Mercedes CLA 45 AMG S 4MATIC 2023 Model Tested

December 28, 2023

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Here comes another AMG infused CLA that will entertain even the most docile person

As the year of multiple electric vehicle launches come to a close, we were happy to get the key to a ‘real’ car. A car with powertrain that provides smiles at every gear change. A car that is not ‘overweight’, ‘lumpy’ and pretends to be entertaining with high torque. More importantly, a car that has a steering wheel that returns feedback to the driver.

This is a petrol powered turbocharged engine that has its engine entirely assembled by hand and was constructed in the AMG engine manufactory in Affalterbach, where every single Mercedes-AMG has raised the “One Man, One Engine” principle.

So, it looks almost the same as the outgoing CLA AMG except for the ‘funky’ new alloy wheels. Inside, the cabin maintains its AMG sportiness.

So why are we test driving the CLA AMG? Well, here are the reasons.

To keep our enthusiasm going as electrified vehicles close in around us
To maintain our automotive sanity as we sit behind more and more soul-less high torque battery powered vehicles.
To have some Christmas fun!

New turbocharged four-cylinder with ample power

With an output of up to 421 horsepower, the completely newly developed 2.0-litre AMG engine inside this car is the world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder manufactured for series production.

Mercedes-AMG has bettered the output of the preceding engine by 40 horsepower and maximum torque has also increased from 475 to up to 500 newton metres.

With an output per litre of up to 211 horsepower, the new Mercedes-AMG high-performance turbo engine even ranks ahead of many well-known super-sports car engines.

This new compact sports car accelerates in 4.1 seconds and delivers enough audio entertainment during your acceleration. Meanwhile, the top speed is up to 270 km/h. Apart from its performance figures, the new engine impresses with its immediate response.

The engine developers were able to realize a dynamically increasing torque curve in the lower engine speed range, thereby improving throttle response. The increasing torque at higher rpm makes the engine more free-revving. Moreover, the high maximum engine speed (up to 7,200 rpm) emphasizes the engine’s sporty character.

Driving the CLA AMG

Well, from ignition its just a ‘hoot’ to drive with immediate engine response from the accelerator pedal and a nimble handling chassis. Since it does not have a heavy battery pack sitting under the cabin floor like all electric vehicles, this CLA AMG rides bumps without scuttling and keeps the driver confident as power delivery increases.

This engine never runs out of steam as you push and push it within the limits of your driving ability (talking about average drivers and not track day specialists). What’s more, the fact that the maximum torque is delivered at 5,000 rpm gives the engine a lot or tractability.

The 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox that comes with this car is a smooth operator. With good gear ratios, this transmission makes the ride energetic and the average fuel consumption meagre. Fuel consumption is good if driven with less enthusiasm.

Not bad for a car that is capable of going from 0-100 km/h in 4.1 seconds seconds and with a top speed of 270km/h!

Sure, there will be some of you saying that the average electric car will be able to match this CLA AMG acceleration time and even better it, but will be with the same audio excitement?