AMG has been the performance wing of Mercedes for quite a while. Whenever Mercedes-Benz wants to inject steroids into its cars, it sends them to AMG where they are transformed into fire-breathing dragons (not literally, but they sure sound like one). Having never driven one myself before, I thought it was time to tackle this phenomenon—AMG. The best way to start is from the entry-level: the baby dragon, aka the CLA 45 AMG. Check out prices and specs here.

Exterior

The first thing that comes to mind when you see a CLA is that it looks a lot like the CLS, which is true. It is meant to be the little brother to the CLS, hence the naming—S being top and A being entry-level. Essentially, Mercedes has squished the CLS to create the CLA, adding stickers, carbon fiber side mirrors, and red accents wherever possible. With black 19” alloys and red brake calipers, you get a short “tough guy” ready to fight.

Interior Materials

My opinions are mixed in this area. I appreciate that the front seats are sporty yet comfortable, but they poke the rear passengers in the knees as they are too hard from the back. I had to keep the seats forward so that the rear passengers could sit comfortably. I also like the nappa leather surrounding, but the red stitching and seatbelts are a turnoff. Additionally, the added road and wind noise at high speeds diminished the excitement. Overall, I wanted to like the interior environment (with the carbon fiber touches), but it did not feel sturdy. In comparison, the Audi S3 offers a higher quality environment.

Interior Space & Visibility

As an entry-level model, you can expect entry-level spacing. As long as the rear passengers are not over 6 feet tall, they should be fine. The sloping roofline and drive-shaft do not help its case, so it is best to travel with a maximum of four occupants and a child in the middle. The boot is adequate in diameter but small in depth, suitable for fitting a few shopping bags at most. Visibility is average, and one must rely on the various sensors to judge the surroundings.

Interior Features

Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer of in-car tech, and the CLA is no different. Fitted with almost all premium features, this car is class-leading. However, some expected features are missing. First and foremost, where are the electric seats? It's a Mercedes, and no electric seats are disappointing! Forget memory seating; a simple 4-way driver electric seat will suffice. Instead of the seatbelt tightening automatically, I would prefer to adjust myself without levers in a car that costs 240K. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control option may not be appropriate for the entry-level segment. However, all remaining features are welcome and function perfectly.

Power & Transmission

This is where AMG shines, and it shines bright. The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine can produce 360 BHP and 450 Nm of torque. A 2.0-liter! That’s uncanny and mind-blowing. The engineers at AMG managed to create something spectacular that outperforms the competition. Nothing comes close to this—except the all-new Audi RS3 hatch with 362 BHP, but alas, it is not available here. This tiny block accelerates the CLA from 0-100 in 4.6 seconds, of course with launch control. However, during testing, I managed to achieve 5.3 seconds and not below that, primarily due to the gearbox requiring optimal RPM for shifts. It is time for Mercedes to upgrade its 7-speed gearbox to make it more responsive, as it is lagging behind competitors. Additionally, this high-revving engine does affect fuel efficiency; I recorded 14.2 l/100 km during my test run, which is more typical of an SUV. The best way to save fuel is to drive in ECO mode; even then, I averaged 10.2 l/100 km. AMG needs to address this aspect as well.

Handling, Suspension & Brakes

This is one area where I cannot think of any negative comments. This little monster is a joy to drive. It handles brilliantly—the AWD traction grips the car magnificently. The suspension is a bit stiff but manageable over long trips. And the brakes—oh my god, the brakes are just heavenly. From 100 to standstill, it is achieved in 2.7 seconds without twitching. Purely sublime!

Remember how the S3 performed in our first drive?

Verdict

The CLA 45 AMG is an impressive piece of engineering and indeed a marvel. The closest competitor is the Audi S3, which produces 290 BHP and is not nearly as fun as this car. The S3 is poised, whereas the CLA is explosive. However, as a consumer, the first thing I will notice is the price difference. The S3 is priced at 150K, while the CLA is at 240K. That’s a significant 90K difference, considering both are compact sedans. Therefore, as an overall package and value for money, I would choose the S3.

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