Likes
- Immense levels of performance wrapped in a premium package.
- Full suite of A Class features and technology.
- Most affordable entry point into a genuine AMG.
- Now used, offers so much car for the money.
Used Mercedes-Benz A-Class A45 AMG review
2013 - 2018
Dislikes
- Expensive parts, repair and maintenance bills.
- Requires very regular maintenance to perform and last.
- Many on the used market have been abused.
- Say goodbye to your license.
Stuff you should know
The Mercedes-AMG A45, designated the W176, is a high-performance hatchback that offers an exhilarating driving experience and a luxurious interior.
Under the hood, the A45 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces an impressive 265 kW and 450 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which helps to deliver smooth and efficient power delivery. The A45 also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension and a torque vectoring system, which work together to provide agile handling and a stable ride.
The A45 is a blast to drive. Its powerful engine and dual-clutch transmission provide explosive acceleration, and the suspension is well-tuned for sharp handling and a composed ride even when pushed to the limit. The A45 also comes with a variety of performance-enhancing features such as a launch control system and a sport exhaust, which help to make the most of its impressive power.
Inside, the A45 boasts a stylish and well-equipped interior. It comes standard with a large touchscreen display, a premium sound system, and a variety of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The A45 also offers a range of customization options, including a variety of interior trims, upholstery materials, and ambient lighting colors.
Overall, the W176 AMG A45 is a top-performing hatchback that offers a perfect blend of power, handling, and comfort. It is definitely worth considering for anyone in the market for a high-performance vehicle.
What goes wrong
In regards to the exterior, it’s actually pretty good news, the only common complaints reported are generally related to poorly modified examples.
For example cheap dodgy bodykits and an attitude to driving that often comes with cheap dodgy bodykits. If it has a cheap dodgy bodykit, look for other signs of abuse.
Inside, there are a few dramas like reports of various creaks and rattles from trim pieces, or the air vents on the dashboard.
Be sure you check that not only the air conditioning works but does it blow air at all? Worst case scenario the air conditioning system can completely fail, generally costing a frightening amount of money to fix although best case scenario, it might just be a fuse or resistor which is an easy and cheap fix.
There are reports that the MMI screen can glitch out or fail completely. The repairs obviously depend on the problem but we’ve heard everything from a simple software update to having to replace the entire screen.
In the second row, especially on pre-facelift models, check for any signs that the rear floor has been damp at all. The drainage in the back can get clogged and the excess water ends up filling the rear footwells, potentially smelling like wet dog.
Mechanically, the 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder in these are an absolute powerhouse! Fun fact, at the time this engine was the most powerful factory 2-litre turbo available.
However, with great power comes great responsibility.
If you own one of these AMG models and want it to last, it’s highly advised to service it often. We’re talking every 5000km at least.
This is simply because making so much power from an engine this size puts a lot of strain on everything and everything breaks if you don’t look after it.
One of the most common and expensive issues with these engines are turbo failure from lack of oil and due to this, there have been recalls relating to the turbo oil feed line.
Basically, the oil feed line was restricting flow and causing turbo failure.
However, it’s important to note, there are reports of turbo failure even after the recalls were actioned. Your best bet is fit an after-market upgraded oil feed line and as we mentioned, oil changes every are critical every 5000kms.
Also, these engines do have a number of cooling system complications, especially leaks from water pumps and thermostat housings. Some say high engine bay temperatures are the cause of failed engine bay plastics, like the cooling system, PCV and inlet tract components, although these particular engines don’t really fail any more often than any other Mercedes model.
In terms of the DSG transmissions and drivelines, there
In regards to the exterior, it’s actually pretty good news, the only common complaints reported are generally related to poorly modified examples.
For example cheap dodgy bodykits and an attitude to driving that often comes with cheap dodgy bodykits. If it has a cheap dodgy bodykit, look for other signs of abuse.
Inside, there are a few dramas like reports of various creaks and rattles from trim pieces, or the air vents on the dashboard.
Be sure you check that not only the air conditioning works but does it blow air at all? Worst case scenario the air conditioning system can completely fail, generally costing a frightening amount of money to fix although best case scenario, it might just be a fuse or resistor which is an easy and cheap fix.
There are reports that the MMI screen can glitch out or fail completely. The repairs obviously depend on the problem but we’ve heard everything from a simple software update to having to replace the entire screen.
In the second row, especially on pre-facelift models, check for any signs that the rear floor has been damp at all. The drainage in the back can get clogged and the excess water ends up filling the rear footwells, potentially smelling like wet dog.
