Edition 55 versions of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and CLA45 S have appeared on Mercedes-Benz South Africa’s configurator. So, let’s take a look at the price and what you get for the extra money…

Mercedes-AMG marks its 55th year of existence in 2022 and has given a handful of its performance models the aptly named “Edition 55” treatment to celebrate. And it seems the special-edition versions of the A45 S and CLA45 S are coming to South Africa.

Yes, we spotted these two fresh models on Mercedes-Benz SA’s configurator, suggesting order books have opened (we understand orders will be taken until the end of the year). So, how much extra will you pay? Well, the A45 S starts at a heady R1 233 243, while the Edition 55 package adds a further R216200 (and also seemingly forces the selection of the R21 000 Premium Package and R2 000 auto front passenger airbag deactivation system) to the price. By our maths, the total thus comes to R1 472 443.

What about the CLA45 S version? Well, the “standard” (for want of a better term) model starts at R1 347 787, while the Edition 55 kit again adds R216200 and furthermore requires the selection of the R21 000 Premium Package, the R6 400 keyless-go comfort package and the R1 800 auto front-passenger airbag deactivation system. The grand total? A whopping R1 593 187.

Let’s take a look at what you get for the extra outlay. In both cases, exterior paint colour choices are limited to Cosmos Black metallic and Digital White metallic. There are also decals running down the flanks of the vehicle (featuring the traditional AMG emblem), along with 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in a matte-titanium grey hue.

The AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II and AMG Aerodynamics Package are all also included, along with a centre cap (branded with “Edition 55”) for the each of the wheels, an Edition 55 fuel-filler cap (finished in a silver-chrome colour) and a special AMG indoor car cover.

Inside, you’ll find AMG Performance seats upholstered in 2-tone (red and black) leather. The AMG Performance steering wheel, meanwhile, gains an “Edition 55” badge, as do the black floor mats fashioned from velour with red contrasting stitching. The cabin upgrade is rounded off by door-sill panels with red illuminated “AMG” lettering and various trim elements finished in dark brushed aluminium, with accents in black and red.

The Edition 55 package incorporates no performance upgrades, though we doubt many buyers would require more power than already offered by these two high-performance compact cars. As a reminder, each employs Affalterbach’s turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which generates lofty peak outputs of 310 kW and 500 Nm. Delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, that’s enough for a sprint from 0-100 kph in a claimed 3.9 seconds in the case of the A45 S and one-tenth tardier for the CLA45 S.

How much do the A45 S and CLA45 S Edition 55 cost in SA?

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 4Matic+ Edition 55: R1 472 443

Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+ Edition 55: R1 593 187