But is the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S worth the price? Let’s find out
The large and imposing grille dominates the front of the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S, giving the car a bold and aggressive stance that immediately demands attention.
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If you’re looking for a fast four-door sedan loaded with luxury and technology, check out the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S.
This is the high-performance version of the sedate and less expensive compact CLA. Their only similarity is that they share the same wheelbase of 2,729 mm (107.4 in).
The differences start under the hood. Power for the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S is an AMG 2.0-litre, inline 4-cylinder turbo engine. Some skeptics might think a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine is too small for big performance. But this engine produces 416 horsepower – almost double the 221 hp in the standard CLA – with a top speed of 250 km/h. It has a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.1 seconds – amazingly impressive for a four-cylinder, four-door sedan. It makes for effortless merging and passing. Fuel economy is rated at 11.9 litres/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway.
But the high performance of this all-wheel-drive sedan is just one element of what makes the AMG CLA 45 S so impressive.
The looks are also great – both outside and inside. The exterior styling is excellent, with a huge Mercedes-Benz grill creating an aggressive stance out front. There’s a small spoiler at the back and twin exhaust tips on each side. The “Patagonia Red Metallic” paint (a $2,275 option) adds to the impression that this car is hot, even when parked.
 The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S is a compact yet powerful four-door sedan, built on a 2,729 mm (107.4 in) wheelbase and measuring 4,701 mm (185 in) in length. |
 Styling touches, including a subtle rear spoiler and two quad exhaust tips on each side, hint at the car’s high-performance capabilities. |
 The mainly black interior is tastefully accented with red accents and brushed aluminum touches. |
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And it’s even better inside.
The mainly black interior is tastefully accented, with red French stitching on the dash and doors. The red safety belts (a $390 option) make a nice contrast to the black seats. There’s a little bit of red leather trim on the seats to make interior styling interesting and elegant. There is brushed aluminum trim on the doors. Above the glove box there is an AMG logo and chrome slashes. In the centre of the dashboard are three bright, large, round vents for heating and air conditioning, and there are two more on each side of the dashboard. As well as efficiently moving the air, they also look great. Looking at the dashboard, it’s obvious that this car is serious about the driving experience.
And it just keeps getting better when you get behind the wheel. The bucket seats – the optional AMG Performance Seats ($3,175) – are unusually comfortable. There’s an extension that pulls out at the front, making them especially comfortable for people with long legs.
There are dual 10.23-inch screens – one in front of the driver and the other nav screen in the centre of the dash. Both are under one piece of glass. The nav screen is very precise and detailed and is the sharpest and clearest image in the industry.
So, what’s not to like about the AMG CLA 45 S? Well, not much.
Some people might find the ride a bit rough and noisy at times, but those elements should be expected in this type of car; they are inevitable trade-offs for performance. Sure, there might be smoother and quieter luxury sedans, but they would not match the performance and handling of this Mercedes.
All of this luxury, looks, and performance – as well as the Mercedes-Benz and AMG logos – comes with a price. The base MSRP starts at $74,300, but the test vehicle, equipped with additional options, was priced at $92,465. To put that into perspective, it’s nearly double the cost of a base CLA 250 4MATIC without any options.
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S offers outstanding performance, excellent handling, and a luxurious and sporty interior. However, the best part is getting behind the wheel and simply enjoying the driving experience – especially if you like going fast in the fast lane.
Our Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S is a remarkable combination of luxury, cutting-edge technology, and jaw-dropping performance. This high-performance version of the CLA proves that a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine can deliver serious power, with its 416 horsepower and 0 to 100 km/h time of just 4.1 seconds. Add to that its stunning exterior design, meticulously crafted interior, and advanced tech features, and you have a vehicle that’s as much a joy to look at as it is to drive.
Simply put, this car was built for drivers who value speed, style, and sophistication in equal measure.
Dale Johnson is an award-winning author, broadcaster, and journalist who has worked in TV, radio, print, and online. While the manufacturer provided Dale with a vehicle to test drive, the content of this review was not reviewed or accepted by the manufacturer.
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