Mercedes A45 S review + 1/4 mile & 0-100! This AMG Benz is FAST, but does it lack soul?

[@CarExpertAus]

Skip Ahead: Exterior: 00:43 Interior: 03:04 Infotainment: 04:25 Features: 11:47 Practicality: 12:25 On the Road: 17:22 Drag Race: 18:17 Verdict: 23:10

[@kacperlis5321]

I like the time stamps.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, mate! We know people are busy, so we want to make sure you can all skip ahead if you need to!

[@jessetswana765]

Best review on the A45S ive seen so far. Keep up the great work.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Jesse! Appreciate it. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon :-D

[@greenskyrocket]

I can only agree with this statement. It delves deep enough for those who want it. I like this car and have watched many YT reviews of it, there are 4 or 5 good reviews, but this is the best I’ve seen. As for A45S V’s Supra V’s Tesla Model 3, I’d pick this AMG product, but not in this yellow, Cheers

[@FearGFXs]

Love how Paul goes over every detail of the car, really enjoying his personality, it fits mine. Good job

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, mate! Appreciate it 😁

[@wangc4]

I see Paul as Matt in Carwow for Australasia!

[@CarExpertAus]

You're too kind, Emile!

[@strawboi]

Not Matt - it’s Mat 😁

[@anakinskywalker4113]

100% agree with you Paul is fantastic.

[@sds2954]

Agree. I just came across this channel and I'm impressed. I like Paul's energy

[@Silentwitness1978]

Personally think he is way better than Carwow. That channel can get pretty annoying at times.

[@wingyeeloh]

The first and only serious car review in Australia

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, legend!

[@kensouza9239]

Is this the first drag race from an AU review channel?!!!! I wish for more reviews like this.

[@CarExpertAus]

It sure is, Kenuete! Keep an eye out on our channel next week - we have a more detailed comparison with the A35 including exhaust revving and more drag races! So make sure you hit the bell icon to get notifications when it goes live.

[@youliangyi3346]

the 1st - 2nd -3rd acceleration was insane, 4wd traction, good engine response and direct gear change all combined together.

[@CarExpertAus]

Keep an eye out for some more acceleration action with the A45 and A35 in a video we are posting this Friday 😁

[@ivy0130]

Love the review, great camera quality great sound.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! I’ll pass on the feedback to Igor.

[@PapaBrizzy]

Just got recommend this channel. Love it how do you only have 900 subs. Great reviewm and brutally honest which I love

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Rhys! We want to bring you guys the best and most honest reviews - plus no sponsored content :-D. Feel free to hit the bell icon when you subscribe so you get notified when we publish each review.

[@bonnybabu6443]

Yet another brilliant review Paul. What differentiates CarExpert from the others is your honesty and the detail you get into! Have loved every review this far! Keep'em coming!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Bonny - we appreciate that feedback! The more you guys share our content, the more we can aim to do :-D

[@bonnybabu6443]

@@CarExpertAus Will do :-)

[@Scooterdad72]

A much decent and polite car reviewer from Australia....

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks Alan!

[@foodjunky4685]

Thee best review of the A45S I’ve seen, and I’ve watched a fair few.. Thank you.. 👊🏾

[@jamesmarks4546]

This was an excellent real world review - very entertaining and informative; there was a lot I didn’t know about the day to day elements of this car despite watching various other reviews.

[@swanblake]

Fantastic job Paul. Love that this was taken to the strip for a drag race.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Blake! We have another video coming this Friday with more action from the drag strip :-D

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Great job Paul mate keep it going mate 🥂🍾

[@lukedevlin8073]

Very thorough review, thanks.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for watching!

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Love 💔 the a45 . 🏁

[@Modise__ZA]

I love how you go into details 👌🏿👌🏿

[@JoeHupp]

Holy crap! That is the same amount of power as a FPV F6 Typhoon!!!

[@SS-mj7jz]

Thanks for this review!

[@CarExpertAus]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching :-D

[@lewisgoodall2679]

Such a detailed review. This is great, really gives you lots of details which is exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks for posting!

