Review: 2017 Mercedes-AMG CLA45
15 December 2017, Neil Parkhi
Introduction
The CLA, known by the model code of C117, was unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show. A virtual 2014 car was displayed at the 2013 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. A similar virtual model was shown at the 2013 New York International Auto Show in March 2013. Viewers looked through a special display that appeared to project the car on a rotating platform. The vehicles were scheduled to be on sale by September 2013. Early models include CLA 180, CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, CLA 200, CLA 250, and CLA 220 CDI. CLA 200 CDI can be ordered from 8 April 2013, with the first vehicles to be delivered to customers from September 2013. CLA 250 4MATIC, and CLA 45 AMG were available to order from July 2013 and arrive at dealerships in September 2013. Mercedes claimed that it would be the most aerodynamic production vehicle on sale. The CLA-Class is the most affordable Mercedes-Benz vehicle offered for sale in the United States, with a base MSRP of $29,900 (2014). This undercut the C-Class sedan, the vehicle it replaced as the entry-level sedan in Mercedes-Benz line-up of cars, which starts at $38,200 (2014); the CLA 250 was released in the U.S. on September 20, 2013. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is a current high-performance model of the CLA-Class from Mercedes-AMG. The car shares its drivetrain with the A45 AMG, and it will include an AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged petrol engine, 4MATIC all wheel drive, SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transmission with paddle shifters, AMG sports suspension with independently developed front and rear axles, electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering, AMG high-performance braking system, three-stage ESP with "SPORT Handling" mode. Other features include AMG "twin-blade" radiator grille in matt titanium grey, AMG front fascia with front splitter in matt titanium grey, Large side cooling air intakes with black flics, Side sill panels with inserts in matt titanium grey, "TURBO AMG" lettering on front wing, AMG rear fascia with stylised side air outlet openings, Rear diffuser insert with trim in matt titanium grey, AMG sports exhaust system with two rectangular chrome-plated tailpipe trims featuring twin-tailpipe design, Bi-xenon headlamps, Tail lights with LED technology, Red seat belts, sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with red contrasting topstitching and red seat belts, the multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with E-SELECT lever, instrument panel trim in brushed aluminium and five galvanised ventilation outlets, central colour display incorporates the AMG main menu including RACETIMER. The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Geneva Motor Show, followed by 2013 New York International Auto Show. It went on sale in late September 2013. For the 2016 year model, Mercedes-AMG has increased the horsepower of the CLA 45. New features that were added include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT and an introduction to AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package which brings enhanced acceleration, suspension, and transmission.
Heritage
The original CLA Concept Style Coupe is a four-door fastback coupe concept car shown during 2012 at various international locations and previewed the 2013 CLA-Class. The concept was fitted with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, front wheel drive system, dual-clutch automatic transmission, diamond-look grille from the 2011 Concept A-Class, Alubeam body colour, headlamps shining red at standby mode, indicators with individual points of light up in succession, 21-inch wheels with perforated pins on the spokes, frameless side windows, panoramic sunroof, metallic-red colouring taillights, instrument panel upholstered in white nubuck leather, anthracite-coloured Alcantara on the upper section of the instrument panel, suede on the sports steering wheel, chrome trim elements and control panels in black anodised finish, surfaces around the HMI control panel in glossy shimmer of black anodised aluminium, four integral bucket seats with four integrated head restraints from Sport version of the A-Class, and air vents in the instrument panel from the 2011 Concept A-Class.
Specifications
| Steering and Transmission | |
|---|---|
| Steering Type | Speed Proportional, Electro-Mechanical, Rack and Pinion Power Steering |
| Transmission Type | 7 Speed Automatic |
| Wheels and Tires | |
| Front Wheel Type | 18 inch 5 twin spoke center lock alloys |
| Rear Wheel Type | 18 inch 5 twin spoke center lock alloys |
| Front Tire Type | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tire Type | 235/40R18 |
| Front Brake Type | Disc |
| Rear Brake Type | Disc |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension Type | AMG tuned MacPherson Strut Double Wishbone |
| Rear Suspension Type | Independent Quad-Link |
| Suspension Features | Stabilizer Bars, Coil Springs, Gas Pressurized Shock Absorbers |
| Dimensions | |
| Length (in, mm) | 183.8in, 4669mm |
| Width (in, mm) | 70in, 1778mm |
| Height (in, mm) | 55.7in, 1415mm |
| Wheelbase (in, mm) | 106.3in, 2697mm |
| Weight (lb, kg) | 3450lb, 1565kg |
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine Type | 2.0 litre 16 valve AMG turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine |
| Power (bhp, PS, kW) | 375bhp, 380PS, 280kW @ 6000RPM |
| Torque (lb-ft, Nm) | 350lb-ft, 475Nm @ 2250-5000RPM |
| 0-60 mph (0-97 kmph) | 4.1 seconds |
| Top Speed (mph, kmph) | 155 mph, 250 kmph |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Tank Size (gal, L) | 14.8 gallons, 56L |
| Fuel Type (AKI, RON) | 91 Octane/AKI Petrol (95 RON) |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 23mpg, 10kmpL |
| City Fuel Economy (mpg, kmpL) | 30mpg, 13kmpL |
| Cargo Specifications | |
| Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 13.1ft3, 371L |
| Max. Cargo Space (ft3, L) | 13.1ft3, 371L |