This vehicle feels track-ready. That was my first impression after setting forth in the latest Mercedes-Benz AMG performance product to hit Canadian roadways.
The CLA 45 AMG is a groundbreaking Mercedes-Benz on several fronts, including price.
The CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is the least expensive AMG performance product in the Mercedes-Benz showroom, but that doesnt mean it lacks muscle quite the contrary.
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Least expensive AMG in the showroom
While it may be the least expensive fully-kitted AMG product that one can sign-off on, that doesn’t mean its performance is any less than compelling. The base price of the CLA 45 AMG with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive (AWD) is $49,800. For less than $50K, one can take ownership of a true AMG product capable of 0-100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds.
This week’s tester rang in at $58,040, but it was fitted with premium options and packages, totalling $8,240, none of which made the vehicle any faster or better handling. Curiously, and inexcusably, despite nearly $10K in extras, the car was devoid of a navigation system.
In its base form, the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is a well-equipped 4-door coupe. Some serious thought should go into whether the expensive upgrades are worth it. The powertrain and underpinnings make this a driver’s car, and that doesn’t change regardless of options chosen.
As with all AMG products, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the CLA 45 AMG is assembled by hand at the AMG plant in Affalterbach, Germany, where it is proudly signed by the builder.
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Reputed as the most powerful 4-cylinder production engine
The figures are somewhat staggering — a small engine turning out big numbers. The turbocharged 2.0-litre I-4 develops 355 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 332 lb.-ft. of torque from just 2,250 rpm all the way through to 5,000 rpm.
Definitely impressive. And as the AMG tradition dictates, one man builds one engine. These hand-built power plants are assembled individually by a technician who proudly signs his name on the build plaque affixed to the engine. In the case of this week’s tester, I have Jerome Wachholz to thank for the under-hood aggression.
Output is managed by a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch sports transmission featuring an F1-inspired Race Start mode, similar to Porsche’s Launch Control system. Race Start mode ensures that traction and thrust are both maximized during a full-performance departure from a standing position.
In its non-AMG configuration, the CLA is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The AMG’s 4MATIC system is capable of directing 50 per cent of the punch rearward.
Even on less-than-ideal surfaces, the CLA 45 AMG bites hard into the pavement with tenacious grip when its wheels are hammered by the full torque load.
The cabin of the CLA 45 AMG exhibits a sense of precision and purpose punctuated by huge ventilation outlets and plenty of brushed aluminum trim work.
Rob Rothwell - PNG merlin,
Power and fury unrelenting
I’ve driven a wide array of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, some of which perform beyond expectation, but in this case I was breathless.
Jerome’s masterpiece loves to rev and show its mettle. It’s far happier brawling and bellowing its way down the road than tiptoeing around town. There is very little that’s demure and genteel here, especially when drawing upon its vast reserve of raucous potency. The soundtrack is the work of the Devil, with gear changes eliciting a machine gun “brrap.”
This is definitely a car that finds its purpose on twisty back roads. It’s in such environments that the CLA 45 AMG can be fully appreciated.
Things are not as cheery on clogged and potholed city streets. Here, the appreciation factor turns to an act of tolerance. The CLA 45 AMG is not a smooth-riding quiet sled by any definition, even in its Comfort mode.
While larger AMG products seem to offer a smoother ride and greater isolation from road, wind, and engine noise, the CLA version doesn’t. Road noise in the small AMG is quite pronounced and the engine is never silent. Don’t misunderstand though. There’s an audience for this less filtered, more visceral track-ready driving experience, it just doesn’t include me. At least not anymore.
left front 3/4 view. Exceptionally-firm suspension underpins the CLA 45 AMGs stout handling characteristics.
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Wrapping the baby AMG
There’s a lot to admire about the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC.
Its AMG badge is well-earned — even if unaccompanied by a big V8 rumble. Outstanding technology and engineering have spawned a powerful four-cylinder four-door coupe with an impressive fuel-economy rating of 9.0L and 6.5L/100km city and highway driving respectively.
This isn’t a car for the faint of heart seeking an unruffled V8 to effortlessly thrust them into next week. The CLA 45 AMG immerses its driver in a coarser, less insulated performance-driving experience than a typical AMG product of late.
Yet for the right buyer, the CLA 45 AMG has a lot offer, including a fabulous mini-CLS body and cabin. But there are other choices in the category, such as Audi’s S4 quattro, which houses a turbocharged 333 horsepower V6 engine, and the all-wheel-drive Lexus IS 350 powered by a non-turbo 306 horsepower V6 mill. Both of these choice are less expensive, more operationally refined but not as powerful, quick, or visceral at the CLA 45 AMG.
rgrothwell@telus.net
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG shifter and console .
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Type of vehicle: Premium coupe-style 4-door performance car
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4
Power: 355 hp. & 332 lb.-ft. of torque
Transmission: 7-speed automatic dual-clutch
Fuel economy: 9.0 / 6.5 L/100km city / highway
Base and as tested MSRP: $48,900 — 58,040
Overview: Premium 4-door AMG performance coupe with 4MATIC
Pros: Least expensive AMG product, full-on AMG performance, outstanding handling
Cons: Harsh ride quality, noisy operation
Value for money: fair
What I would change: Make it more day-to-day livable
All sleek muscularity on the outside, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG is propelled by a 355-hp turbocharged four and can romp from rest to 100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds. — photos: Rob Rothwell/For the Province
The CLA’s cabin is pure precision and purpose punctuated by huge ventilation outlets and plenty of brushed aluminum trim work.
A menacing ‘brrap’ erupts from the twin pipes when the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission swaps a cog under full acceleration. Despite its over-the-top performance, it sips fuel at at a commendably low rate. — photos: Rob rothwell/for the province
In this week’s tester, the onboard information screen didn’t include the optional navigation system.
As with all AMG products, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the CLA 45 AMG is assembled by hand at the AMG plant in Affalterbach, Germany, where it is proudly signed by the builder.
