To echo some in the comments, I am quite astounded that the name “RS3” was never mentioned once when you were reviewing this, regardless of what you think of its quality of being ‘fun.’ The GTI an STI reeeally cannot enter the conversation before the RS3 does. Just incredible!

I bumped into Rory on this shoot last week on Wednesday 👍 and was happy to have a photo with me 👍

A45 has always been close to my heart. I think this has the best composition of everything to love in a car. Absolutely impressive to live with

That rear wing is designed that way Rory. It's the new adaptable body part technology. Helps with airflow..

Finally...Giving Rory and the team even more proper videography. Channel is going over 1M subs!

Yes i agree with the build quality it could be better.

As a previous GTI owner, not going to lie, I've have had my eye on the A-Class! 😎

Looked at the A45. Treated myself to the new audi rs3 💥💥

The greatest performance in a hot hatch but just packaged in what basically is a go-kart in terms of build quality

On this point about fake noise, I used to pick the cars in racing car games based on the "engine sounds" they made in addition to their performance, and that was during the era of NFSU2 and the GT games... I suspect that if they added eq controls for the driver to modify the "synthetic engine sounds" then people would be more excited about "fake" engine noise feature

Would like to see Rory browsing auto trader for used/nearly new cars costing £63k. Maybe several categories of car at this price. I love hot hatches, but for £63k I’d be thinking bigger, louder and more luxurious.

The Mercedes A-Class is best in class since day one.

Thanks for the pov bits 👍

The fact the current king of the segment, the Audi RS3, isn't mentioned has me thinking this a sponsored review! The intro says it all.

My brother just recently bought an AMG and I was out driving it this weekend I am so in love with these right now the cars Mercedes are putting out now are so good to drive need to get my hands on one of these some day soon

"The faster you drive it the better it becomes". I love that! That should be everyone's philosophy when driving!

A new Golf R in New York is $60k, I cannot imagine what this would cost if it was offered in the US. Hot hatches that cost more than a new C8 Corvette…..what a world.

I owned the old model and have the new 2023 model......... Just one point I'd like to mention the suspension in comfort mode is a lot more compliant than the old model, and is much better for an everyday car

Regarding the exhaust sound that can be heard inside the car, it is actually 'real exhaust' sound that is picked up by a microphone under the car and amplified through the sound system.

Would love one 👌

It's hard to say that this competes with the focus ST, given that this is double the price and some, of a brand new Focus ST. If you bought a Focus ST and ploughed 30k into mods, it would be a better car that the A45. I do however love the A45.

This car is a good example of mercedes as a whole. Beautiful impracticality

your review makes me respect this car

If this is the last update, it would have been nice to see actual changes to the interior & exterior. The C class interior would be perfect for a car like this

'The sound is better inside' literally the one thing you DONT want to hear with an AMG

nice and detailed description by a professional

Not a single mention of its closest match - RS3

Other than the full screen apple car play, the pre-facelift is far better. Better steering wheel, more customisable and better looking dials, track pad and better DRL design in my opinion.

my all time favorite hot hatch 😍

I'd still prefer an RS3. Maybe not quite as engaging to drive but that engine noise though 😲😲😲

Any reason why it's biggest rival the rs3 wasn't mentioned?

The RS3 is the actual king again based on the drag race results mate

I love my A35 and this one is even better. I've seen it on the race track a few times and it's definitely faster than me, especially out of the corners. And it does look meaner with the panamericana grill. Removing the track pad though, what a fail...

KING RORY❤🎉❤ SLAY BRO another banger reciew

The unturned music

Mines running 15mm spacers front/rear and miltek non res. Looks and sounds phenomenal

We only get the A35 sedan here in the USA. Perhaps you could review that model?

They should’ve made that middle empty space for the keys as I’m always chucking mine in the cup holders or side door bin

Its really a bummer that this car is not available in the US.

10 out 10 for the car. And great review

A car that rewards you the more you push it is all well and good until you're driving something that goes from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds. Hyper hatches need to be fun at low speeds and that's why FWD hot hatches tend to be the better vehicle to own for most.

Nice upgrade kinda 😊

Question: speaking of the new MBUX, isn’t the previous A45s upgradable to the new version of MBUX? I mean it’s a software update and not hardware, right?

Hey nice review and car but… I love this watch you are wearing, what is the brand and model please ? Thanks from an RS Trophy driver 🙂

I’m trying to find one at this very week !!!!!! I’m very particular but I am trying to buy one ! ❤

I love Merc's, but disappointed that this one never makes the HP it should

Rory, as always a superb review. This is the best car ...by some margin..that Mercedes [AMG] produce. Current Mercedes design language and build quality nowhere near what it should be. And this is the last A45...shame. Thank you.

The vacant area in the middle of the console is known as the 'parking ticket plinth', or, alternatively, the 'cereal bar cupola.' 😜

Wooow I love it with 4 cylinder

Great little car but why no mention of the Audi RS3 as an obvious competitor? Power just slightly down at 401. 3.8 to 60mph and arguably better looking (as a saloon).

