It's been almost a year since Mercedes-Benz introduced the fourth-generation A-Class and we're pretty anxious to see the new AMG A45 model. Thankfully, we don't have to wait long as the beefed-up hatchback is set to break cover at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. And the good news is that it will deliver more than 400 horsepower!

Although Mercedes-Benz is still mum on the details about the upcoming AMG A45, Autocar found out a few juicy details about the hot-hatchback during a ride in the prototype. It will deliver more power than its predecessor; it will be offered in two versions, and it will drift just like the rear-wheel-driven BMW M2 Competition.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 S Will Have More than 400 horsepower

The previous AMG A45 was already plenty powerful. Originally rated at 355 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, the A45 was upgraded to 376 horses and 350 pound-feet in 2015. This rating made it the most powerful four-cylinder car on the market, as well as the passenger car with the most output per liter. At 187.5 horses per liter, the previous AMG A45 was on par with the Bugatti Chiron!

AMG is taking things up a notch with the new-generation A-Class by retuning the already iconic 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill. Not only it designed a more capable unit, but it will also offer the hatchback with two different outputs, like it does with the bigger C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class models. Specifically, you will now be able to pick between a base AMG A45 model and a more powerful AMG A45 S version.

According to Autocar, the standard model will come with 383 horsepower on tap. that's a seven horsepower increase over the old model and a horsepower-per-liter ratio of 191.5. While this is impressive enough on its own, the AMG A45 S will crank out even more oomph at an amazing 416 horsepower, a 40-horsepower increase over the old model. The first four-cylinder to deliver this much, it has a horsepower-per-liter ratio of 208 horsepower. For reference, the most powerful AMG GT R sports car, powered by the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, has a ratio of "only" 144.2 horsepower.

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 Will Be a Drifting machine

The main issue with the A-Class compared to the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series models is that Merc's hatchback has a front-wheel-drive layout. Sure, the AMG version comes with AWD, but the experience is not as authentic as in the RWD Bimmers. AMG managed to fix that with the new model, according to Autocar, thanks to a three-stage ESP system that can be turned off completely, a special driving mode, and an advanced rear differential. When engaged in the proper setup, the new AMG A45's rear end "will go sideways just like that of the rear-wheel drive BMW M2 Competition."

The Mercedes-AMG A45 Will Finally More Powerful than the Competition

While the old AMG A45 was the most powerful production car with a four-cylinder, it wasn't as potent as the Audi RS3, powered by a five-cylinder unit. The German hatchback was upgraded to 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque in 2017, moving above the Merc by a solid 24 horsepower. The RS3 remains more powerful than the standard version of the upcoming AMG A45, but falls behind the S model by 16 horsepower. It's not much, but it puts the AMG A45 at the top of the segment. Granted, the M2 is a coupe and competes in a different niche, but in the absence of a proper 1M model, it's good to know that the AMG A45 offers more oomph than both Audi and BMW in similar segments.

Stay tuned for more info on this vehicle from the Geneva Motor Show. We will be back with official info to confirm these impressive power figures.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Read our full review on the 2019 Mercedes-AMG A35.

Read our full review on the 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG.