Previewed by the 2013 Concept Style Coupe, the CLA-Class was first unveiled at the North American International Auto Show last year and it only took Mercedes a couple of months before the car was internationally launched in France.
By then, standards were set extremely high for the car, considering it was the first of its kind in the compact four-door coupe segment.
Fast forward a year later and we have the high-performance model of the CLA-Class from Mercedes-AMG. The CLA 45 AMG, as it's called, shares the same MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform and drivetrain with the sizzling A 45 AMG hatchback, which we tested in November last year.
While the CLA 45 AMG is arguably prettier than the hot hatch, is it 'the one' for buyers who do not have enough dough to buy the CLS 63 AMG?
Exterior
Although we have already concluded that the CLA-Class is a gorgeous-looking car, the CLA 45 takes the apt description a step further. The car has a newfound standard of look that perfectly balances aggressive and attractive without looking overly bulgy and brash.
By then, standards were set extremely high for the car, considering it was the first of its kind in the compact four-door coupe segment.
Fast forward a year later and we have the high-performance model of the CLA-Class from Mercedes-AMG. The CLA 45 AMG, as it's called, shares the same MFA (Modular Front Architecture) platform and drivetrain with the sizzling A 45 AMG hatchback, which we tested in November last year.
While the CLA 45 AMG is arguably prettier than the hot hatch, is it 'the one' for buyers who do not have enough dough to buy the CLS 63 AMG?
Exterior
Although we have already concluded that the CLA-Class is a gorgeous-looking car, the CLA 45 takes the apt description a step further. The car has a newfound standard of look that perfectly balances aggressive and attractive without looking overly bulgy and brash.
The massive air intakes, bold lines, head and tail lamps all come together to form a very coherent and fluid design while the nicely integrated body kit enhances the car's high-performance credentials. It may not be for everyone, but you certainly cannot deny the sexy vibes the CLA 45's side profile exudes.
In a way, you aren't wrong to say that the CLA 45 AMG is all but a mere sexier version of the A 45 AMG. But while hot hatches are the preferred choices here, getting behind the wheel of a high-performance compact four-door coupe makes it all that more special. And for the average AMG owner, it's a consideration you cannot neglect.
Interior
The interior appointments here aren't far from the A 45 AMG. Thus, the CLA 45 features the same clean centre stack and intuitive controls. In a way, the cabin isn't burdened by
fussy lines but it's not by any means lacking in quality and style. Materials used are top notch while finishing is flawless.
It's also every bit as racy as you can possibly imagine. The bucket seats, with red panel highlights, are beautifully sculpted and shaped perfectly for hardcore driving.
Small but special touches like the solid metal AMG badges on the front seats and suede-wrapped steering wheel do add a sense of exclusivity, reminding you at all times that this isn't just the regular CLA you're piloting.
The interior appointments here aren't far from the A 45 AMG. Thus, the CLA 45 features the same clean centre stack and intuitive controls. In a way, the cabin isn't burdened by
fussy lines but it's not by any means lacking in quality and style. Materials used are top notch while finishing is flawless.
It's also every bit as racy as you can possibly imagine. The bucket seats, with red panel highlights, are beautifully sculpted and shaped perfectly for hardcore driving.
Small but special touches like the solid metal AMG badges on the front seats and suede-wrapped steering wheel do add a sense of exclusivity, reminding you at all times that this isn't just the regular CLA you're piloting.
There's nothing much to complain about in here, especially when you have easy access to 470 litres of luggage space. The only suffering setback is the lack of rear headroom due to the car's plunging roofline.
Of course, it can be an ongoing debate because the typical buyer of such a high-performance car wouldn't really give two hoots about how his lengthy passenger will have problems getting in. It's an AMG. And to the buyers of this car, that's what matters.
Of course, it can be an ongoing debate because the typical buyer of such a high-performance car wouldn't really give two hoots about how his lengthy passenger will have problems getting in. It's an AMG. And to the buyers of this car, that's what matters.
Drivetrain
The AMGs we've come to fall in love with were typically known to have beefy and brawny V8 engines. But the CLA 45 changes the notion of what we thought we knew.
For starters, it's using the same modular platform that underpins the A 45 AMG. Secondly, instead of using a monstrous eight-cylinder powerplant, the CLA 45 sports a 2.0-litre in-line four-pot with a massive turbocharger.
While this may sound like a blasphemy and an insult to true AMG fans and owners, it's quite the contrary. The CLA 45, like the A 45 hatchback brethren, is a gem to behold.
Despite a downsized engine under its bonnet, the car is capable of 360 strong horses and 450Nm of twisting force that will see it complete the century sprint in 4.6 seconds. This is even faster than the upcoming BMW M235i, which sports a bigger engine.
More entertainingly, selecting the Sports mode ups its performance and percussion to keep the keen driver engaged. Driven hard, you'll be able to hear the stirring series of crackling noises as the throttle spears through the shifts.
Aural pleasure is indeed a wonderful thing and the CLA 45 doesn't disappoint, as it keeps up with the 'tradition' of all AMG cars.
The AMGs we've come to fall in love with were typically known to have beefy and brawny V8 engines. But the CLA 45 changes the notion of what we thought we knew.
For starters, it's using the same modular platform that underpins the A 45 AMG. Secondly, instead of using a monstrous eight-cylinder powerplant, the CLA 45 sports a 2.0-litre in-line four-pot with a massive turbocharger.
While this may sound like a blasphemy and an insult to true AMG fans and owners, it's quite the contrary. The CLA 45, like the A 45 hatchback brethren, is a gem to behold.
Despite a downsized engine under its bonnet, the car is capable of 360 strong horses and 450Nm of twisting force that will see it complete the century sprint in 4.6 seconds. This is even faster than the upcoming BMW M235i, which sports a bigger engine.
More entertainingly, selecting the Sports mode ups its performance and percussion to keep the keen driver engaged. Driven hard, you'll be able to hear the stirring series of crackling noises as the throttle spears through the shifts.
Aural pleasure is indeed a wonderful thing and the CLA 45 doesn't disappoint, as it keeps up with the 'tradition' of all AMG cars.
These deep reserves of power are delivered freely and smoothly through the seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. It shifts so seamlessly and sends power to the front wheels with a level of swiftness no manual manoeuvre can match.
Around twisty bits, the sizzling Merc displays excellent body control as it carves corners in an obedient and ostentatious manner. The talkative steering wheel helps a lot in this aspect too. You would expect the ride to be a lot stiffer, but it's perfectly liveable and never intrusive, even over broken tarmac.
Conclusion
Admittedly, the CLA 45 AMG looks extremely good to our eyes while retaining the spirited AMG characteristics that little can come close to.
Matching up to big GTs, this is one car that you can speed to a race track comfortably, do some laps to enjoy its sportiness and breeze back home comfortably right after.
That's something not all small cars can do.
Around twisty bits, the sizzling Merc displays excellent body control as it carves corners in an obedient and ostentatious manner. The talkative steering wheel helps a lot in this aspect too. You would expect the ride to be a lot stiffer, but it's perfectly liveable and never intrusive, even over broken tarmac.
Conclusion
Admittedly, the CLA 45 AMG looks extremely good to our eyes while retaining the spirited AMG characteristics that little can come close to.
Matching up to big GTs, this is one car that you can speed to a race track comfortably, do some laps to enjoy its sportiness and breeze back home comfortably right after.
That's something not all small cars can do.
