Driven: Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC
Mercedes-AMG released an onslaught of new AMG models in 2020, and Auto Advisor was fortunate enough to sample most of them, but the one that stuck out to us was the Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC. An exceptionally sleek sedan with the performance to back it up. The CLA45s is one of the hottest products to reach our shores in 2020, its beautiful lines, high-tech engine, and premium cabin make it hard to fault.
Same A45 S engine
Although the CLA45S may not get as much attention as the A45s, it does have all its hooligan sibling qualities. Under the hood, the CLA45S features the same turbocharged 4-cylinder 2.0-litre engine from the A45S and is paired to an 8-Speed Automatic transmission and 4Matic(all-wheel-drive). You get an impressive 310Kw and 500Nm of torque which will get you from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds, which is pretty dam quick. As expected, the exhaust note delivers plenty of crackles and pops, which does become addictive and can draw quite a bit of attention. It is worth noting that the engine in the CLA45s is an engineering marvel and the fastest production 2.0-litre motor in the world. It can make you feel like a kid again, and it does deliver.
Sleek exterior
When we say that the CLA45s exterior is sleek, we mean it. The CLA45s has a low sloping roof and frameless windows give it a coupe styling, and it does look stunning. It feels a bit more mature or grown-up than the A45s on the road and in terms of styling. In the front, the CLA45s gets an AMG styled grille which gets matched up with a deep air dam with an A-wing design. At the back, you get four AMG tailpipes, a black diffuser, and a black rear spoiler which is a little more subtle than the giant wing on the A45s. The aero-kit does add a lot of value aesthetically, the 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels and standard panoramic roof complete the package.
Premium interior
Mercedes-Benz is killing the interior game; crammed with the latest and greatest tech, indeed a class above its competitors. It was no difference in the CLA45s, the inside of the cabin proving to be sophisticated, luxurious, and sporty all at the same time. The bucket seats are quite delightful too, and these weren’t as uncomfortable as the A35 seats for some reason. The highlight here is, of course, the MBUX infotainment system and the digital cockpit. The CLA45s come standard with six selectable driving modes including Slippery, Comfort, Sport. Sport +, Individual and Race which are all accessible from the carbon fibre and Alcantara covered steering.
Verdict
Overall, the CLA45S is pure bliss to drive, a modern machine that doesn’t compromise on much, the cabin is also gorgeously trimmed and certainly won't be dated anytime soon. A highway munching machine if you must and it certainly demands your attention at the wheel. A base price of R 1 269 480 is by no means cheap, and with a long list of options that price could quickly get out of control, but you definitely get what you pay for. A fast, technologically advanced and all-round premium machine.
Also worth a look: the Mercedes-AMG A Class and the Mercedes-AMG G Class.
FAQ
Q: What does the Mercedes-AMG CLA45S cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC carries a price tag of around R1,250,000 in South Africa, making it a premium performance sedan that sits above the A45S in the AMG lineup.
Q: Is the Mercedes-AMG CLA45S worth buying?
The CLA45S is absolutely worth buying if you want the world's most powerful production 2.0-litre engine in a sleek four-door package, delivering 310kW and 500Nm with that addictive AMG exhaust note.
Q: How fast is the Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC?
The CLA45S rockets from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 310kW and 500Nm, paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive for maximum traction.
Q: What's the difference between the A45S and CLA45S?
Both models share the same 310kW turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, but the CLA45S offers a more mature, sleek four-door coupe design with frameless windows and a low sloping roofline compared to the hatchback A45S.
Q: Should I buy the Mercedes-AMG CLA45S or wait for a newer model?
The 2020 CLA45S represents peak AMG engineering with the world's most powerful production 2.0-litre engine, so buying now means getting proven performance technology rather than waiting for potentially diluted future iterations.
Should You Buy It?
The best performance sedan under R1,300,000 in South Africa is undoubtedly the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45S 4MATIC. At around R1,250,000, you're getting the world's most powerful production 2.0-litre engine pumping out 310kW and 500Nm, wrapped in one of the most stunning four-door coupe bodies on the market. The 4.1-second 0-100kph sprint time, addictive exhaust crackles, and that sleek frameless window design make this a definite yes if you've got the budget. It's more grown-up than the A45S but just as mental when you plant your foot, making it the perfect compromise between sophistication and hooliganism.
