After a lull in excitement, Mercedes-AMG’s CLA 45 S has rekindled our passion for high-performance vehicles from Affalterbach with its precision-crafted blend of power and efficiency. We argue that the CLA is arguably the most compelling and exploitable package deal within the current AMG portfolio, channeling the raw power of past Mercs that prioritized brute force over refinement, much like the AMG GT R or the unbridled C 63 Black Series (W204). Desirous of reliving the pinnacle of performance, they yearned for another taste of pure adrenaline-fueled driving bliss.
The latest generation of AMGs has deliberately traded some of its hardcore reputation for a more inclusive approach, now prioritizing comfort and accessibility over raw performance and power. As Mercedes-AMG navigates this pivotal shift, a disconnect appears to have emerged between their creative aspirations and tangible execution.
Mercedes-Benz takes its iconic AMG C 63 to the next level with a revolutionary hybrid powertrain, replacing the traditional V8 engine with a cutting-edge turbocharged four-cylinder unit. Despite boasting impressive energy from its e-turbo technology tied to Formula One systems, the vehicle ultimately fell short of infusing its design with a sense of soul. While the haloed sports car, the AMG GT, boasts a heftier physique, all-wheel drive capabilities, and an additional pair of rear seats, these features don’t necessarily resonate with enthusiasts who initially flocked to AMG for its core values. As a fusion of style and substance, the CLA 45 S AMG and its M139 engine serve as a poignant reminder that emotion lies at the very core of what defines an exceptional performance vehicle. Surprisingly, the entry-level AMG model proves to be a thrilling ride despite being the most affordable option among its peers.
At a starting price of $74,300, the CLA 45 S faces off against stiff competition from the BMW M2 ($78,300) and Audi RS 3 ($80,950); its pièce de résistance is a handcrafted turbo-four engine that can only be described as an atomic-powered behemoth. With its potent 416-horsepower and 369-lb-ft of torque output, the vehicle is equipped with an advanced 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive capabilities, a sophisticated three-stage stability management system, a finely tuned three-stage damper setup, high-grip Continental tires, and a range of aggressive exhaust modes to further amplify its performance.
While it may not match the Audi RS 3’s pace from 0-100 km/h (4.1s compared to the Audi’s 3.8s), the AMG’s eagerness to accelerate fiercely out of corners, coupled with its potent all-wheel-drive system and adjustable electronics, exudes confidence and mastery. Constantly extracted with remarkable efficiency, our efforts delivered a jolt akin to electroconvulsive therapy, reinvigorating numbed perception and unleashing a torrent of dopamine.
As the firework show unfolds within the rev-happy sweet spot of the powerband, you instinctively coax the engine to produce a more potent performance, with third gear seamlessly engaging at 4,000 rpm and transforming even the longest straights into fleeting moments of exhilaration before the next bend. As the vehicle departs the asphalt with instantaneous responsiveness courtesy of a seamless transmission, it’s hardly surprising that the CLA would leave its competitors – including the M2 and GR Supra – in the dust once rain-soaked roads demand precision driving. The rear differential is equipped with two electronically controlled multidisc clutches, which seamlessly distribute torque between the two rear wheels to achieve precise torque vectoring and optimal traction. The CLA’s scythe-like nose implants seamlessly, while the rear swiftly follows suit, demonstrating balanced handling characteristics with a slight inclination towards gentle understeer.
While the rivaling BMW M2 may excel in smoothness and polish, the AMG still holds its own in various departments. While the M2 delivers smoother vocals during full-music playback compared to the CLA’s punchy four-cylinder engine, its elevated stance provides better clearance on uneven terrain, and its interior design accommodates taller passengers more comfortably. The latest crop of AMGs is aiming to prioritize this exact blend of agility, lightness, and ruggedness, but it’s the CLA’s compact, unpolished, and feisty demeanor that’s currently absent from today’s market – a refreshing change from the typical sports car expectations?
As the engine’s exhaust note pierces the atmospheric shield of the ozone layer, its sonic boom-like mechanical howl resonates with a scintillating intensity, while the crispy, percussive tone of the downshift is undeniably alluring. No such thing exists as a “pesky” comfort limiter; when absent, the engine will freely rev up to 7,000 rpm, without restriction, even in park or neutral gear. The composed journey allows you to truly experience the roll of the vehicle’s physique, the significant amount of lateral grip, and the way the tires are handling the road’s conditions. While the transmission impresses overall, one notable shortcoming is its tendency to stumble at low speeds, particularly during shifts between first and second gears.
While we expect the CLA 45 S to be one of the most captivating AMGs in their lineup, its sleek design surpasses even the unconventional amalgamation of lines and blocks that defines the BMW M2. The sleek CLA boasts a low profile, its Patagonic Pink hue radiating an unbridled confidence, while the entrance grille seamlessly incorporates AMG’s iconic vertical slats in a harmonious blend of form and function. It’s peculiar to observe yet another instance of rounded quad exhaust pipes emerging as an alternative to the traditional AMG rectangular outlets.
Within its sleek confines lies an equally captivating performance-centric experience, boasting a luxurious steering wheel replete with intuitive devices and a legion of high-definition screens, complemented by subtle yet striking ambient lighting panels. While the fan vent designs on Mercedes’ cars may evoke comparisons to wind turbines, an intriguing fact is that AMG also incorporates these fan vents into the Mercedes Formula One pit wall design.
While the center-mounted touchpad initially proved frustrating to navigate, we’ve grown accustomed to its absence. One method of inputting instructions is to tap the touchscreen, situated slightly farther back on the dashboard. While the haptic sensors on the steering wheel offer an alternative option, it’s widely acknowledged that they’re notoriously fragile, unreliable, and often fall short of meeting expectations. The preferred method for engaging with the system is via voice command, triggered by the simple phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’, making it our most widely used interaction technique.
Despite this omission, we appreciate that they at least included a correct quantity dial in the center console, accompanied by a shortcut button for dynamic modes to adjust journey stiffness, stability management, powertrain power, and exhaust sound – although the shortcuts on the steering wheel render these adjustments somewhat redundant.
Omitting any preconceived notions about the latest Mercedes-AMG offerings, I’m struck by their bold styling cues and performance-oriented capabilities that set them apart from other luxury vehicles on the market. The venerable CLA 45 S, a throwback to an era of raw performance, unbridled excitement, and visceral connections with the driving experience. Despite the inherent compromises of its cabin package deal in terms of space and performance, we value its compact footprint, highway compliance, and relatively efficient fuel consumption. With the ability to optimise its performance in a straightforward manner, this vehicle offers an uncustomary level of approachability, typically not found in targeted high-performance cars. As Code Red was declared, Firefighters Johnson and Thompson sprang into action, responding to the distress call. The unexpected outcome was the appearance of a bright pink AMG car racing towards the scene.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC plus Coupe
Patagonia Pink
$74,300
$87,630
2,729
4,695 / 1,999 / 1,404
2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (hand-built)
416 hp @ 6,750 rpm
369 pounds-feet of torque, available between 5,000 and 5,250 revolutions per minute.
8-speed dual-clutch computerized
Entrance engine, AWD
: 10.6
255/35ZR19 XL; Continental SportContact 6