[@c_hello_oo]

cant wait to see CLA45S review !!! thanks mate !

[@kieranmccann7823]

Drift mode looks to be a lot of fun on track. Awesome review Paul. Drag and drift.

[@CarExpertAus]

It definitely does! We're keen to give it a proper crack when the world returns to normal!

[@alejandrogutierrez127]

Excellent and very detailed review! You've got a new suscriber

[@CarExpertAus]

Legend. Thanks, Alejandro!

[@mc82]

Really enjoying the detail of these reviews. It's a refreshing change from the increasingly short highlight reel consumption reviews being pumped out by the mainstream. On another note, your Supra looks and sounds a whole lot better than the AMG, giving it a lot more character. I think at these performance levels, I'd take more character over more kilowatts. You can't really use the Supra to it's full capacity on public roads as it is (unless you want to constantly risk loss of licence).

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Max! We appreciate the feedback. That's the thing, I have a set of track wheels and tyres for the Supra, so I get to use it out on the race track, which makes it all worthwhile!

[@mackenziehilton7386]

Really good review guys can't wait for the channel to expand and bring more content 👍👍

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Mackenzie, we appreciate it!

[@strawboi]

Another good review Paul 👏🏻👏🏻

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks 👍 glad you enjoyed it!

[@I_am_Monty]

Awesome review and good amount of detail that I didn't get from watching other car reviews. It would be good the see a review of the more affordable hot hatches eg S3, A35,M135i etc

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, mate! Yes definitely, we will get on to these in the coming months.

[@giftaction6373]

Really excellent review, detailed from A to Z.

[@CarExpertAus]

Appreciate the comment!

[@DjNikGnashers]

I'm a BMW fan, and drive an M140i, but this is my 2nd favourite hot hatch.

[@CarExpertAus]

M140i is such a good car! Did you add the limited slip differential to yours?

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@CarExpertAus I got my car used, a few months ago, (2017 auto with adaptive suspension - with only 14,200 miles on). Unfortunately it doesn't have an LSD, but I plan on having either a Quaife or maybe a Wavetrac fitted when funds allow.

[@CarExpertAus]

👏 very nice!

[@petermoygannon698]

my amg gla 45 yellow night fully optioned even came with front AMG diff locker has a strong rear wing and fully up down electric boot from inside and 20 inch wheels and full alcantara steering wheel. still very happy with my black yellow night over this new one. I'm thinking they have made it a touch flimsy to get it to go harder. I get awsome feedback from mine round bends . anyone who has my car will know she's kick arse. and fun to drive. 12 .5 for the quarter mile.

[@CarExpertAus]

Very nice, Peter!

[@jimmy.christian]

_I'm gonna set into drift mode before driving into Macca's drive thru_

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@hassanskien3989]

Great review 💯👍🏼

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks!

[@Cykoid]

amazing performance, similar 1/4 mile time as a Camaro SS 6.2, with a 2 litre 4 popper it does make me question what the reliability would be like though.

[@quikgt]

Subbed, great review!

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, mate! Really appreciate it. You may also want to check out our drag race with the A35 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3SpomV5hah3gtU

[@sgtsmithy100]

New subscriber, great work

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you! We appreciate it :-D

[@nkosicollier4984]

Great review. Very detailed 😎👌🏿 I will definitely subscribe

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! And don't forget to tell your friends to do the same! 😊

[@lawrencegatt4515]

Miss the TV 📺 show . Mate 🏁

[@Rollaroundtap]

Hey Paul, great review! Does your Tesla Model 3 Performance feel much faster in a straight line? Throw back in the seat, pull ect?? Also what car out of this A45 and the Model 3 Performance would be easier to Live with as a daily? Ride comfort ect....

