What are the differences between the A45 and A45S?

[StKira]

Here are the specific differences between the A45 and A45S: 1. Power: Both the A45 and A45S are equipped with a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine codenamed M139, marked with AMG branding, paired with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A45S adds a newly configured all-wheel-drive system with a drift mode, delivering a maximum power of 310kW (421PS) and an estimated 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. 2. Exterior: The overall proportions and silhouette of the A45S are similar to the A45, but there are significant changes in details, with the lines becoming more rounded.

[LaPreston]

The driving experience between these two cars is quite noticeable. The A45 S has 34 more horsepower than the regular A45, with torque increased to 500 Nm, delivering a stronger push-back sensation during acceleration and shaving 0.1 seconds off the 0-100 km/h time. When I drive on mountain roads, I notice the S version has a firmer chassis setup, and its standard adaptive suspension provides excellent cornering support, while the regular version shows slight body roll in sharp turns. The most thrilling part is the A45 S’s exclusive Drift Mode, which actively distributes power to the rear wheels, making it incredibly fun for drifting. Additionally, the S version comes with larger brake discs, reducing heat fade during continuous track use. Of course, the trade-off is slightly higher fuel consumption and a bumpier ride over speed bumps.

[McEvangeline]

In city driving, the difference between the A45 and A45 S isn't that dramatic. I've tried my friend's car—the standard version's 387 horsepower is more than enough, easily outpacing most cars from a green light. The S version's drift mode is basically useless in urban areas, though it does come standard with the adaptive suspension that's optional on the base model. Externally, just look at the wheels and rear badges—the S version gets exclusive 19-inch alloys and an AMG badge on the C-pillar. For fuel consumption, the S burns about half a liter more in heavy traffic, and costs around 100,000 RMB more. Whether it's worth it depends on if you really want those extra 34 horsepower and the drift function.

[MacJackson]

Young car owners care more about the cool factor. The A45 S has a louder exhaust backfire sound, and the crackling pops when you floor the throttle are especially thrilling. The standard sport seats also offer better bolstering, keeping you firmly in place during cornering. The most attractive feature is the Drift Mode button on the steering wheel—turn off the electronic stability system, and you can have fun with drifts, which the regular version doesn’t offer. However, the suspension is really stiff; I’ve been complained about three times by my girlfriend for the bumpy ride. The rear wing size is about the same, but the S version comes with a black high-gloss package, making the mirrors and grille look even cooler.

[DelMiranda]

The technical specifications reveal the differences more clearly. Both engines are 2.0T four-cylinder, but the A45 S features an upgraded turbocharger, boosting horsepower to 421 hp and torque to 500 Nm. While both models use an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the S version has a more aggressive shift logic, especially in manual mode where the response is 0.2 seconds faster. The S version also has a 14mm wider front track and reinforced rear suspension links. The key difference lies in the all-wheel-drive system: the standard version defaults to a 50:50 power distribution, while the S version can allocate up to 70% to the rear wheels. Additionally, the cooling system is upgraded with a 20% larger oil cooler, making it more suitable for intense track driving.

[DiGeorge]

The A45 S holds its value significantly better in the used car market. When helping others shop for cars, I've noticed that a three-year-old S version can sell for 70,000 to 80,000 yuan more than the standard version. Higher-performance variants are usually less modified, and well-maintained factory-condition examples are particularly sought after. However, the higher maintenance costs of the S version should also be considered—the AMG high-performance brake pads cost twice as much, and replacing all four 21-inch tires can easily exceed 10,000 yuan. The standard A45 actually has higher parts commonality, with many components shared across the A-Class lineup. For those who frequently track their cars, the S version is recommended, but the standard version is more than sufficient for daily commuting—the money saved could cover two years' worth of 98-octane gasoline.