Segment: Entry Premium
Infotainment: Apple CarPlay Android Auto
Production years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Mercedes-AMG stirred the market of premium sport compact sedans when it launched the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ series in 2019, battling for the title of the sportiest vehicle in its segment against the Audi S3 Sedan. On the other hand, BMW didn't have a four-door vehicle in the segment with similar performance.
When the three-pointed star brand brought back the four-door coupe shape in 2004 with the CLS lineup. Later, it expanded the concept with the smaller-sized A-Class that morphed from an MPV-shaped to a hatchback and then into a four-door coupe. Since Mercedes-Benz had already introduced the AMG lineup as a distinct brand, known as Mercedes-AMG, it felt natural for it to create an AMG version for its smallest four-door vehicle available. As a result, in 2019, the newly formed brand introduced the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ models.
At the front, the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ featured the AMG-specific Panamericana grille with twelve vertical slats where the carmaker's badge took center stage. The swept-back headlights featuring LED daytime running lights and LED lamps amplified the aggressive look of the vehicle. In addition, the apron sported the A-shaped AMG grille flanked by big functional side scoops fitted with piano-black trims. From its profile, the CLA 45+ showed its distinct-looking and aerodynamically profiled side skirts. To further emphasize the car's sporty character, the automaker installed standard 18" light-alloy wheels with a ten-spoke design, while a set of 19" alloys was on the options list. At the back, the sloped-down trunk lid had a lip spoiler. On the rear fascia, the automaker boldly installed four round exhausts that peaked under the bumper, flanking a four-slat diffuser.
Inside, the CLA 45+ carried over some features from its sibling, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, such as the twin-display for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system placed above the dashboard. Unlike that, the sportiest model in the CLA range had a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in DINAMICA microfiber, while the upholstery was from man-made ARTICO leather. Surprisingly, Mercedes-AMG didn't put carbon fiber trims on the inside. It chose aluminum and piano-black ones that emphasized the luxurious side of the vehicle. The high-bolstered bucket seats at the front were available with integrated headrests. The bench seat was profiled for two at the back but featured three three-point seat belts.
Under the hood, the automaker installed the most powerful inline-four, two-liter engine on the market. Thanks to a ball-bearing turbocharger, the powerplant sent to the eight-speed automatic (dual-clutch) SPPEDSHIFT gearbox 387 HP (387 PS) for the CLA 45 and 415 HP (421 PS) for the CLA 45+, respectively. Power went in all corners via an AMG Torque-control system with active differentials. Unlike most other Mercedes-Benz cars, which were limited to 250 kph (155 MPH), the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ were available with a driver package that allowed them to reach up to 270 kph (168 MPH).
ENGINE SPECS - CLA 45 2.0L 8AT AWD (387 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1991 cm3 |
Power: | 284.6 KW @ 6500 RPM 387 HP @ 6500 RPM 382 BHP @ 6500 RPM |
Torque: | 354 lb-ft @ 4750-5000 RPM 480 Nm @ 4750-5000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 8-speed automatic AMG Speedshift DCT |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 245/35 ZR 19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 175 in (4445 mm) |
Width: | 72.8 in (1849 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.9/61.3 in (1,598/1,557 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.4 in (2728 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.1 cuFT (371 L) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 192 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - CLA 45 S 2.0L 8AT AWD (421 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1991 cm3 |
Power: | 309.6 KW @ 6750 RPM 421 HP @ 6750 RPM 415 BHP @ 6750 RPM |
Torque: | 369 lb-ft @ 5000-5250 RPM 500 Nm @ 5000-5250 RPM |
Fuel System: | Turbocharged Direct Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 4.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | All Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 8-speed automatic AMG Speedshift DCT |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 245/35 ZR 19 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 175 in (4445 mm) |
Width: | 72.8 in (1849 mm) |
Height: | 55.4 in (1407 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 62.9/61.3 in (1,598/1,557 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.4 in (2728 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 13.1 cuFT (371 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3417 lbs (1550 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4586 lbs (2080 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 192 g/km |