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Adam! Yes the Tesla feels much quicker in a straight line, both from standstill and while it’s moving. In terms of living with them, the Tesla is really firm - a little too firm for my liking. But it’s not let down by a massive amount of road noise like the A45. The tech is also better in the Tesla. If I were spending my money again and had the A45 been available when buying the Tesla I still would have landed on the Tesla 😁

[@Rollaroundtap]

CarExpert thanks for the reply mate, I really appreciate it. I have a mk7 golf gti pp at the moment, looking at upgrading as I have 2 children now. None 5 years ago when we brought our golf, needless to say we have outgrown it now, if I got the a45s I would have to get a cheap suv as well, but with the Tesla we may be able to make it work as my friends model 3 sr+ seems to have lots of space with boot and frunk, not too sure my wife will like the firmness though but we will just have to wait for our test drive to see. I remembered I was wanting a golf r when we got ours and she didn’t want it as it was a bit too aggressive 🤣 but she was coming from a Mazda 121 so she’s slowly getting on board with sports cars, we have come along way lol. So many choices, I’m also thinking 🤔 top of the range Volvo XC60 t5 inscription fully loaded and a golf r mk8 when it comes as we could probably get both of them for only $20,000 more after negotiations then the Tesla, but the low rate 3percent Tesla finance is also very tempting.....so confused.🤷‍♂️

[@CarExpertAus]

Tough call!! Definitely have a test drive of the Model 3 - I may just be being picky but it’s worth checking for yourself. If you’re not in a rush, the Model Y may solve the size and ride issue as well. XC60 is good but I don’t think we are too far away from a facelift on that car - you’ll also need to get air suspension with it too, cause it’s also pretty firm 😅

[@Rollaroundtap]

CarExpert yeah we are not in any rush so the Model Y might be a plan, defo would go air suspension on xc60 and bowers hi fi, Nappa massage cooled seats ect.... yeah I am a bit worried about that 😂 as I thought it was due an update soon but Volvo dont seem to do that as often as other manufacturers, can’t see anything online but you would know more then me. How does your model 3 hi fi compare to the bowers and Wilkins in the Volvo? The xc60 I drove with that was great, I really wasn’t that impressed with my mates model 3 system but like I said he has only got standard range +. I’ve read a article I Believe where you have said it’s the best car stereo you have ever heard, the one in your performance? Better then Audi hi end Bang and Olufsen, Even lives with Bentley Naim would you say? Last question I promise. 😝

[@pummyy]

that merc looks bad ass..

[@CarExpertAus]

It sure does!

[@stephentran6874]

This car is over $100k AUD it’s insanely

[@CarExpertAus]

It's a lot of coin!

[@rabidsminions2079]

Imagine this guy driving the Nissan Pulsar Gtir in 1990. Yes 30 years ago.

[@CarExpertAus]

I drove one!! They are unhinged. And almost impossible to find today 😁

[@scott8769]

is it possible to disable the voice recognition?

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes 😁 you can switch off the “Hey Mercedes” functionality in the car’s menu on MBUX.

[@xenonozhid3383]

Great review thanks - sounds like you'd prefer the A35?

[@CarExpertAus]

Cheers! Umm...I don't really love the A35. It probably lacks the rawness of this. It's not quite as edge and feels more like a hotted up A250 than a proper AMG.

[@xenonozhid3383]

@@CarExpertAus Ok thanks - is the A45 worth the extra over an A35? Or is it a matter of "I bought the A35, and now wish I'd bought the 45?" Also - you guys are doing a superb job at this - VERY useful information. Can you please add the cost of ownership and expected depreciation tables?

[@CarExpertAus]

I guess it depends on your opinion of value for money 😅 The A45 is worth it if you need the extra performance and the thrills, but it's a big price difference at the end of the day.

[@xenonozhid3383]

May I also suggest a simple sound meter to measure road noise at various speeds and surfaces please.

[@CarExpertAus]

It’s on our list of tools to use for testing - just tricky to do consistently with the cars.

[@sierracharlie7293]

Yellow attracts Bugs mate. This would be a Bug Magnet.

[@CarExpertAus]

It sure does!

[@amg4616]

Between this and the CLA45S, what do you think?.

[@rond1995]

A very honest review! Loved it. Question, if were to choose between A45S and C43, which would be your pick?

