Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupé Review: Fiesty in Black

What we like:

Fabulous engine

Lovely dynamics

What we dislike:

Interior quality can be better for an AMG

With the advent of electrification in its full form or in hybrids, it’s getting rarer to find something unfettered by corporate ambition to go ‘green’. Well, the CLA 45 S has got to be one of those with a 421 hp 2.0-litre turbo I4 (387 hp in the non-S), an extreme expression of internal combustion engine technology with the singular objective of putting out as much power as possible, as often as possible.

The fact that it’s so simple in concept is refreshing, because it’s familiar and easier to understand. Powerful ICE engine, dual clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive. A potent recipe for the compact class, and usually reserved for the fastest of them.

What’s new in the AMG 45 engine for 2024?

The engine, a closed-deck AMG masterpiece that actually delivers its max 500 Nm torque between a heady 5,000-5,250 rpm (intentionally), is meant to feel like a naturally aspirated engine. I don’t doubt that promise, especially with a 7,200 rpm redline as well. But that doesn’t mean slow - the 0-100 km/h sprint is banished in 4.1 seconds. Compared to the 35 models, it is rotated by 180 degrees to allow the flattest possible configuration, and thus most aerodynamic front design as well as improved air ducting.

It’s a true monster and really is the case where the engine almost defines the car. As proven by the CLA 45 S, a smaller 2-litre engine (as opposed to, say, a V8) doesn’t mean any less engagement. OK, perhaps we have to admit that on the aural engagement part, you can’t beat a V8. But the 45 engine feels properly raucous and would certainly turn some heads if you give it the beans. Credit to the whole department at AMG that works on perfecting the sound, even differentiating it between different drive modes.

Simple and good?

Harnessing its full potential is a straightforward affair. Just choose one of the six driving modes and you’re good to go. There’s no need to tweak any individual settings, although there is the option to. The Sport+ and Race modes, in particular, are very well-judged even for daily driving, with no holding of gears unnecessarily or halting progress.

The CLA 45 S is best described as a weapon on the road. Even compared with its larger, more endowed AMG siblings, it has its own tricks up its sleeve because of its compact size and lighter weight. Consequently, it feels more raw and agile than you would expect.

4MATIC+ puts all 421 hp onto the tarmac easily, which is quite an achievement. There are now two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches that distribute power not just between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. There's an almost limitless amount of grip and even when you taunt the car to its limits, it does not let up. Thankfully, for those who itch for a slide, there’s Drift Mode if you wish to transform the car to a rear-wheel drive hooligan. It seems like the CLA 45 S has an answer for every question you throw at it.

Even the steering feels properly macho and thankfully doesn’t relent to lightness or ‘ease of driving’. Paired with the phenomenal brakes, the CLA 45 S is a truly engaging machine, right up with the very best of them.

OK, must be tiring to drive then?

Place it in Comfort mode and the CLA 45 S still manages to make a decent impression of a CLA 180. OK, it’s pretty stiff even in the most benign setting, but it’s firm with a purpose rather than being just outright crashy. I reckon rear passengers may feel the discomfort more, due to the claustrophobic rear cabin thanks to the CLA’s sloping roofline. But all in, for the most hardcore CLA, I think it rides really well. If you wanted something more comfort-biased, there’s always the CLA 35. But then, you don’t get the handbuilt 45 engine.

Is this Batman’s car?

And just look at the thing. The vertical slats up front, 19-inch blacked out rims and the black paint makes this particular specification look like it just came out of Gotham City. And that’s so darn cool.

Anything amiss with the car?

If I had any complaint to level at the CLA 45 S, it’s probably the interior, but not all of it. The design is sound and it looks premium. I love the seats and the theatre of the various AMG bits. However, the material quality, especially the leather, feels a little bit too basic for an AMG. Perhaps not something a few optional extras couldn’t fix.

Would you buy one?

The CLA 45 S concept is nothing much new in this world where innovations are churned out fast and quick. But that is OK, keep the techy stuff elsewhere. The car is just fine the way it is, and we love it.

Photos by James Wong

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