- Mercedes-AMG has introduced the new CLA 45 sedan and wagon.
- Both feature a tri-motor powertrain producing up to 671 hp.
- Hits 62 mph in three seconds and offers 416+ miles of range.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is officially underway and Mercedes-AMG used the event to unveil the new CLA 45 4MATIC+ lineup. It consists of a high-performance sedan and shooting brake with a tri-motor powertrain.
Starting with the latter, the cars have one axial flux motor up front and two out back. This gives the CLA all-wheel drive as well as a combined output of up to 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 1,297 lb-ft (1,759 Nm) of torque.
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Those are impressive numbers and then enable the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.7 seconds with a 1-foot rollout. However, with a traditional start, you’ll hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in three seconds flat. If you keep the accelerator planted, you’ll eventually top out at 155 mph (250 km/h) or 168 mph (270 km/h) with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package.
The motors are fed by a 94 kWh battery pack, which gives the sedan a WLTP range in excess of 416 miles (670 km). That drops to more than 398 miles (640 km) for the shooting brake, but buyers will find an additional 2.1 cubic feet (60 liters) of space in the trunk.
When the battery is low, a 330 kW DC fast charger can take the CLA 45 from 10-80% in as little as 22 minutes. If that’s too long, a ten minute charge can deliver over 168 miles (270 km) of range.
Getting back to the motors, they enable the model to have variable torque distribution between the front and rear wheels as well as torque vectoring between the rear wheels. Mercedes says this adjustability delivers impressive agility, situation-based responses, and seamless transitions between rear- and all-wheel drive.
Buyers will also find an AMG Ride Control sports suspension with steel springs and adaptive three-way damping in the form of Comfort, Sport, and AMGForce S+ modes. There are also six AMG Dynamic Select Driving modes that adjust the response of the chassis, steering, accelerator, electronic stability control, and recuperation.
Speaking of AMGForce S+, it turns the CLA into a weird performance car simulator complete with “active seat shakers” and “authentic traction shift interruptions.” The mode also delivers an “original combustion engine sound” as the noise from the old turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is digitally reproduced. This makes plenty of sense as AMG owners are used to butt stuff and their partners faking it.
When it comes time to stop, the car relies on a beefy braking system that features six-piston calipers and 15.4-inch (390 mm) discs up front as well as single piston calipers and 13.8-inch (350 mm) discs in the rear. The model also has a regenerative braking system with five levels of energy recovery.
A Plastic Grin
While AMGs are known to be aggressive, the CLA 45 looks rather cheap as there’s a faux lower intake filled with plastic. It’s a bit of an eyesore, but it’s joined by a fully enclosed Panamericana grille that looks nice enough.
Buyers will also find star-infused headlights and a short light strip between them. If that isn’t bright enough, customers can upgrade to a continuous light strip and an illuminated grille.
Further below, there’s a unique front bumper and splitter as well as an active intake. The latter can remain closed at speeds approaching 155 mph (250 km/h) and this helps to increase range and improve acceleration.
Further back, there are sporty side skirts, flush-mounted door handles, and 19- or 20-inch wheels. The model also has a unique rear bumper that replaces traditional exhaust tips with diffuser fins.
More interestingly, the CLA is the first car in its class to embrace active aerodynamics. The sedan has a power-deployable spoiler, while the shooting brake adopts a roof-edge spoiler. They can be controlled automatically or manually.
Last but not least, customers can order Night and Dynamic Plus packages. The former adds high-gloss black accents, while the latter includes red brake calipers with black AMG lettering.
A Sportier Interior
The four-seat interior is instantly recognizable, but a tad less practical as the rear middle spot has been replaced by a shallow tray. That’s an odd decision, but the CLA features faux-leather and microfiber front sport seats with red contrast stitching. Customers can also opt for real leather, two-tone designs, and red seat belts.
Elsewhere, the model has unique aluminum trim, stainless-steel pedals, and AMG floor mats. They’re joined by a Nappa leather AMG Performance steering wheel, although microfiber and leather/ microfiber variants are also available.
We can also see an assortment of familiar screens. They include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.
