "Sport +" level, while 3-stage ESP® changes to "SPORT HANDLING MODE" and allows wider drift angles. The ECO start/stop and sailing functions are inactive. The transmission activates "Race" mode, which is configured to maintain an optimum engine speed in the lowest possible gear when driving at racetrack speeds. "RACE" mode is rounded off by rapid and responsive gearshifts.

Other features in the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package include the Performance steering wheel with DINAMICA microfibre in the grip area and an AMG emblem on the E-SELECT lever and the main vehicle key.

Shorter ratios: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sport transmission

The agile and dynamic power transfer is assisted by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7‑speed sports transmission. Thanks to the now shorter transmission ratios in 3rd to 7th gear, the driver experiences even more dynamic acceleration in all speed ranges. Together with optimised response and shift times, the closer ratio spread ensures better transitions when upshifting.

The control logic for the RACE-START function was also simplified when revising the transmission hardware and software. RACE-START allows maximum acceleration from standstill, and is also a highly emotional acoustic experience. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is rounded off with a temporary M mode activated by operating the steering wheel shift paddles in any driving mode, and with the manual transmission mode "M" for individual gearshifts using the shift paddles.

High traction: AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard

Dynamism, agility and performance - these attributes characterise the standard all-wheel drive of the Mercedes-AMG A45. AMG Performance 4Matic combines the best possible traction with outstanding driving pleasure. To suit the dynamic handling requirements, the A45 4Matic features infinitely variable torque distribution. The range extends from front-wheel drive only to a 50:50 percent distribution to the front and rear axles. In the compact class this variability suited to the driving situation results in an optimum measure of dynamism, efficiency and traction. A multi-disc clutch with AMG-specific electro-hydraulic control integrated into the rear axle differential almost instantly feeds the engine torque to the rear wheels.

The influencing factors for torque distribution are not only the vehicle speed, the lateral/linear acceleration and the steering angle, but also the difference in rotational speed between the individual wheels, the gear selected and the accelerator position. The all-wheel drive system is also controlled as a function of the selected stage of 3-stage ESP® - from safety-focussed right up to the best possible performance on closed-off racetracks. ESP ® Curve Dynamic Assist is likewise included as standard in the A45. During dynamic cornering, imperceptible braking intervention on the rear inside wheel creates a defined yawing moment about the vertical axis. The effect: the Mercedes-AMG A45 enters bends responsively, precisely and always controllably.

New light-alloy wheels in a cross-spoke design on request

The muscular appearance of the A45 is decisively enhanced by special wheel/tyre combinations. The standard combination is newly styled 10-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish together with size 235/40 R 18 tyres.

Four other, attractive light-alloy wheels in size 48.3 cm (19 inches) with 235/35 R 19 tyres are optionally available. As a visual highlight there are new AMG light-alloy wheels in a cross-spoke design, which are available in matt black or titanium grey.

The high-performance braking system ensures fade-resistant deceleration and short braking distances. It has 350 millimetre discs at the front and 330 millimetre discs at the rear, all internally ventilated and perforated to conduct heat away efficiently and prevent fading even in extreme use. The silver-grey brake callipers have white AMG lettering. An even greater visual impact is ensured by optional red-painted callipers with black AMG lettering.

The design: Unmistakable influences from motor racing

The influences from motorsport are immediately apparent in the new Mercedes-AMG A45: the muscular AMG design with new features impressively accentuates the dynamic design idiom and the emotional appeal of the technology in the A‑Class. The front skirt in the new A-wing design gives the compact proportions an even sportier emphasis.

The distinctive, three-dimensional A-wing also acts as an air feed to the three exclusively styled, AMG-specific cooling air inlets: in the centre four vertical fins and the front splitter in matt titanium grey accentuate the visual appeal. Two horizontal fins and two side flics in high-gloss black optimally direct the cooling airflow. Together with the A-wing, the characteristic radiator grille with a Twin Blade louvre in silver chrome with "AMG" lettering is a highly distinctive feature. New LED High Performance headlamps with "eyebrows" as daytime driving lamps are included as standard.

The A45 also shows clear motor sport influences at the rear: the rear apron with four vertical fins and a striking spoiler lip in the diffuser provides a visual highlight. The tail lights with a new layout and technically sophisticated night-time design blend perfectly into the dynamic overall appearance. Twin tailpipes and new "TURBO 4Matic" lettering on the front wings round off the exterior of this compact high-performance model.

Aerodynamics: improved downforce and handling stability

Yet it is not only the design, but also the aerodynamics of the A45 that the AMG developers have improved even further. In the A45 the new combination of a spoiler lip under the front splitter, a rear apron with a diffuser insert and an AMG spoiler lip on the roof spoiler generates even more downforce for increased handling stability. These measures also improve the aerodynamic balance, with a positive effect on handling.

Customers wanting even more of a racing touch can opt for the AMG Aerodynamic package. In this case a larger air duct connects the A-wing with the front splitter. Additional flics on the front apron, the large roof spoiler and the spoiler lips on the simulated air outlets in the rear apron are also features derived from motor racing.

Passion for performance extends into the interior

The dynamic and sporty character continues in the interior: The combination of sporty design and sophisticated details is already apparent in the AMG instrument cluster, which has two dial instruments in a double-tube design, new needles and a new numeral design. The AMG start-up display is now in the head unit, above the three striking, round air vents.

The new multifunction sport steering wheel ensures a perfect link between the car and its driver: the steering wheel rim with a flattened lower section, perforated leather in the grip area and red contrasting topstitching is both attractive and pleasant to the touch. Silver-coloured shift paddles invite the driver to shift the gears manually. The AMG DRIVE UNIT with the new AMG DYNAMIC SELECT Controller also enhances sportiness. This allows convenient selection of the four driving modes (five modes in conjunction with the optional DYNAMIC PLUS package or the AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension). For better adjustment to suit different body sizes, the sport seats now feature seat cushion depth adjustment as standard. The perceived quality in the interior can be further enhanced with the Exclusive package including new leather upholstery in sahara beige / black.

Numerous exclusive appointments are also available from the AMG Performance Studio on request:

• red-painted brake callipers with black "AMG" lettering
• carbon-fibre exterior mirror housings
• AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package
• Aerodynamic package
• roof spoiler
• Performance exhaust system
• Performance steering wheel, E-SELECT lever and main key with AMG emblem
• Performance seats for driver and passenger, with more heavily contoured seat for enhanced lateral support, integral head restraints, AMG badges in the backrests and seat belts in an enclosed look
• 8 x 19 multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish and size 235/35 R 19 tyres
• 8 x 19 multi-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with high-sheen rim flange and size 235/35 R 19 tyres
• 8 x 19 cross-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish and size 235/35 R 19 tyres
• 8 x 19 cross-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in matt black with high-sheen rim flange and size 235/35 R 19 tyres
• Night package
• AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with adaptive damping adjustment in two stages and additional RACE driving mode

Perfect networking and reassuring safety

Thanks to latest-generation telematics, the new A45 can also be perfectly networked with the modern smartphone and internet environment starting in early 2016. Options include e.g. COMAND Online with extended functions and optimal smartphone integration by Apple® CarPlay® for iPhones®, and MirrorLink® for Android devices.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 also exudes superiority with respect to safety, for example with improved, innovative safety and driving assistance systems such as the autonomous braking function in COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, Traffic Sign Assist or the improved ATTENTION ASSIST.