Mercedes-AMG is edging closer to unveiling the facelifted 2023 A45 hot hatch and has been spied testing a lightly disguised prototype through its paces.

The German car manufacturer has been readying an update for the A45 for quite some time. In fact, the first prototype was spied 12 months ago and in recent months, a number of other prototypes have been snapped by our photographers. This particular example has less camouflage than some of the others and is shaping up to be quite the eye-catcher.

Alterations made to the facelifted A45 will be minor. Indeed, you could be excused for thinking this prototype looks identical to an A45 you may find at your local Mercedes-Benz dealership. However, we can see that the design of the mesh in the front grille is different and a new pair of headlights have been installed, complete with new LED graphics.

This test car also sports some simple black and white camouflage across its rear fascia, hiding a set of redesigned taillights that also sport distinctive LED graphics.

Read Also: We Spy The Interior Of The Facelifted Mercedes-AMG A45

Back in February, our spy photographers snapped the 2023 A45’s updated interior. Those images revealed that the traditional trackpad for the MBUX infotainment system has been removed. Mercedes-Benz is also thought to have relocated the gear selector and has fitted a new steering wheel. The twin 10.25-inch displays appear to have gone unchanged.

Few changes are expected under the skin of the updated hot hatch. As such, it will retain the current model’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that pumps out a cool 415 hp in the flagship A45 S variant. This engine will continue to be mated to an eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission driving all four wheels through AMG’s 4MATIC+ system.

All signs point towards Mercedes-AMG unveiling the 2023 A45 and A45 S models in the coming months.

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops