For the 87th episode of Ignition, Motor Trend's Carlos Lago got behind the wheel of the CLA45 AMG. He takes it out on the the Hyundai Proving Grounds, to find out if what makes the most powerful turbo-4 in the world is also relevant in the US.
Predictably, Carlo finds the setup for the car is not that fun on the track. The 4Matic system is basically a FWD setup that sends 50% of the power to the rear if it senses the front is losing grip. But towards the end of the review, he admits Mercedes might have built a very competent car that grips very well and is faster round the corners than you'd really think.
Crisp styling, awesome acceleration and a good steering system make the CLA45 AMG a good car to have.
But Motor Trend's review raises some questions about price. Prices in the US start at $48,355 but the model tested $58,945. However, Audi's S5 is a good car at $52,000, while BMW will pose a real problem next year with the 2 Series 235i.
As per usual, the war between German models is a game of inches. We're confident buyers are going to see the CLA45 AMG is a good package offering the right quality and the latest Mercedes technology.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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