Mercedes-AMG A-Class. 2nd generation, 2022 restyling
The second generation Mercedes-AMG A-Class is a sports premium version of the compact 5-door hatchbacks and sedans by Mercedes-Benz. It was introduced in 2019. In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz showed the updated 4th generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class simultaneously with the restyled version of the high-performance AMG model. The new A-Class lost its manual gearbox and base engines (A 160 and A 160 d), the number of all-wheel drive modifications was reduced (the 4Matic system is installed only on 2.0-liter gasoline models), and the AMG A 45 version was excluded from the line-up. Apparently, this is the last update of the compact Mercedes-Benz: in the near future, it was decided to abandon it. Starting in 2025, the A-Class will disappear from the company’s lineup, like the B-Class. In Europe, the updated Mercedes-Benz A-Class and its AMG version will appear before the end of 2022.
We share our impressions about the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback. Stylish, comfortable, technological and even sensual. Read the details of the test drive.
Exterior
The restyling has brought the A-Class a new front bumper, a different radiator grille and modified headlights (the shape is the same). The running lights are made in the form of single stripes without characteristic ‘checkmarks’. The car comes with the redesigned wheels and new rear lights (LED is already standard). The restyled 2022 powerful Mercedes-AMG A-Class features a separate logo of the AMG division, which is located above the radiator grille: this double ‘marking’ first appeared on the hybrid Mercedes-AMG C 63 S and should soon spread across the entire model range. The top-end A 45 S version comes with a new Street Style Edition package, which includes an additional body kit and contrasting decor with colorful stickers along the body and bright microfiber inserts in the passenger compartment.
Interior
The interior changes are also hardly noticeable, mainly they relate to decor and equipment. The updated Mercedes A-Class has received a larger screen of the media system (10.25 inches), the dashboard screen to choose from is 7.0 or 10.25 inches. The MBUX media system has been improved: different graphics, improved voice assistant, and a fingerprint sensor for driver recognition. There is a new AMG steering wheel with double spokes. There are new upholstery options, including those made from recycled materials. To simplify production, many options are now packaged.
Powertrains
The manufacturer has kept the Mercedes-AMG A 35 sedans and hatchbacks with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 306 hp, as well as the top-end Mercedes-AMG A 45 S hatchbacks with a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 421 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. All of the models come with a ‘mild-hybrid’ superstructure in the form of a 48-volt starter-generator with a capacity of 14 hp, 8-speed robotic gearbox and all-wheel drive. But the ‘intermediate’ A 45 with a capacity of 387 hp was removed from the line-up as unnecessary: from now on, the ‘forty-fifth’ comes with the letter S. We can safely call it a small ‘rocket’: the ‘evil’ hatchback accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, while the maximum speed reaches 270 km/h.
