Mercedes-Benz reveals facelifted 2016 A45 AMG with 381hp
The updated Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG brings more power, sharper styling and enhanced chassis tech, moving ahead of the Audi RS3 Sportback in output.
Mercedes-Benz has launched the facelifted 2016 A45 AMG, giving its flagship hot hatch a power increase to 381hp and a range of technical upgrades. The new model arrives as the most powerful production four-cylinder hatchback of its time, overtaking the Audi RS3 Sportback in outright output.
The core of the update is the revised 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Mercedes-AMG has extracted 381hp (280kW) and 475Nm from the compact unit, up from the previous 360hp. That figure puts it ahead of the RS3’s 367hp, despite the Mercedes using one fewer cylinder. The result is a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 seconds compared to the outgoing version. Official fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km, with CO2 emissions of 162g/km.
Alongside the power increase, the A45 AMG receives a series of chassis and equipment upgrades. DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes are now standard, allowing drivers to tailor throttle, shift and suspension behaviour via Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual settings. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension system is also available, featuring adaptive damping. A new mechanical front axle locking differential is introduced to improve traction under hard acceleration and in corners.
Visual and interior changes
The facelift brings revised front and rear bumpers, updated lighting units and subtle tweaks to interior trim. The changes are evolutionary, and the car’s silhouette and overall design remain familiar to existing A-Class owners. Mercedes has focused on detail improvements rather than a wholesale redesign.
Market position and rivals
With the latest update, the A45 AMG moves ahead of the Audi RS3 Sportback in power and acceleration. The Mercedes remains a direct rival to the RS3 and other high-performance hatchbacks, offering all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch transmission as standard. For buyers, the increased output and additional chassis technology reinforce the AMG’s appeal at the top of the hot hatch segment.
Further details on a potential A45 AMG S variant were not confirmed at launch. Mercedes-AMG’s focus for 2016 remains on this upgraded standard model, which arrives in dealerships following the introduction of the revised A-Class range.
For more on AMG’s developments in this segment, see Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Black Series spied testing at Nürburgring
