Baby AMG gets a nip & tuck.
What was the chance? The new RS3 was teased by Audi last week. Mercedes-AMG was also seen testing an updated version the A45. It was revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed two years ago. Some revisions have been made to the pocket rocket.
It camouflages in exactly the same places as the GLE facelift that we saw earlier today. Although the disguise may be a trick, the headlights seem to have a more round shape and more in line with the new C–Class. The grille will likely retain the Panamericana design, rather than adopting the grid pattern. However, the bumper camo suggests that there have been changes to the lower intake and air vents.
The optional AMG Aerodynamic Package is not available on this prototype. It also lacks the roof-mounted spoiler and front canards. The rear is also being updated with tweaks to its taillights. However, these changes are likely to be limited to the graphics and not to the cluster, as it appears to be at the front.
The RS3 Sportback and RS3 Sedan will both be revealed, but the A45 S will retain its power crown. The five-cylinder Audis will have “only” 401 hp for the US-spec sedan. AMG’s A45 models have an additional 15 horsepower. It will be interesting to see if engineers from Affalterbach upgrade the four-pot unit with their upcoming facelift.
The updated A45 is unlikely to make its debut anytime soon. We expect it to be available in 2022. The A-Class hatchback will kick-start a number of facelifts to Mercedes’ compact car line-up, which includes CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA, if we are strictly speaking about the hot “A45” versions.