Get Hotcars Premium. Start your free trial today

The unique and highly desirable CLA 45 AMG boasts all the typical DNA of AMG, setting a new benchmark in its competitive segment.

Mercedes-AMG has recently been on a hot streak in driving performance, setting numerous benchmarks through high-performance vehicles equipped with impressively engineered high-tech packages. After the overwhelming success of the trendsetting four-door CLS 63 AMG high-performance coupe, Mercedes-AMG sought to replicate the same philosophy with the CLA 45 AMG, introduced in the Spring of 2013.

Related: 10 Things We Love About The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S

The unique and highly desirable Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 boasts all the typical DNA of AMG, setting a new benchmark in its competitive segment with a remarkable combination of extravagant design, sporty driving capabilities, and exclusive individuality. Currently, in its second generation, the AMG CLA 45 is available as an uber-slinky coupe or a stylishly more practical wagon dubbed the Shooting Brake. There's a lot more to these high-performance four-door AMG offerings, so scroll on and find out the ten things we love about the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45.

Although Mercedes-AMG intentionally borrowed a leaf from the CLS 63 AMG's styling cues, the AMG CLA 45 is still a design icon with characteristic AMG elements. The standard CLA's sporty proportions got carried over to the AMG variant, reinforced further by the eye-catching AMG twin-blade radiator grille, cross strut in the AMG front apron, and generous cooling air intakes.

Interestingly, the Shooting Brake's proximity to the four-door coupe's design is hardly deniable, distinguished by the much longer wagon stance and more upright rear windshield. The two iterations further share elements such as the AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, a distinctive AMG rear apron with a large diffuser insert and air outlet openings at the sides, chrome-plated twin tailpipes, and striking LED taillights.

The AMG CLA 45 interior exudes the exclusivity and dynamism we've expected with Mercedes-AMG, with the top-quality, high-grade materials leaving nothing to be desired. The brushed aluminum trim of the instrument panel and the galvanized ventilation outlets coordinate perfectly with the dark dashboard accents and the red color theme that extends from the seats to the steering wheel and door frames.

Related: Why The 2022 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Has The Most Luxurious Interior Ever

The sports seats boast ARTICO artificial leather and DINAMICA microfiber lined with contrasting red topstitching. The AMG CLA 45 offers numerous AMG individualization options, including carbon-fiber trims, floor mats, a performance steering wheel, performance seats, and an intelligent light system.

The AMG CLA 45 cockpit features a vivid 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster display with customizable analog-style and digital displays, not to mention a large multifunction menu screen with animated and illustrated menus. The dashboard is dominated by a 10.25-inch widescreen color display with a multitouch interface and an advanced "Hey, Mercedes" voice control that provides effortless access to the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX).

Other standard features include steering-wheel touch control buttons, a touchpad controller, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB-C ports, USB-C adapter cable, hands-free Bluetooth interface, Bluetooth audio streaming, and an HD radio receiver. On the other hand, owners can add optional equipment like MBUX interior assistant, AMG head-up display, MB navigation, augmented video for navigation, in-car Wi-Fi, and Burmester surround sound system.

The AMG CLA 45 is available with an array of packages, from styling elements to performance equipment, safety, and security. The Night package incorporates high-gloss black exterior finishes, while the exterior lighting package includes active LED headlamps and adaptive high-beam assist. The multimedia package comes with an augmented video for navigation and MB navigation.

The optional driver assistance package equips the AMG CLA 45 with active distance assist, active/evasive steering assist, brake assist, blind spot assist, lane change assist, pre-safe, and route-based speed adaptation. Parking assistance incorporates Parktronic with active parking assist and a surround view system. Performance packages include a standard performance seat package, an advanced performance seat package, and a Dynamic Plus package.

Currently, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S boasts the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production globally. Hand-built through the traditional 'one man, one engine' AMG philosophy, each engine is characterized by an AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the engine fitter responsible for the production process.