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks mate! Good question - if you don’t need the size, the A45 is a great all rounder and feels more like a real AMG than the C43. C43 is still nice, but isn’t as gruff or unruly as the A45.

[@rond1995]

​@@CarExpertAus Great answer as always. Thanks! Will continue to follow your great work

[@kieranhendy]

If it wasn’t so expensive I would want one lol

[@AznS0ulja]

Thanks for the review! Do you know if the seats are still made by Recaro like in the previous gen?

[@CarExpertAus]

Great question! Let me find out.

[@CarExpertAus]

Just checked and it looks like the seats in the Edition 1 are Recaro! :-D

[@AznS0ulja]

@@CarExpertAus Legend, thanks! Just got to the end of the video, definitely agree with the verdict.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks! It’s heaps of fun...just missing something!

[@pixelhen]

can I safely assume if A45S doesn't have automatic tailgate, same with all models underneath it..?

[@CarExpertAus]

Great spotting! No automatic tailgate.

[@stephentran6874]

CLA 45s has automatic tailgate

[@magoo47]

Hey Paul what's the Dual clutch like? Still hesitant/laggy low speed?

[@mauricewm9682]

Great Review, I recently picked up My A45S , in your review you mentioned Drift Mode But you never used it and i've seen some other Australian Reviews as well with Drift Mode Active Especially with a recent one against RS3 , I was not aware of that Until i am done with the Run In of the car for 1500 km , i was Told by Mercedes Benz That all Australian A45S does not have The Drift Mode Activated , I Bought the car Assuming all the bells and whistles already there, Very Disappointed with MB NO AUSTRALIAN REVIEWERS MENTIONED NO DRIFT MODE FOR AUSTRALIA

[@CarExpertAus]

You’ve been told the wrong thing - all new A45 S cars have drift mode.

[@mauricewm9682]

@@CarExpertAus what can i say he was a new AMG sales man he had no clue , it has been justified by the dealer manager ..tried the drift Mode a few times ..Amazing!!!! and Amazing car to drive

[@kaotictube]

Rims would be the first thing to be swapped out for me.

[@jthomas450]

Hey, Paul! Great review! I picked up mine 4 weeks ago, still going through the break-in period. 10:23 Mine has some issues with 'Voice input' especially when you say "I'm hungry take me to a Chinese restaurant", just nothing happens. Do you think MBUX has to be connected to the Android Play or Apple Car play for that functionality? Cheers J

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks for the comment, J! Hmm...I’m pretty sure for the online functionality to work it needs a SIM card inserted and for it to be activated through Mercedes-Benz. Have you gone through that process and connected yourself to the Mercedes Me application?

[@jthomas450]

@@CarExpertAus Yes, I'm connected to MM app but I was told by the dealer, Internet Radio, Internet in car, Voice recognition etc is not available here, unlike EU countries. I'm currently talking with MB Australia, I found the dealership lacks complete knowledge about MM & MBUX! They didn't know what 'Emotion Start' is! My understanding was, built-in SIM system doesn't work in our cars and moreover, MB has also blocked Bluetooth tethering, Wifi hotspot features as well which was available on my 2018 A45. So, the car in the video has access to the internet?

[@CarExpertAus]

What the heck?! Definitely not true! I was listening to some pretty cringe beats from an internet radio station in Spain while we had the car. If you like - hit up our website and send us an email and I’ll follow this up for you. Should be an easy fix! Https://CarExpert.com.au

[@jthomas450]

@@CarExpertAus Hi Paul! Thanks again, I have sent you an email this morning. I appreciate a lot for your help. You're definitely doing something different and distinctive than others! J

[@stephengriffin4990]

Have to say Paul you do the best reviews all the time so much information you know yr tech,great car but at that price no felt in door bins ,glove box and the road noise.

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks, Stephen. Really appreciate it! Thanks for watching.