Mechanically, the 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder in these are an absolute powerhouse! Fun fact, at the time this engine was the most powerful factory 2-litre turbo available.
However, with great power comes great responsibility.
If you own one of these AMG models and want it to last, it’s highly advised to service it often. We’re talking every 5000km at least.
This is simply because making so much power from an engine this size puts a lot of strain on everything and everything breaks if you don’t look after it.
One of the most common and expensive issues with these engines are turbo failure from lack of oil and due to this, there have been recalls relating to the turbo oil feed line.
Basically, the oil feed line was restricting flow and causing turbo failure.
However, it’s important to note, there are reports of turbo failure even after the recalls were actioned. Your best bet is fit an after-market upgraded oil feed line and as we mentioned, oil changes every are critical every 5000kms.
Also, these engines do have a number of cooling system complications, especially leaks from water pumps and thermostat housings. Some say high engine bay temperatures are the cause of failed engine bay plastics, like the cooling system, PCV and inlet tract components, although these particular engines don’t really fail any more often than any other Mercedes model.
In terms of the DSG transmissions and drivelines, there are many complaints about harsh shifting, annoying clunks and shuddering. This can be a software related problem or an internal mechanical issue and there are plenty of reports about rear differential failures too. If the car is out of warranty, all of these issues are likely to be expensive to repair.
It’s also worth mentioning that even under normal driving conditions, they do tend to wear tyres, brakes and lower control arm bushes fairly badly and obviously, this will be exaggerated if the car is seeing any track or overly enthusiastic driving time.
Overall, these AMG models are very complex and very highly strung and any car that fits that description is going to have complications and high upkeeps costs.
In regards to the exterior, it’s actually pretty good news, the only common complaints reported are generally related to poorly modified examples.
For example cheap dodgy bodykits and an attitude to driving that often comes with cheap dodgy bodykits. If it has a cheap dodgy bodykit, look for other signs of abuse.
Inside, there are a few dramas like reports of various creaks and rattles from trim pieces, or the air vents on the dashboard.
Be sure you check that not only the air conditioning works but does it blow air at all? Worst case scenario the air conditioning system can completely fail, generally costing a frightening amount of money to fix although best case scenario, it might just be a fuse or resistor which is an easy and cheap fix.
There are reports that the MMI screen can glitch out or fail completely. The repairs obviously depend on the problem but we’ve heard everything from a simple software update to having to replace the entire screen.
In the second row, especially on pre-facelift models, check for any signs that the rear floor has been damp at all. The drainage in the back can get clogged and the excess water ends up filling the rear footwells, potentially smelling like wet dog.
Mechanically, the 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder in these are an absolute powerhouse! Fun fact, at the time this engine was the most powerful factory 2-litre turbo available.
However, with great power comes great responsibility.
If you own one of these AMG models and want it to last, it’s highly advised to service it often. We’re talking every 5000km at least.
This is simply because making so much power from an engine this size puts a lot of strain on everything and everything breaks if you don’t look after it.
One of the most common and expensive issues with these engines are turbo failure from lack of oil and due to this, there have been recalls relating to the turbo oil feed line.
Basically, the oil feed line was restricting flow and causing turbo failure.
However, it’s important to note, there are reports of turbo failure even after the recalls were actioned. Your best bet is fit an after-market upgraded oil feed line and as we mentioned, oil changes every are critical every 5000kms.
Also, these engines do have a number of cooling system complications, especially leaks from water pumps and thermostat housings. Some say high engine bay temperatures are the cause of failed engine bay plastics, like the cooling system, PCV and inlet tract components, although these particular engines don’t really fail any more often than any other Mercedes model.
In terms of the DSG transmissions and drivelines, there are many complaints about harsh shifting, annoying clunks and shuddering. This can be a software related problem or an internal mechanical issue and there are plenty of reports about rear differential failures too. If the car is out of warranty, all of these issues are likely to be expensive to repair.
It’s also worth mentioning that even under normal driving conditions, they do tend to wear tyres, brakes and lower control arm bushes fairly badly and obviously, this will be exaggerated if the car is seeing any track or overly enthusiastic driving time.
Overall, these AMG models are very complex and very highly strung and any car that fits that description is going to have complications and high upkeeps costs.
Should you buy it?
Whether you should buy An AMG A45 really comes down to who owned it before you. If the original owners are mature and financially sound people who simply bought an A45 because they just had to own the very best of the small Mercedes models, and are quite possibly unaware of the A45’s incredible performance abilities, or they are genuine AMG fans that has clearly adored their pride and joy A45. It’s a yes, because chances are it has been serviced regularly and cared for by professionals.
