Mercedes-AMG calls the A45 S Final Edition hot hatch auf Wiedersehen

It has become inevitable. Mercedes is discontinuing the A45 S after launching this generation of the hot hatch in mid-2019. Before the pocket rocket rides off into the proverbial sunset, a final version marks the end of the line with several cosmetic and aerodynamic upgrades that help it stand out. It looks suspiciously similar to the limited edition launched a few years ago, thankfully without the John Deere-inspired livery.

The A45 S Final Edition stands out with Mountain Gray Magno paint, a matte finish from the manufacturer color palette, paired with black door handles and matte 19-inch wheels. The brake callipers are also finished in black, as is the rear badging. The dark treatment extends to the side mirror caps and quad exhaust tips.

Yellow exterior accents and a silver chrome fuel filler cap provide contrast, while oversized “45 S” logos emphasize that this is not a run-of-the-mill A-Class. Mercedes also includes the AMG Aerodynamics package, which adds a more aggressive front splitter and a larger rear spoiler. The A45 S Swan Song also features front canards and a high-gloss black diffuser.

The interior appears to be almost identical to the limited edition we mentioned earlier, with the addition of yellow exterior accents throughout the cabin. The front seats are embroidered with hard-to-miss “45S” logos, while the center console features a “45S Final Edition” badge indicating that it is the last of its kind. Aluminum trim, artificial leather upholstery, black AMG door sill panels, and a Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel all come as standard.

There are no changes under the hood, where the AMG A45 S Final Edition is powered by the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine ever installed in a series-production car. It produces 416 hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm), enabling acceleration from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 168 mph (270 km/h).

The “M139” engine is shared with the ill-fated AMG C63, where the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is longitudinally mounted and produces an even higher 469 hp. Like the regular AMG A45 S, the Ultimate Edition sends output to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with variable torque distribution to the rear axle.

Mercedes is asking £67,965 for the Ultimate Edition in the UK, where the lesser A35 is on sale for a more reasonable £48,030. The company is developing a successor to the A-Class, but it is unclear whether an AMG version with a combustion engine is in the pipeline. Given increasing emissions regulations, we wouldn’t count on it. After all, the new AMG CLA 45 is exclusively electric.

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Source: Mercedes-Benz

Motor1’s Opinion: The A45 S Final Edition is another nail in the hot hatch’s coffin. There were rumors that Mercedes would retire the car due to the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standard, but this was never confirmed. Regardless of why it’s bowing out, it’s sad to see the list of hot hatches available in Europe getting even shorter.

We can at least take comfort in knowing that the BMW M135 xDrive is still around, as are the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R, along with their Cupra Leon counterparts. We can also add the A35 to the list since it still exists. For those looking to go electric, there are plenty of options, including the Alpine A290, Abarth 500E, and Cupra Born VZ.