[@stephengriffin4990]

Paul yr very welcome I watch a hell of a lot of car reviews on youtube you are the best in the business and being a Australian is a huge bonus

[@stephengriffin4990]

@@CarExpertAus keep the reviews coming when u can mate

[@gureno19]

The reality is, if you are in the market for a high performance car you'd be very very hard pressed to pull the trigger on this vehicle at its MSRP. Its trying to command 2nd hand C63S, RS6, RS4, Supra and R35 GTR money. Meaning you'd have to pass up on genuine uncompromising performance vehicles, some which are infinitely more prestige and high end then this, and others which are far more practical, such as a new RS4 wagon, which you can pick up 2nd hand for circa $110k with low kms and remaining dealer warranty now... If you want an impressive and exotic "hyper hatch"....just buy a 1-2 year old facelifted RS3, and enjoy a vastly more modifiable platform and lets be honest, one of the greatest sounding engines in the segment. (With $30k left in your pocket)

[@CarExpertAus]

The RS 3 sounds absolutely epic 😁

[@martinlang9615]

Just image how much stamp duty you give out of your generous heart to the Australian Govt who carefully look after your money JUST like it was there own. There’s a lot to be said with keeping a nice old vehicle for thirty years. Just wish I had the discipline to avoid blowing every last cent I can beg borrow or steal. An old 6 cylinder Fairlane (remember them!) to go beyond 600,000klms is the smarter way to avoid depreciation. Sounds like a lawn mower engine

[@AbhishekLad12]

The grab handles are actually integrated in the door panel itself. So there is no need for one on the headliner. Also, no need to grab on to your seats 😋

[@CarExpertAus]

You haven't seen the way we drive! 😂

[@AbhishekLad12]

CarExpert haha good point! Probably need a 5 point harness. 😂

[@michaelfreeman5057]

Just wondering if there are any downsides to this car? I know it's not cheap. The service fee is high.ect

[@andthen2123]

Will it come in the Matt grey🤞

[@lukelawrence6007]

Is this yellow a option cost wise

[@CarExpertAus]

It's free of charge! There are 9 colours all together and the yellow is free - the metallic colours are an $1100 option from memory. You can check out our full written review here: www.carexpert.com.au/review/2020-mercedes-amg-a45-s-edition-1-review/

[@lukelawrence6007]

Yikes but this yellow similar to solar beam yellow from other amg models

[@theeconomist3850]

Imagine paying over AUD100k for a faster A-class...

[@TheWretchedWorld]

I don't understand how people like this car at this price point, you could get a lightly used C63s, at least that thing has an exhaust note.

[@Xenon0000000000001]

@@TheWretchedWorld Why compare against used? The A45S will be cheaper used as well.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

@@Xenon0000000000001 I guess I wouldn't be caught dead in one regardless if it is cheaper

[@edgarchieng2130]

New MBUX system is good, only let down by the touchpad. Two problems, touchpad belongs on laptop with cursor, we need an actual control dial. Secondly the touchpad is located on the left side means right handed drivers will need to navigate using their left hand 👎

[@CarExpertAus]

Yes - all true!

[@bradleyadams5167]

Best hot hatch under 100k? What hot hatch costs over a 100k and why would anyone pay that much for a fucking hatch 😂😂

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha. Touché!

[@EemVeesznx]

Not tryna be rude..... how is that the title of the video bcoz aren’t all hot hatches supposed to be under 100k ?

[@EemVeesznx]

I take back what i said. This is the most serious car review i have ever seen

[@CarExpertAus]

Thank you!

[@jamienat.1943]

Lol so this car is meant for one person by the look of that boot.

[@CarExpertAus]

Somebody with a small backpack? 😅

[@carlover4596]

Fantastic review, excellent balance between being thorough and entertaining . It’s great to have an Australian automotive channel that finally does detailed video reviews! It would be great if you could also do the durometer test on the lower front door trims and rear doors, and also do a carwow style shake test of the interior to check the build quality inside. Overall very well done and happy to subscribe!!

