The interior of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S is based on the stylish cabin of the standard Mercedes A-Class. The stepped dashboard top, turbine-style air vents, and large twin screens of the MBUX infotainment system are all retained. However, in the AMG Plus specification, there are improved material quality and design enhancements.
The doors and dash feature expansive brushed aluminium sections, which contrast with the glossy black plastic panelling that surrounds the air vents and populates the centre console. In the Plus-spec cars, genuine leather upholstery replaces the microfibre and Artico leather combination, and striking yellow panelling and stitching add to the sporty aesthetic.
The seats in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S are firm and position the driver slightly higher in the cabin. However, they provide excellent support with ample bolsters, and the steering column offers plenty of adjustability.
The functionality of the cabin is also impressive. There are numerous storage cubbies throughout, and the rear seating area offers decent head and legroom, measuring at 690mm and 930mm, respectively. The boot has a capacity of 370 litres, the same as the standard A-Class, and it is 35 litres larger than the Audi RS3 Sportback, its closest rival.
The 2023 facelift of the A-Class range introduced two significant changes. The first is the removal of the trackpad for the MBUX infotainment system. The usability implications of this change are discussed further, but it should be noted that Mercedes did not utilize the freed-up space in the centre console effectively, as it only provides a tray that is slightly too small for most phones.
The other change is the introduction of the new-style AMG steering wheel, featuring a chunky rim and touch-sensitive spokes. The wheel feels comfortable in the hands, but the touch-sensitive surfaces can be easily activated unintentionally. In the A45, the wheel also includes two satellite pods for quickly switching drive modes and adjusting individual parameters, which is particularly convenient considering the multitude of modes available that genuinely alter the car’s dynamic character.
Multimedia system
The Mercedes MBUX infotainment system in the A45 S is impressive, featuring sharp graphics and fluid responsiveness on its two 10.25-inch displays. The integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is seamless.
In the 2023 model, the A-Class removes the trackpad on the centre console, replacing it with a shallow tray that is less useful. While the touch-screen interface is logical, the touch-sensitive surfaces on the steering wheel can be inconsistent in their response.
The S models also come with the AMG Track Pace app, which allows drivers to record lap times and analyze driving data. Additionally, the MBUX Augmented Reality function can project a racing circuit’s ideal racing line onto the head-up display, although this feature was not tested.