Due to the introduction of the Mercedes-AMG A35, there were initial speculations that it might replace the Mercedes-AMG A45 as the range-topping trim of the A-Class. However, a new spy video confirms that the AMG A45 version of the hatchback is being retained.

There are many things to get excited about the AMG A45 according to AMG boss Tobias Moers. First of all, its 2.0-liter inline-four engine will get at least 400 hp. It will be partnered to the latest 4MATIC setup of Mercedes featuring a Drift mode. Next, all that power is distributed via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The spy video shows a black AMG A45 partially-covered in a black and white camouflage. The wraps appear to be concealing the front part of the auto, including the hood, radiator grille and bumper. The side skirt and the lower part of the rear bumper housing the exhausts come with the same camo wrap too.

As we have been accustomed to, the covered areas indicate where the major changes will happen compared to the car’s already existing models. Therefore, one of the expected revisions will likely be found on the front grille. It is possible that the AMG A45 will already get the Panamericana grille styling found in the other top-trim AMG models. Going around the rear reveals a quad-piped exhaust system as well.

The previous spy shots of the AMG A45 have shown a right-hand drive version of it, which confirm that the hot hatch is bound in countries like the UK and Australia. Since the US is already getting the A-Class Sedan, there are doubts as to whether or not the hatchback version of the vehicle will ever reach the American soil. However, the A-Class hatchback was recently seen testing at the summit of Mount Evans in Colorado, which gives us hope that Mercedes may finally offer the product in their US dealerships.