The new Final Edition variant of the Mercedes-AMG A45 S marks the end of the line for the wild hot hatch after seven years on sale.

The A45 S was unveiled in 2019, packing the most potent four-cylinder engine yet fitted in a production car, its turbocharged 2.0-litre unit putting out 416bhp and 369lb ft of torque.

That gave it a 0-62mph sprint time of 3.9sec and a top speed of 168mph – figures to rival thoroughbred sports cars.

Autocar last year reported that the most powerful derivative of the M139 engine didn't comply with the new Euro 7 emissions standard and would have been expensive to re-engineer to meet it. Mercedes declined to comment.

As reported, other AMG performance models to use the high-output version of the M139 are due to be replaced by cars powered by straight sixes.

A fifth-generation A-Class is currently in the works for 2028, based on the same MMA platform as the new CLA saloon/estate.

Mercedes recently unveiled the AMG derivative of that car as a 671bhp tri-motor EV, signalling the direction that it may take with a future replacement for the A45 S.

Among AMG's objectives for the new electric CLA 45 is to convince buyers of its previous hot hatches to make the switch to battery power. 

In the meantime, the A45 S Final Edition brings a fresh look inspired by Mercedes’ race cars: matt grey paint is matched with yellow accents around the aerodynamic elements, while ‘45S’ graphics mimic racing numbers. That motif can be found inside the car too.

Prices for the Final Edition start at £67,965, but Mercedes declined to confirm how many examples will be imported into the UK.

It did, however, confirm that the 316bhp AMG A35 will remain on sale for the foreseeable future. It's priced from £48,030.