New for 2020: The AMG CLA 45 is part of the Mercedes CLA-Class that was completely redesigned for 2020. The entire lineup now features a new, more aggressive look, more power and increased interior space. The MBUX infotainment system is also now available for the CLA.

Story and photos by Jordan Allan

Specifications:

Price: $59,700 (MSRP)

Engine: Handcrafted AMG 2.0L turbocharged inline-4

Trans: AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed dual clutch

Power: 382hp@ 6,500 rpm

Torque: 354 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,000 rpm

Curb Weight: 4,729 lbs/ 2,145 kg

Fuel Consumption: (L/100km – City/Hwy)10.3/7.9

 

New for 2020: The AMG CLA 45 is part of the Mercedes CLA-Class that was completely redesigned for 2020. The entire lineup now features a new, more aggressive look, more power and increased interior space. The MBUX infotainment system is also now available for the CLA.

Segment Competitors: BMW M2, Audi RS3, Genesis G70, Volkswagen Golf R, Hyundai Veloster N, Subaru WRX STI
The Skinny: Anytime you have a handcraft engine under the hood, it’s a pretty safe bet that the car sporting it will be something pretty special, and the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 did not disappoint. In fact, not only is the engine handcrafted, but the 2.0L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder is actually the current most powerful mass-produced four-cylinder engine in the world reaching up to 382 horsepower here and 416 horsepower in Europe. Not sure how it loses 34 horsepower as it crosses the Atlantic, but that’s just the way it is.

An 8-speed, lightning-quick AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission pairs perfectly with the 2.0L turbo and provides crisp shifts which are best controlled through the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Power is put to all four wheels through the standard 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system and all work together to provide the nearly perfect balance of power, control and quickness.

The car looks absolutely fantastic from the outside with a low, coupe-like roofline and aggressive body lines that look quite mean. My test model was a bright yellow, which is not normally my thing however on this car, it worked. The yellow is broken up nicely but black accents found throughout such as all-black wheels, mirrors, spoiler and front and rear splitters.

Inside is another masterpiece highlighted by some incredible AMG race seats and a dash that basically combines the infotainment system and gauge cluster into one piece. The aforementioned seats are comfortable enough, but their main job is to hold you firmly in place during aggressive driving situations, which they do very well.
The MBUX infotainment system looks great and is easy to use, and the backseats and trunk provide enough room for a couple kids or sets of golf clubs.

The faux suede steering wheel features a race-inspired design and features small touch pads to control the infotainment system or to adjust what information you are seeing on the gauge cluster. Also on the wheel are a rotary dial with a display on one side that allows you to change the selectable drive modes and a small display on the other with a button to activate or deactivate the traction control. This not only allows you to access and change these quicker, but also provides a very cool look that is unlike anything I’ve ever personally seen before.

Performance-wise, the AMG CLA 45 excelled in every way and was truly a pleasure to drive. The car is small enough to remind you that it’s very nimble and agile, and powerful enough to truly throw you back in your seat. The engine provides an incredible sound as you rapidly approach the red line and corners are no issue at all thanks to the amazing suspension system and all-wheel drive system.

Pros: If you’ve read this car, it’s become quite clear how much I enjoyed it, but I guess I have to write something more interesting than ‘everything’ in this spot. If I had to choose one, the biggest pro of the AMG CLA 45 has to be the engine. Anytime you can claim to be the most powerful anything, you’re on the right track.
Cons: I had so much fun in this car, I am refusing to write anything here. Okay fine, it was yellow which will scare some away, but with the black accents I absolutely loved it.

The Verdict: I could sit here and tell you that if you turn everything down to comfort mode, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 performs admirably as a luxury car with a smooth, refined ride but honestly, I had it in Sport+ the entire time I had it. There are other models in the Mercedes lineup if comfort and refinement are what you’re after, but the highlight of this car is its performance and I wanted to make sure I absorbed every bit of that.

The car looks great, performs better, has all the latest technology and won’t totally break the bank with an MSRP of just $59,700. If a sport compact sedan is something you’re after, trust me and put this at the top of your list.