[@CarExpertAus]

Really appreciate the feedback, @CarLover. We're hoping to roll out a table for our durometer test that applies to the entire car, we'll see how we go! We also do a proper look at the interior fit and finish, but it hit the cutting room floor in this review :-D

[@ColumbariumS]

Driving for two years. Just fly.. Three points left on the driver's license. Fast, but not for Australia, too many cameras. Cops are pigs.🤣

[@martinlang9615]

So we hear the exhaust and then get a view of the fake exhaust system. Seriously AMG, FAKE EXHAUST!!! That is such a sin and now tells me what the decision making clowns are doing to the company. In my opinion this just demonstrates the beginning of the end. This reviewer is excellent in his content knowledge, I’m very impressed almost verging on being amazed! Since I’m about to be 50, my boy racer days are well and truely over. At least dreaming is free.

[@-TJ-]

Those wheels look aftermarket. I don't like them.

[@CarExpertAus]

They do a little bit! The matte black wheels come standard with the Edition 1 kit.

[@gabrielpaltridge5802]

Can I drive this on my P’s in Queensland? With or without an exemption?

[@CarExpertAus]

I've got some bad news, Gabriel 😢 it's classed as a High Powered car, which means it's a no go - but, from experience, with a work exemption it should be okay to drive. More details here: www.service.transport.qld.gov.au/hpv/application/VehicleSearch.xhtml?dswid=6939

[@Imbalanxd]

where my a250 owners pretending theyre in an a45

[@michaelh5722]

I know it’s technically competent, but it isn’t an enthusiasts car. If you want to go fast and have limited driving skills then perhaps this will appeal.

[@pulixpulix2420]

No Android auto?

[@quadcoreQ]

Excellent review thanks. Pity this car has a lot of tyre noise. For the same money I'll get the BMW M340i for lower NVH.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yeah it's a strange one, it's incredibly noisy at highway speeds. And yes, that M340i represents incredibly good value for money at this price! Plus you get that sweet engine.

[@deganellis]

Great review, Paul. "It's scary as shit!", feels like an accurate way to describe a performance hatch with Autobahn-tuned sports suspension on the roads to/from Heathcote! That colour was making me vomit into my mouth a little bit, as was the gaudy edition motif on the dash. Hideous. Still no wireless AA/ACP! Disappointing in a car this exxy! Keep up the great work.

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 It is very yellow, that's for sure!

[@maccsdagga5739]

$93000 ??? Fake exhaust..??? Hmmmm

[@ecod7r]

His licence number says Iraq haha for real? the owner is Iraqi ?

[@CarExpertAus]

Ha ha. Just random allocation. Didn’t notice it until you pointed it out! 😁

[@soultanasmaga9661]

D

[@LB83.]

Instrumentenpaneel is lelijk bah

[@Slipperystick73]

Perfect plates for a Irishman if he don’t like the English lol

[@pyroteamalpha5931]

Such a generic, predictable review, oh it's mind boggling, i'm lost for words, yada yada yada... Ends with Oh, but it lacks connection, would rather buy a Tesla! Like that offers any semblance of connection! LOL

[@CarExpertAus]

😅 you may need to have another listen - the Tesla for straight line speed and the Supra for soul. Sorry if you disagree.

[@pyroteamalpha5931]

@@CarExpertAus Point taken, but the whole idea of cars like the A45 is that they're a swiss knife everyday beast that can do bends well enough and are crazy straight line performers at the same time. Neither the Tesla nor the Supra are comparable IMO.

[@Philbyyyy]

@@pyroteamalpha5931 comparable in price and this one didn't make him feel as connected to the car as the supra or as fast as the Tesla.

[@CarExpertAus]

Yeah that's the problem though, you couldn't live with this daily if highway driving was part of the commute. The noise in the cabin is unbearable. Tesla is quicker in a straight line and Supra is more fun to drive and both work well as dailies.

[@nickng5857]

CarExpert in other words the supra which you have more connection with is slower than the A45s and the Tesla which is faster than A45s in straight lines you’d have less emotions while doing it. Why not pick A45s as the middle ground instead of getting 2 cars lol. Get the second car as a SUV for people carrying duties