2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG TestDriveNow.com Video Review

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Video Review by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

If you’re passionate about cars you know that the AMG badge means it’s one bad Benz. But this isn’t like any AMG before it. The CLA45 starts off as a front-wheel drive based car. And though turbos aren’t new to AMG a 4-cylinder engine certainly is and this one pumps out an unbelievable 355 horsepower giving the CLA45 AMG the highest horsepower to dollar ratio in the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup.

When you think of AMG, you likely recollect the booming sounds from oversized V8 and V12 engines. But this time, Mercedes’ high performance unit is flaunting their engineering prowess in a less-is-more fashion. You might be surprised to learn that all CLA models run with the same sized 2.0-liter engine. Yet this hand-built AMG motor ratchets up horsepower by nearly 70% and torque by almost 30%, using a combination of optimized components, a fortified cooling system and a twin-scroll turbo packing in up to 26psi of compressed air, the highest boost pressure used in a production engine. Mate that to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic integrating the lightweight 4-wheel drive unit and born is the foundation for the CLA45 AMG.

Striking a pose similar to that of the CLS63 yet somehow even more captivating, the CLA45 meshes its bigger brother’s sweeping lines with a more purposeful stance. This car oozes youthful, German-built speed, perfectly matching its intended demo. Optional 19” black wheels further infer the athleticism which lies within.

Firm deeply bolstered sport seats await those in the front. From the helm, there’s this suede covered wheel. The steering is sharp and precise; a perfect fit for the thrillingly energetic turbo and the CLA’s unflappable chassis. It handles like the glued to the road 4Matic that it is. A car you can drive fast and confidently right from the start.

Though you don’t get the rear-wheel dance some prefer, this CLA grabs hold of the road and refuses to let go. No plowing or torque steer, these super sticky Dunlop Sport Maxx RT tires and an Electronic Stability Program with Curve

Dynamic Assist contribute to remarkable stability and flat cornering. A 3 stage ESP system goes from On to Sport to Off, each backing off intervention and allowing more power to the rear wheels. The transmission also has 3 modes, including Momentary M, which is where you need to be for Race Start, delivering an ideal launch to 60mph in 4.5-seconds. The turbo takes a moment to build momentum, but once spinning happily snaps you back into your seat, supported by 332 pounds-feet of torque. AMG brakes put a dead stop to the car’s 3,494 pounds. Fuel economy is an AMG-busting 23mpg city/31mpg highway yet if you’re turbo happy it’ll be a lot less.

The CLA45 carries a starting MSRP of $48,375, the least expensive AMG model sold here. There are a plethora of extras on my car, most noticeably the Recaro seats in Black “Red Cut” Leather, the Multimedia Package with a voice controlled navi, the Premium Package with dual zone climate control and heated seats, the Driver Assistance Package with Blind Spot Assist among others, an Advanced Parking Assistant, Panorama Sunroof and an AMG Steering Wheel. Total price is $63,815. And demystifying scuttlebutt, this compact 4-door coupe is roomier and more 4-person usable than I had heard, even carrying a decent sized-trunk. You do feel everything the road has to say however and the AMG seats do little to cushion the blow. You’re also subjected to a lot of road noise so cranking the harman/kardon system is necessary. There were also times at specific RPMs when the engine harmonics sounded alarming, but as long as AMG puts their name behind it we’ll need to trust that this powertrain will stand up to the punishment it’ll surely take. I love driving this car…it’s a perfect embodiment of AMG virtues with innovations that keep the sub-brand looking ahead.

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