Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 28 July 2026
Mercedes-AMG is preparing to farewell the A45 S hot hatch with a Final Edition featuring distinctive paintwork, yellow highlights and a more aggressive aerodynamic package.
The special model marks the end of the current-generation A45 S, which has been on sale internationally since 2019. There’s no extra power, but the regular car’s 310kW turbocharged engine means performance was hardly an area in urgent need of attention.
Instead, Mercedes-AMG has concentrated on making the Final Edition stand out visually. It bears a strong resemblance to the A45 S Limited Edition released a few years earlier, although it does without that model’s more elaborate body graphics.
The Final Edition is finished in Mountain Grey Magno, a matt paint from the Mercedes-Benz Manufaktur range. It’s matched with black door handles, matt-black 19-inch alloy wheels and black brake calipers.
The dark treatment continues across the exterior badging, side-mirror caps and four exhaust outlets. Yellow highlights provide some contrast, while large “45 S” graphics make it clear this isn’t a regular A-Class.
An unusual silver-chrome fuel-filler cap is also part of the package.
More aggressive aero
The AMG Aerodynamics Package comes as standard, adding a larger front splitter and a more prominent rear spoiler. Front canards and a high-gloss black rear diffuser complete the exterior changes.
Inside, the yellow theme is applied to the seats, dashboard and other trim details. Large “45 S” logos are embroidered into the front seats, while a “45 S Final Edition” badge on the centre console identifies the car as the last of its kind.
Standard equipment includes aluminium trim, synthetic leather upholstery, black AMG door-sill panels and a steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.
Familiar 310kW engine
There are no mechanical changes beneath the bonnet. The Final Edition retains AMG’s M139 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 310kW and 500Nm.
Mercedes-AMG claims it remains the most powerful four-cylinder engine fitted to a series-production car. It sends the A45 S from 0–100km/h in 3.9 seconds, while the electronically limited top speed is 270km/h.
Drive reaches all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG’s variable 4Matic+ system. The rear axle can distribute torque between the individual wheels, helping the A45 S rotate into corners and enabling its Drift mode.
Expensive farewell
In the UK, the A45 S Final Edition is priced from £67,965. That represents a substantial premium over the less powerful A35, which remains available there from £48,030.
New Zealand pricing and availability haven’t been confirmed.
Mercedes-Benz is developing a successor to the current A-Class, but it remains unclear whether another combustion-powered A45 will be part of the programme. Tightening emissions requirements make its prospects uncertain, while the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has switched to a fully electric powertrain.
That makes this Final Edition more significant than the usual collection of paint, badges and aerodynamic add-ons. It could represent the end of AMG’s petrol-powered compact flagship, rather than simply the conclusion of one model generation.
