Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ launched in India at Rs 79.50 lakh, is the country’s most powerful hatchback

Mercedes-Benz has launched the 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ in India. Prices for the smallest 45-badged AMG start at Rs 79.5 lakh (ex-showroom, before options) and the hatchback is being brought in as a CBU, unlike the locally-assembled 35-series models. The AMG A 45 S is by far the fastest hatchback to ever go on sale in India, the second-fastest in the world and is powered by the most powerful four-cylinder engine fitted to a production car yet. The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S is powered by the specially-developed M 139 2.0-litre petrol. This four-cylinder single-turbo motor makes 421 hp at 6,750 rpm and 500 Nm at 5,000-5,250 rpm. This motor is hand-assembled in the same way as the 4.0-litre V8 from larger AMGs and has seen numerous developments being made to achieve the high specific output. [caption id=“attachment_10149301” align=“alignnone” width=“1920”]  The Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ is being brought to India as a full import. Image: Mercedes-Benz[/caption] This engine pairs with an eight-speed AMG dual-clutch automatic with a launch control function and an AMG tuned all-wheel-drive system. This system also features variable torque distribution and a drift mode, which works through a pair of clutches in the rear axle. There are six drive modes to choose from - Slippery, Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race – as well as the three-stage AMG Dynamics ESC modes. Other enhancements over the A 35 include a heavily reinforced chassis with a wider front track, larger 19-inch tyres, revised suspension components and uprated brakes. The S version going on sale in India gets the Driver’s package as standard which ups top-speed to 270 kph and allows for a 0 to 100 kph time of 3.9 seconds. The AMG hot hatch also gets differentiates styling. There is a new bumper and the Panamericana grille, multi-beam LED headlamps, and a new rear diffuser to tie in with the four-pot exhausts. Six colour options are available - Sun Yellow, Polar White, Mountain Grey, Designo Patagonia Red, Designo Mountain Grey Magno and Cosmos Black. Interior highlights on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S include the AMG specific menus in the twin touchscreens, aluminium and rubberised dash highlights, leather and micro-suede upholstery with yellow stitching, the AMG-specific steering wheel and sport seats. Other features include a head-up display, 12-speaker Burmester audio and safety kit such as lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. The hot hatch has no direct rivals in the country currently, although the Audi RS 3 is expected to make its debut here sometime in 2022.