Revamped into a more traditional hatchback->ke304 in 2012, the third-generation A-Class received its first mid-cycle make over in 2015. Although updates were rather mild on the standard model, Mercedes did offer a Motorsport Edition version that paid homage to the Mercedes-AMG->ke8 Petronas Formula One->ke190 team, which won the manufacturers championship in 2014 and, at the time of the hatchback's release, was on its way to win the 2015 season as well. With the 2015 title already in the bag as of November, Mercedes->ke187 is celebrating by launching the A45 Champions Edition, a limited-edition->ke2041 model with exclusive features inside and out.

Described as a Silver Arrow for everyday driving, the A45 Champions Edition benefits from all the updates that come with the facelifted model, including the updated 2.0-liter four-cylinder under the hood.

Launched ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Yas Marina, the final race of the 2015 Formula One season, the A45 Champions Edition will be available only for a limited time. The hatch will go on sale starting January 2016 and will be retired just five months later, in May 2016. Unfortunately, since the standard A45 isn't sold in the United States, neither will the Champions Edition. Keep reading to find out what you're missing.

Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC Champions Edition.

2016 Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC Champions Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC Champions Edition
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 381
  • Torque: 350
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC Champions Edition special

The first detail that catches the eye when looking at the Champions Edition is the unique livery that reminds of the Mercedes-AMG Formula One car. Available in one of three exterior colors -- Mountain Grey Metallic, Deisgno Mountain Grey Magno, and Polar Silver Metallic -- each hatchback is adorned by Petrol Green and black highlights similar to those seen on the F1 car. The engine hood and the roof have offset stripes, the sides are decorated above the side skirts, while the rear fascia features green decals underneath the taillights and on the bumper.

But the green-and-black livery isn't the only thing that makes the Champions Edition special. The hatchback also received an aero-enhancing body kit consisting of a larger front splitter, bumper-mounted canards, and a big roof spoiler. Needless to say, this is the most aggressive A45 hatch Mercedes has developed to date.

Rounding off the exterior is a set of 19-inch, cross-spoke wheels finished in Titanium Grey and highlighted by a Petrol Green rim flange.

The interior also received a lot of attention. The hatch is equipped with the optional AMG Performance seats, which are wrapped in leather and Dinamica microfiber and feature an exclusive design with white and Petrol Green stripes and green stitching. More Petrol Green accents can be found on the armrests dashboard, and steering wheel as contrast stitching and on the seatbelts as thin side stripes. The air vents rings are also green, as is the 12-o'clock mark on the steering wheel. Lastly, the cabin features is a high-quality badge on the lid of the stowage compartment in the center console with the official lettering of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team. The badge wears the Mercedes-Benz and AMG emblems and says "World Champion 2015."

Not surprisingly, the drivetrain remained unchanged, but that shouldn't be upsetting to customers given the A45 has just received an important update. The turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder cranks out 381 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful hot-hatch on the market. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes only 4.2 seconds, while top speed is limited at 155 mph. Despite being quick and powerful, the A45 boasts strong fuel economy, needing only 6.9 liters of gasoline every 100 km (or the equivalent of 34 U.S. mpg). The engine mates to a revised AMG seven-speed DCT and Merc's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The AMG A45 Champions Edition costs €65,402 (about $69,370) in Germany, including VAT. For the Designo Mountain Grey Magno matt paint, customers will have to fork another €1,416 (around $1,500). For reference, the standard A45 model retails from €51,051 (about $54,150).

Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC

Read our full review on the Mercedes-AMG A 45 4MATIC here.