The little space where the trackpad was, if you don't keep your keys in your pocket, ideal place for them

Great review. Relevant comments regarding how it drives on the limit on tight roads. Very sure footed and predictable on the limit. Also comment regarding lack of liveliness compared to FWD is true. I own a 2021 A45S and also had from new the previous 2018 W176 facelift model and the new car is way better. To satisfy the FWD directness I also own a Meg 4 Trophy R and Meg 4 Trophy 300 EDC for a daily. Let's just say they all have their positives and negatives but A45S is ear marked as a keeper.😀

Amazing video.

WOOOW this is amazing Mercedes

Absolutely love the facelift model… been reading some comments that are considering the pre-facelift… don’t do it. The facelift model is so much better. It’s like they found all the things that could be improved on the old model and changed them. The audio system, although appearing to be the same as the pre-facelift, has been tuned and sounds amazing. Deeper base and richer sounds. So good. And the Mercedes voice control is 99% accurate. Especially the hot words like “next track”, or “show map”… you can talk and talk, but when you say those key phrases, it will do what you want. No need to say Hey Mercedes! Works VERY well. The steering wheel feels great. Haven’t had any issues with the touch buttons - but you can also reduce its sensitivity… I’ve got it set to the lowest sensitivity. And the driving - it’s just as amazing as always. Love this car, and love this version.

Good video yet the new a45s the one he’s in has a 48v battery to assist by 100nm of torque instantly yet no mention of that

Review the A35 please.

Mercedes is missing lots of sales not selling this vehicle in the US. I love hatchbacks! The first car I bought as a teen was a PT Cruiser (hatchback). They say Americans aren't having as many kids. So... less people to haul around. We have all these huge SUVs here... why 🤷‍♀️ we need more vehicles here like this. Where I live in North, Texas someone has one of these. Every time I see this person drive past me, I about break my neck staring at this car!

The rear flexi-wing is active aero 😆👍🏽

It only the headlight and tail light that has changed, everything is the same but surely it expensive than it predecessor but I will still choose Rs3, Hyundai i30N or M2 Comp than this A45s

How long will these high power, low capacity engines last?

I need to own this just for 1 year . Have fun a bit.

Is it still a hot hatch if it weighs this much?

63k hot hatch? I remember when a hot hatch used to be less than 20k and a have a nippy NA around 180-200hp.. An M3 was less than 63k. I´d place this more in the segment with the likes of Evos, subaru STIs and Mazda 6 MPS. They were more serious performance cars with 4wd. Not in the same class as the clio RSs and Focus STs

Is that a Swiss Military Hanowa watch?

Given the minor revisions and poor build, an extra 10k is actually very poor value. Anyone who buys the facelift can expect prices to tank instantly because the pre - facelift is so similar. If you want a proper hot hatch, buy a Type R. If you want a engine focused hot hatch, get an RS3.

Does my A45S look big in this?

Its the same engine in the emira yes? Oh boy i think i might have to consider my order.

Stock engine that have just 2.0 and have above 350 horsepower quite impressive for me..

No mention of the rs3? Strange.

Shakin' that A45S

Isit still based on the Renault Megane platform?

i never really like amg a45s though its a great hatch an rs3 speaks better in design and 5 cyl sound and an m340i would straight up kill the competition. High Practicality for same power.

Is this digitial white or are this the regular white ?

If i am not wrong the 4 cylinder engine in the new C63 is currently the most powerful 4 cylinder engine in the world

So need an A Class EV 70kw+ AWD performance model,

You are genuine

I think you forgot about the gr corolla and yaris

There’s nothing like a quiet EV blasting the music through all speakers without the whine of an engine. I used to have cars with V8s that sounded great and were loud but i enjoy my EV much better.

It’s not the last one that’s why they only charge few because the last one will be powerful and lighter 😊

Looks great, sounds………….. RS3 for me or M2.

Looks good

The 2024 model is still have the drift mode ?

I had one 3 years ago Very quick but cheap nasty build quality Cabin rattled and lots of probs with it glad to get rid

Based on this review, the Mercedes AMG A45 Is a beast, good, best interior, new entertainment system ✨

If I can get one right now it's the 2023 model. Stupid all these manufacturers claiming its next years model. Bar that great review.

It's interesting you compare the car to a Focus ST and a Golf GTI, but surely its natural competiton would be the RS3 hatch and Golf R much more than the GTI.

I thought an ISG would be added like they did on the A35...

why didnt they go for it and allow full rwd when asked for, now that woyld have been an upgrade

You get more noise after its bedded in, i noticed after 3000 miles.

The Best Designed Hot Hatch on the market right now !! No doubt !! GR Corolla as well !!!

Was surprised this car can’t keep up with the Rs3 anymore, back then the Rs3 had no chance......handling maybe....just remembered there is Rs3 performance.......clearly it got no chance anymore.

I still remember the comparison between the A45S and the Cayman and I still agree this A45S is better than that Cayman! Sad to see it go :c And this is also one of my favorite Hot Hatches :(

The only competitor to this is the RS3, how you didn’t even mention it is just weird....Starting to doubt you

Nice one

I wish we got this in the US. Would be such a great daily.

Nice car brow yeah

Nice car nice ride ❤

Still playing second fiddle to the new RS3 in so many ways.

Mercedes A45 pricelift?🔥🔥