title：Mercedes AMG A45 Drift Test: Can It Go Sideways?
content：Ever Wondered If the AMG A45 Can Drift? Here’s the Verdict
If you own or dream of a Mercedes AMG A45, you’ve probably asked: Can this hot hatch drift? We took the A45 to Thruxton’s low-grip skid pan in the UK to find out, as part of our hot hatch torque vectoring series. After hands-on testing, here’s what you need to know about its drift capabilities (and limitations).
content：Drift Mode Activation: A Tricky Process
Activating the A45’s drift mode isn’t intuitive. You must follow these exact steps: switch to Race mode, engage manual transmission, turn ESC fully off, then pull both shift levers twice and confirm with an upward paddle. Miss any step, and the car simply refuses—no explanation given. This complexity contrasts with easier-to-drift models like the Ford Focus RS.
content：Drivetrain Tech: Why the A45 Struggles to Maintain Drifts
The A45 uses a Magna-supplied all-wheel-drive system, similar to the Volkswagen Golf R. Key differences include extra clutch plates to handle its 369 ft-lbs of torque—but the system caps rear torque at 50%. Unlike the Toyota GR Yaris or Focus RS (which send up to 70% to the rear), this limit hinders prolonged slides. Rear-wheel drive cars rely on excess rear torque to keep drifting; the A45’s system prioritizes stability over fun.
content：Skid Pan Test Results: Brief Slides Only
On Thruxton’s skid pan (slow speeds, low grip), the A45 could drift—but only for seconds. When we applied power, it slid sideways briefly, then too much power shifted to the front, pulling it straight. Without a manual handbrake or gearbox to unsettle the car, maintaining a drift was nearly impossible. The car’s electronics favor stability, which is great for daily driving but frustrating for drift fans.
content：Toolbox & Actionable Steps
Quick Drift Mode Checklist
- Switch to Race mode
- Engage manual transmission
- Turn ESC fully off
- Pull both shift levers twice
- Confirm with an upward paddle
Recommended Resources
- Auto Car Feature: Dive deeper into torque vectoring with engineer interviews (linked in our video series).
- Thruxton Skid Pan: A controlled environment to test drift capabilities (book sessions online).
content：Final Takeaway
The Mercedes AMG A45 can drift—but it’s not built for it. Its torque vectoring system prioritizes stability, and the 50% rear torque cap limits prolonged slides. If you want a drift-ready hot hatch, opt for the Focus RS or GR Yaris. For daily driving with occasional fun, the A45 still delivers.
Question: Have you tried drifting your A45? What challenges did you face? Share your experience in the comments!