If the previous owners are cashed up immature potential hoons who have thrown themselves into immense debt to buy or lease a fancy AMG to scare their mates with launch control, and seem hell bent to piss off everyone within earshot via the car’s pops and crackles and bangs.It’s a no, don’t buy an A45 from one of these dickheads.
As brilliant as these are when cared for, plenty out there have been abused and financial corners have been cut as they know they’re just going to get rid of the car the minute the lease is up. Yes the A45 can still be brilliant but please be bloody careful because they can turn into a nightmare.
Whether you should buy An AMG A45 really comes down to who owned it before you. If the original owners are mature and financially sound people who simply bought an A45 because they just had to own the very best of the small Mercedes models, and are quite possibly unaware of the A45’s incredible performance abilities, or they are genuine AMG fans that has clearly adored their pride and joy A45. It’s a yes, because chances are it has been serviced regularly and cared for by professionals.
If the previous owners are cashed up immature potential hoons who have thrown themselves into immense debt to buy or lease a fancy AMG to scare their mates with launch control, and seem hell bent to piss off everyone within earshot via the car’s pops and crackles and bangs.It’s a no, don’t buy an A45 from one of these dickheads.
As brilliant as these are when cared for, plenty out there have been abused and financial corners have been cut as they know they’re just going to get rid of the car the minute the lease is up. Yes the A45 can still be brilliant but please be bloody careful because they can turn into a nightmare.
Should you buy it?
Whether you should buy An AMG A45 really comes down to who owned it before you. If the original owners are mature and financially sound people who simply bought an A45 because they just had to own the very best of the small Mercedes models, and are quite possibly unaware of the A45’s incredible performance abilities, or they are genuine AMG fans that has clearly adored their pride and joy A45. It’s a yes, because chances are it has been serviced regularly and cared for by professionals.
If the previous owners are cashed up immature potential hoons who have thrown themselves into immense debt to buy or lease a fancy AMG to scare their mates with launch control, and seem hell bent to piss off everyone within earshot via the car’s pops and crackles and bangs.It’s a no, don’t buy an A45 from one of these dickheads.
As brilliant as these are when cared for, plenty out there have been abused and financial corners have been cut as they know they’re just going to get rid of the car the minute the lease is up. Yes the A45 can still be brilliant but please be bloody careful because they can turn into a nightmare.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body style:
5-door hatchback (A45 AMG)
4-door sedan (CLA45 AMG)
Engines:
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power:
265kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
280kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Torque:
450Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
475Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Transmission & drivetrains:
7-speed dual clutch transmission, all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Fuel consumption:
6.9 – 7.4L/100kms
Length:
4292 – 4299mm (A45 AMG)
4630mm (CLA45 AMG)
Width:
1780mm (A45 AMG)
1777mm (CLA45 AMG)
Height:
1433 – 1438mm (A45 AMG)
1432mm (CLA45 AMG)
Kerb weight:
1555kg (A45 AMG)
1585kg (CLA45 AMG)
Body style:
5-door hatchback (A45 AMG)
4-door sedan (CLA45 AMG)
Engines:
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power:
265kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
280kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Torque:
450Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
475Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Transmission & drivetrains:
7-speed dual clutch transmission, all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Fuel consumption:
6.9 – 7.4L/100kms
Length:
4292 – 4299mm (A45 AMG)
4630mm (CLA45 AMG)
Width:
1780mm (A45 AMG)
1777mm (CLA45 AMG)
Height:
1433 – 1438mm (A45 AMG)
1432mm (CLA45 AMG)
Kerb weight:
1555kg (A45 AMG)
1585kg (CLA45 AMG)
Body style:
5-door hatchback (A45 AMG)
4-door sedan (CLA45 AMG)
Engines:
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
Power:
265kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
280kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Torque:
450Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol
475Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (from 2015)
Transmission & drivetrains:
7-speed dual clutch transmission, all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Fuel consumption:
6.9 – 7.4L/100kms
Length:
4292 – 4299mm (A45 AMG)
4630mm (CLA45 AMG)
Width:
1780mm (A45 AMG)
1777mm (CLA45 AMG)
Height:
1433 – 1438mm (A45 AMG)
1432mm (CLA45 AMG)
Kerb weight:
1555kg (A45 AMG)
1585kg (CLA45 AMG)
Warranty & servicing
WARRANTY:
3 years / unlimited km
SERVICING:
12 months / 20,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of January 12, 2021.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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