Mercedes-AMG A45 S white - vs. A45
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Mercedes A45 vs. A45 S: The 5 Differences & Which Is Best?

Dipping your toes into the world of Mercedes? Fantastic choice!

Today, we’re putting two head-turners under the spotlight: the Mercedes-AMG A45 and its pumped-up sibling, the A45 S.

Now, you might wonder, “Aren’t they kind of… the same?” Well, not quite.

While they share the Mercedes badge and most design elements, a handful of things set them apart.

The main difference between the Mercedes-AMG A45 and A45 S is that the A45 has 387 hp from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, while the A45 S delivers 421 hp with the same engine size, allowing for even quicker acceleration and a higher top speed.

But that’s not all! In this article, we’ll break down all the differences and tell you which is best for your needs.

Ready to dive in?

5 Differences Between The Mercedes A45 And A45 S

Let’s check out all the differences between these A-Class models!

1. Engine performance

We will start with the most critical difference, the engine performance.

Starting with the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG, we have an impressive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 387 hp.

Picture this: You’re at a stoplight, press down on the accelerator, and within 4 seconds (yes, just four!), you’ve accelerated to 62 mph. That’s some serious power right there.

And as for its top speed? It’s electronically limited to 155 mph. Pretty good for your day-to-day hatchback, right?

Now, the A45 S is about to take you on an even wilder ride. It has the same 2.0-liter engine but manages to squeeze out an astonishing 421 hp. This added boost shaves a tenth of a second off the 0-62 mph time, bringing it down to 3.9 seconds.

And if you ever find a long enough stretch of road (and please, make sure it’s a legal and safe place), you can push it all the way up to 168 mph.

All in all, here is an overview of the engines of the A45 and A45 S and their performance:

Mercedes-AMGEnginePower (hp)Torque (Nm)0 to 62 mphTop speed
A452.0-liter four-cylinder3874504.0 seconds155 mph (250 km/h)
A45 S2.0-liter four-cylinder4215003.9 seconds168 mph (270 km/h)
Mercedes-AMG A45 S engine
Mercedes-AMG A45 S engine

Reader’s tip: What Fuel Does The Mercedes A-Class Need? (95 Vs. 98 RON)

2. Interior features

Step inside the Mercedes A45, and you’re welcomed by a chic, digitally forward cabin. The instruments? All digital, displayed on a sleek, panoramic-style 10.3-inch screen.

Those red-ringed air vents and matching red seat belts? They subtly remind you that you’re in a high-performance AMG model.

As for the Mercedes A45 S, it’s not just about more horsepower.

While you’ll find many of the same features from the A45, the S model steps things up with yellow highlights sprinkled throughout the cabin, giving it a distinct personality.

The cherry on top? The A45 S has an AMG Performance steering wheel as standard, ensuring you can switch between modes with your fingertips, literally.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S interior - yellow accents
Mercedes-AMG A45 S interior

Related article: Which Mercedes A-Class Has Ambient Lighting? (2025 Update)

3. Wheel size

There’s another difference between these two that ‘hides’ in the wheel size.

The Mercedes-AMG A45 sits on 18-inch wheels. These are more than just shiny accessories; they provide a stable, reassuring feel on the road, especially when you consider those chunky 245 mm-wide tires on them.

However, for the A45 S, Mercedes decided to dial it up a notch. It gets bigger 19-inch wheels as standard, again with the same 245 mm width.

The added inch gives it a more dominant stance and slightly alters the driving dynamics, providing an edge during those spirited drives.

4. Brakes

Mercedes-AMG A45 S Wheels and Brakes
Mercedes-AMG A45 S Wheels and Brakes

Slowing down for a moment (literally!), let’s talk brakes.

On the A45, Mercedes has fitted sturdy four-piston calipers.

But the A45 S is here to show off a bit. The A45 S has even larger, six-piston calipers as standard.

Why does that matter, you ask? More pistons generally translate to increased braking pressure, ensuring this high-performance machine can decelerate as impressively as it accelerates.

5. Price tag

Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room: the cost.

The Mercedes-AMG A45, at the time it was released, had a starting price of over £41,000. Now, while that’s no pocket change, you’re getting a potent blend of performance, luxury, and tech innovations.

For the Mercedes-AMG A45 S, you’re looking at an elevated price point – it was more than £50,000 when new.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S white exterior rear
Mercedes-AMG A45 S

But here’s the thing: with that extra investment, you’re getting an amped-up engine, additional luxe features, and that extra bit of bragging rights.

Consider it like opting for the latest, fully-loaded smartphone model. Sure, it’s pricier, but the enhanced specs and added perks make it incredibly tempting.

When comparing the two, it’s evident that the A45 offers great value for its price, especially for those who want a taste of luxury and performance without going all out. The A45 S, on the other hand, is for those willing to stretch their budget for the very pinnacle of hatchback performance and luxury.

What is the best choice? (Mercedes A45 vs. A45 S)

Ah, the million-pound question – or should we say, the £9,000 question, considering the price difference? Which one should you park in your driveway: the A45 or the A45 S?

Firstly, let’s get one thing straight: Both these cars are head-turners and performance beasts in their own right.

Mercedes-AMG A45 S white exterior front
Mercedes-AMG A45 S

If you crave raw performance, the A45 S is your ride. With its heightened horsepower and the extra quickness off the line, it’s meant for those who love to feel the wind rush past them just a tad faster.

Add the aesthetic yellow highlights inside and the more dominant AMG Performance steering wheel, and you’ve got a ride that’s powerful and has a touch more exclusivity.

However, if you’re seeking a balance between luxury, performance, and value for money, the A45 might just be your best bet. It delivers nearly as much punch as the A45 S, has a stunningly digital interior, and comes at a more accessible price point.

Related article: 10 Pros And Cons Of The Mercedes A-Class (Read Before Buying)

And as a last tip, if you ever want to get closer to the power of the A45 S in your A45, you can always consider getting a RaceChip.

RaceChip is a company offering Plug & Drive tuning box systems for many car models. They can be installed by yourself without needing any specialist knowledge or tools.

In fact, it will only take 10 to 15 minutes, and when you buy a RaceChip, you’ll receive car model-specific installation instructions!

Using a RaceChip, you can give your Mercedes-AMG A45 a performance boost of up to 69 horsepower and 40 Nm of torque:

Mercedes-AMG A45 chip tuning - RaceChip performance increase

And the best thing is, a RaceChip is much more affordable than the upgrade from an A45 to an A45 S. You can check out RaceChip’s website here!

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision between the A45 and A45 S boils down to personal preferences.

If every millisecond and detail counts for you, and budget isn’t a constraint, go for the A45 S. But, if you want to enjoy 90% of the thrill at 80% of the price, the A45 might just be your perfect match.

Whatever you choose, just remember: You’re not merely getting a car; you’re getting a piece of the Mercedes-AMG legacy.

So, enjoy the ride!

More A-Class comparisons

Not sure if these Mercedes A-Class models are right for you? Don’t worry, there are more options to choose from:

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