The most performance-oriented option in the whole of the A-Class range has been spied with light camouflage. Of course, this wild A-Class hatchback is not meant for the U.S. market, but the changes will indeed impact the CLA, which is sold Stateside. This is not the first time the A-Class has been caught testing, either. Before Christmas 2021, the facelifted hatchback was spotted during cold-weather testing, and in March 2022, our photographers spotted it testing around the Nürburgring. The updated A-Class could debut towards the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023, and looking at the prototype, the updates will be mild, at least from the design point of view.

The fourth-generation A-Class has a “predator face,” coined by Mercedes-Benz, for sharper LED headlights and a more comprehensive bumper design. However, the spy shots of the facelifted prototype indicate that the bumper design will remain identical with a tad bit angular headlamp design, along with different LED graphics. In addition, the DRLs are now sleeker, and the headlight modules look similar to the new Mercedes-AMG SL. The sides expose the same AMG cross-spoke 19-inch forged wheels, wearing Michelin rubber.

The rear has the same roof spoiler design, and circular quad exhaust tips flank the rear diffuser. Similar to the front of the A45 prototype, the rear fascia sports a chiseled set of LED taillights. Due to heavy camouflage around the taillight areas, the graphics are not fully visible, but expect them to be similar to the newly launched GLC SUV.

The cabin will see minor changes, just like the exterior. However, our photographers were able to sneak a peek at the A-Class cabin back in March 2022. The infamous touchpad on the center console is gone, and the storage box has a different design. In addition, the upcoming A-Class will feature a less cluttered center console than the current models. However, the infotainment display will remain the same, unlike the newly launched GLC.

The specialty of the A45 is the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, capable of cranking out up to 421 ponies and 369 pound-feet of torque. The power figures are of the top-spec A45 S, which has an electrified turbocharger to reduce turbo lag. The power figures of the hot hatch might increase, but nothing of that sort is confirmed.