Related: The F1-Engined Mercedes-AMG One Hypercar Is A Good Sign For The Brand

The engine belongs to the BlueDIRECT family, which features a combination of multiple spark ignition and multiple fuel injection to improve fuel utilization and substantially increase thermodynamic efficiency for lower exhaust emissions. The high-tech M139 engine generates 387hp in the standard AMG CLA 45 and 421hp in the higher-spec AMG CLA 45 S.

The AMG CLA 45 houses a 2.0-liter engine, a relatively small-displacement engine compared to its high-performance output. In addition to the innovative injection strategy, Mercedes-AMG addressed the fundamental displacement challenge through twin-scroll turbochargers, allowing for a more spontaneous build-up of charge pressure and effective use of exhaust gas temperature, gas back pressure, and exhaust gas impulse.

The trifecta involved maximum derestriction of the exhaust system by incorporating an AMG sports exhaust system with an automatically-controlled exhaust flap and large pipe cross-sections. In addition to reconciling long-journey comfort and real dynamism, the exhaust system emits an impressive sound that becomes incredibly fascinating during powerful acceleration.

Part of the AMG treatment involves fitting various components developed through years of motorsport experience, and the AMG CLA 45 is not short of these goodies. The high driving dynamics demand a highly effective cooling system, so AMG included a low-temperature circuit for air-water charge air cooling and a high-performance electric pump.

The AMG sports suspension encompasses a sophisticated axle technology that optimizes elastokinematics; a three-link front suspension and a four-link rear axle. Other features include AMG track pace equipment to analyze driving skill in cordoned-off tracks, an electromechanical Dual Pinion speed-sensitive sports steering for agility and high-speed steering precision, and a high-performance braking system with perforated and ventilated brake discs on all four corners.

The performance and dynamism theme in the AMG CLA 45 extends further through the variable, performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, standard across all iterations. The system comprises a two-part propeller shaft setup that transfers power from the engine to the rear axle and an electrohydraulically-controlled multiple-disc clutch integrated with the rear axle differential.

Related: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic Review: Luxury At Its Finest

When the multiple disc clutch detects slip at the front axle, the hydraulic pump automatically presses the discs together to channel engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. In favor of substantial weight reduction, Mercedes-AMG fully integrated the AWD's compact power take-off unit into the AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed sports transmission. This configuration sees the two systems share lubricant from the same oil circuit.

The AMG 4MATIC AWD interacts with the three-stage ESP and ESP Curve Dynamic Assist to enable the driver to vary the AMG CLA 45's driving dynamics according to their individual preference at the push of a button. The 'ESP ON' mode is safety-oriented, supporting the driver in maintaining neutral handling by braking intervention on the wheels and reducing engine torque when driving conditions become unstable.

The 'ESP SPORT' mode is dynamically-oriented to offer more fun at the wheel by applying appropriate control strategies that slow down ESP intervention and increase drive torque at the rear axle. Lastly, the 'ESP OFF' mode disengages all ESP functions and is designated for experienced drivers on cordoned-off racetracks.

Another feature designed to optimize the AMG CLA 45's dynamic performance and driving enjoyment is the Dynamic Select. In 'Momentary M' mode, the driver experiences manual gear-shifting in all the automatic driving programs by pressing the 'up' or 'down' shift paddle once, with automatic up-shifting available on meeting the rpm limit.

The shift times in the 'S' sport mode and 'M' manual mode are similarly sporty to the SLS AMG GT super sports car, with faster gearshifts and a thrilling sound to crown the experience. On the other hand, the 'C' controlled efficiency mode offers tangibly soft transmission and engine characteristics that contribute to fuel-efficient yet comfort-oriented driving.

Simon Kim has always been passionate about machines since childhood, and this has grown into an obsession well into adulthood. As an avid reader and creative content writer, he finds joy and fulfillment in sharing his love for cars and bikes with other machine heads. Currently, Kim seeks to deliver exciting and informative articles on HotCars. He enjoys music and art and dabbles in active sports and virtual gaming in his spare time.