Mercedes redefined the compact hatch sector with the introduction of its A-Class in 1997. Despite the shaky beginnings, the car matured with subsequent editions to bring the luxury and performance of the three-pointed star badge closer to the wider masses, albeit in a scaled-down version of its already established lineup. Today, the A45 S is the fastest production 4-cylinder hatch, driven by a turbocharged 2-litre powerplant and all its 400 horses for a sub 4-second sprint to 60mph. Blistering numbers no rival brands have yet to match.
With prices edging £65,000 (before options and on-road costs) for the 2025 model, the A45 can be souped-up straight from the factory with various AMG packs that tighten the suspension, throw in a dedicated race driving mode and a locking front diff, among other performance extras for a car that’s even more fun to drive.
Getting all that power down is also aided with a wind-tunnel-tested factory aero pack, adding goodies such as a revised front splitter, a protruding rear wing and front bumper canards. But with prices in the mid 4-figures, this for most Merc owners is a hard pill to swallow. Unless, of course, you shop for comparable Mercedes A Class styling parts, either as separate additions, or packaged kits that bring all the aesthetics and performance to each A-class model without the exorbitant asking price.
Body Kits: Outfitting the A-Class For Style and Performance
If you’re eager to dress the A-Class in a neater styling package, packaged body kits make more sense. Consisting of splitters, spoilers, canards and rear vents and mated to grilles in the same lightweight yet sturdy materials, aero and body kit packages can transform any lower trim A180 or A200 into a completely new beast. One that rivals the undeniably sportier A35 and its power sibling, the A45, for exterior appeal.
Optioned in the right materials, and fitted by a pro to match the exact contours of the car, proportionally-correct body parts also cut through the air to help the lower-powered petrol and diesel engines live up to higher expectations. Possibly not to the level of the AMG performance twins in the A-Class lineup, but still miles ahead of quoted factory figures.
Besides faster acceleration and higher top speeds, the increased ground effects of dedicated body parts add grip for more confident cornering (especially in front-wheel-drive models), more control in abrupt maneuvers, and surefooted braking regardless of the weather or road conditions. Throw in a car that’s a treat to the eyes, and you have a versatile package that scores points on multiple fronts.
Splitters, Spoilers and More
Subtle changes make a big difference. Splitters or lips are front additions that slot under the front factory bumper, tasked to disperse oncoming air. The flat, scooped design tackles high-pressure air hitting the front of the car, intent on throwing you off course. The parts ‘split’, or redirect air over and under the car in defined volume and velocity to boost downforce and minimise the effect of drag and lift. Paired with integrated canards and air dams, front body styling parts for your A-Class reduce the likelihood of understeer by keeping the car planted. This translates to a tangible difference in steering control and the confidence that inspires more spirited driving.
Rear spoilers protrude from the car’s roofline to tame air that’s been pushed upward by splitters and canards. The parts assume a wing shape (hence the name ‘wings’) but aren’t overdone as in some performance rivals. Rear spoilers create a pressure difference in remnant air pooling at the rear axle and push the car down with increased downforce. This presses the rear wheels against the road and raises traction. They also reduce turbulence and drag by streamlining airflow, helping the A-class with high-speed cornering.
Rear bumper vents and diffusers are Mercedes A-Class styling parts tasked with the same job as spoilers – that is, they manage high-speed airflow under the car to draw the car closer to the road with increased downforce. Combined with spoilers, they keep the rear axle stable, preventing oversteer in abrupt turns. The parts additionally aid airflow and brake and suspension cooling in cars optioned with wide body kits and protruding wheel flares when upsizing the alloys.
Though technically not an aero component, Mercedes grilles can improve airflow for more efficient engine cooling or work with splitters and canards in redirecting air. The parts however, are more of a styling statement, with the vertical slats in the Panamericana GT-style grille (harking back to the 1950s 300SL and a factory addition in the A35 and A45) and the diamond-shaped pins in the eponymous grille design (seen in some AMG cars) to add a dose of style in lower-trim A-Class cars. The all-black design, including the blacked-out badge, adds understated minimalism, redirecting glances to the bodywork. And the reinforced ABS build protects the engine from flying debris.
Slap on Lightweight Alloys and Low-Profile Tyres
Base model A-Class cars ride on 16 and 17-inch wheels. Nothing too flashy, but also nothing to write home about. 18″ alloys are optional extras with higher trims, while the AMG models come factory-fitted with sportier 18″ and 19″ wheels to complement the higher engine output. If you’re considering a style upgrade with a new body kit, also look into aftermarket alloys to complement the overall look. Like styling additions, alloys also bring performance benefits that are hard to pass by.
Lighter weight and lower sprung mass result in faster acceleration, while better builds and materials handle the stresses in high-speed cornering and hard braking. Go with forged wheels to enjoy more of the performance benefits (but be ready for the price), or flow-formed alloys as the value proposition slotting between the factory cast and aftermarket forged options for a balanced mix of price, build, weight and performance.
In terms of style, dozens of aftermarket brands have their own signature designs, often revolving around spoked, multi-spoked, mesh (for a classic look) and two- or three-piece split rims if you really want to stand out. Aluminium blends feature in most A-Class alloys, but magnesium alloys and composites based around carbon fibre are newer, and more costly options in line with the AMG models in terms of performance and strength. When buying, besides designs, sizes and hub compatibility, also consider the wide colour gamut on offer, and pay particular attention to finishes such as powder coating and anodising for improved all-weather longevity.
Lastly, wrap your new wheels with matching rubber. Bigger and wider wheels take low-profile tyres that (when combined) remove embarrassing gaps in the wheel arches and provide a sportier, slammed aesthetic. They also offer more contact area with the road for increased stability and higher traction on loose and slippery road surfaces. What you lose in cushioning and overall comfort comes back as improved control and steering feel, and more space for other performance upgrades, such as big-brake kits for better braking performance.
Shop aftermarket alloys, body kit parts and other A-Class styling parts and accessories from reputed tuning and upgrade specialists. Consider price, compatibility (both in terms of trim, A-Class variants and manufacturing year), materials and the attention that goes into products to make your Merc stand out.
