Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S facelift

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the updated A35 4MATIC hatchback and sedan along with the A45 S 4MATIC+ hot hatchback in global markets, with both performance models getting cosmetic tweaks for the new model year. The A35 also gets an update to the powertrain in the form of a mild-hybrid system, while the A45 S continues to be identical to its predecessor.

Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S: Exterior

For 2023, both the A35 and the A45 benefit from tweaks to the exterior and these include an updated front end with headlamps of a new design along with an AMG-specific radiator design. Both the models also sport the AMG emblem badge on the bonnet, replacing the earlier Mercedes-Benz star. Paint choices for the A35 and the A45 include a variety of metallic and Mercedes’ exclusive Manufaktur shades, including the mountain grey Magno shade that you see here on the A45.

Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S: Interior

Along with the exteriors, the interiors have received a refresh too, with both the A35 and the A45 S receiving a 10.25-inch driver display with the latest MBUX infotainment system. On the A45 S 4MATIC+ however, the AMG Track Pace application, which is capable of showing drag times, lap times and recording your performance statistics, is available as standard. Apart from that. Also included is the pick of the refreshed A-Class interior and exterior options, including the latest MBUX infotainment system and 10.25-inch driver displays. AMG Track Pace is also standard on the A45 S 4MATIC+. The performance-based application is capable of showing drag times, lap times and even recording your achievements on circuits around the world.

Both cars also get the Mercedes-AMG Performance steering wheel, similar to what you would find on the larger AMGs, with the wheel featuring the dials to quickly select the engine and handling modes. The interior also features AMG performance seats, which can be specced in a new sage grey colour, with the option of a black microfiber upholstery too that gets contrast stitching and highlights in bright orange.

Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45 S: Engine and performance

The A45 S 4MATIC+ is the quickest hatchback on sale in the country and that fact has remained unchanged, since the updated A45 S is mechanically identical to its predecessor. It continues to be powered by a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 416bhp of power and 500Nm of torque, and it is mated to the 8-speed SPEEDSHIFT DCT transmission that sends power to all four wheels via a variable all-wheel-drive system. A 0-100kmph sprint comes up in a claimed 3.9 seconds, with the top speed being a claimed 270kmph.

The A35 4MATIC sedan and hatchback on the other hand are no offered with the same engine as the A45 but in a lower state of tune, producing 302bhp and 400Nm of torque. With this update, the A35 now gets the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The mild-hybrid tech does not bump up the combined system outputs, with the power and torque figures being the same as the earlier A35’s, but the the mild-hybrid system does provide an additional 13bhp of power at lower speeds when the engine may require it. 0-100kmph comes up in 4.8 seconds for the A35 sedan, with the hatchback being a tenth of a second quicker, and the top speed for both is a claimed 250kmph.

While the updates to both the A45 S and the A35 may not be as significant as a full-blown generation change, the subtle visual and technical improvements ensure that the baby AMGs remain fresh and continue to enthuse the enthusiast.