The CLA gets a powerful 4 cylinder engine and all wheel drive to turn it into a mad, track munching beast.
Mercedes has had great success with their CLS, which combines sportiness and luxury in one sleek looking package. Although the CLS may be a great car, its pricetag may be a little bit on the high side, out of the reach of the common man. So what if you lust after a CLS but cannot afford one? Mercedes has come up with a solution- the new CLA45 AMG.
The ordinary CLA is a really stunning looker. Based on the A class but with a new 4-door coupe body, it combines the desirability of the CLS at the price of a compact executive car. It was inevitable Mercedes would add more go to the CLA. On the outside, the CLA45 AMG receives some aero tweaks around the lower front intakes. At the rear, rectangular dual exhaust outlets, and a large, high-speed spoiler complete the list of alterations to the exterior. The car sits on 19-inch aluminum wheels decked in Dunlop tyres.
In the cabin, the standard CLA\'s paddle shifters have been enlarged, while the dashboard has been lavished with carbon fibre trim, which looks good against the contrasting stitching on the door cards and seats. The standard seats have been abandoned for a pair of lovely AMG Sports seats.
Power wise, the CLA45 AMG comes equipped a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with a large BorgWarner turbocharger bolted onto it. This engine is good for 350 bhp and 400 Nm. Paired with the engine is a beefed up version of Mercedes’ own seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All this helps propel the car from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds, and continue piloting the car forwards until it hits a speed restricted 249km/h, with a 280 km/h as an option.
Just like all the other AMG tuned Mercs, the CLA45 has power in abundance. Putting 350 bhp in such a small shell may seem like overkill, but the all wheel drive system will make the car easier to live with and more controllable. Honestly, even though it isn’t a traditional big V8, rear wheel drive AMG, I do adore the CLA45, and given the chance, I would have one parked on my driveway any day of the week.
