It is not necessary to go far back in time to reach a time when only supercars “shot” beyond 400 hp of power. Nowadays it couldn't be more different and the “blame” is, in large part, of models like the one I bring you: the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake.
It is true that this model is part of the vast family of Mercedes-Benz compact models, but here it took the “special treatment” from AMG and presents itself with a much more radical “clothing” and with a “heart” that allows it to claim many sporting responsibilities.
It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4s, 0.1s less than the time announced by a… Ferrari F40 in the same sprint — and that, in itself, says a lot about what performance is today, right ?
But did this injection of power pinch the familiar attributes that a van in this segment is “obliged” to guarantee? Is it still a usable model on a daily basis? This is what I will respond to in the next few lines.
Talking about the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake truck forces you to talk about the image, which does not go unnoticed and “turns many heads” in the street.
The Panamericana grille, the huge air vents on the bumpers, the muscular hood and the four tailpipes at the rear leave no doubt that this is a model straight out of Affalterbach's “home”.
And we didn't even mention the aerodynamic mounts on the sides of the front bumper, the 19” wheels and the rear spoiler that extends the roofline. All these elements significantly reinforce the sporting character of this proposal and help to reinforce the road presence of this model.
The engine… doesn't deceive!
But it's when we start the engine and hear the “rumble” of this turbocharged four-cylinder block with 2.0 liters of capacity that we realize the “monster” that we truly have in our hands.
The carbon emissions from this test will be offset by BP
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This is the same engine that “animates” the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S, the M 139, so this is the most powerful production four-cylinder block in the world. And when we look at the technical sheet, the parade of numbers is not deceiving: 421 hp, 500 Nm, 0 to 100 km/h in 4s and 270 km/h of maximum speed.
Managing all this is an automatic eight-speed dual-clutch AMG SpeedShift DCT 8C transmission coupled with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system with AMG Torque Control, which integrates two electronically controlled multi-disc clutches, each connected to an axle axle shaft rear.
Thanks to this, torque can not only be distributed between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels, which makes it possible to implement the Drift mode (standard on the S version of the CLA 45) for a “powersliding” maneuver. ” controlled.
This CLA 45 S doesn't live by power alone
The suspension features specific springs and new frequency-selective dampers that guarantee enormous directional stability and interesting cornering behavior, effectively reducing body heel.
The adaptive damping system AMG Ride Control, an optional 1116 euros, lets us choose between three modes that affect the suspension's hardness (Comfort, Sport and Sport+), with the system working fully automatically and managing to adapt the suspension. damping of each of the wheels.
This not only allows us to increase agility and efficiency in corners, but also gives us an increase in comfort in situations that are less dynamically demanding. But even so, this CLA 45 S is always a somewhat firm car (it couldn't be otherwise…) and we are the ones who always pay that bill.
Chrome elements contrast with the various Alcantara accents, for a very sporty cabin.
How effective is it possible to have?
On the road, behind the wheel of this Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake van, I felt exactly the same way I felt when I drove the new Mercedes-AMG A 45 S for the first time: almost too much effectiveness. Let me explain.
It's very easy to go fast with this CLA 45 S, be it in curves or straight. The power available, the way the torque is placed on the asphalt and the absurd amount of grip is impressive. Same.
There is no place for drama, for big “games” with the brake and the accelerator or for provocations. The CLA 45 S always seems to go with a mission in mind, be fast. And thanks to that he always seems unfazed.
So don't expect this to be the most fun car to drive in the segment, nor that the rear will be full of fun. But if the conversation is fast, this is a name that will always lead all tables and discussions. Because there, the effectiveness of this "monster" is unquestionable.
An experience for the senses
The speed is impressive, as is the way we are glued to the seats whenever we step on the gas pedal or resort to Launch Control mode. Believe me, there are few cars at this level capable of offering what this CLA 45 S — or any other model in the AMG 45 family — offers.
This experience is always accompanied by an exhaust note that can take on two distinct tones: Balanced and Powerful. In the latter, even with a lot of evidence that doesn't make us forget that this sound was really worked, almost as if it were a music track, the CLA 45 S “screams” at the top of its lungs.
And the bubbling that comes out of the exhaust whenever you lift your foot off the gas or lower a ratio is just addictive. And no, there's no other way to use this AMG other than how I've used it during the days I spent with it: every traffic light is an opportunity to crush the throttle (up to legal speed limits, of course).
There is no sport like this, but the on-board computer always reminds us what it entails. Is that exploiting the 421 hp of power at the exit of each traffic light is something to throw us very easily to average around 14 l/100 km.
But from time to time there we remember that this “monster” from Affalterbach also knows how to be civilized and then consumption drops to more reasonable levels. I reached the end of this test with an average consumption of 9.2 l/100 km, which is still acceptable for a model with this sporty pedigree.
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Is it the right car for you?
The power, speed and acceleration of the A 45 S concentrated in a more spacious body with more balanced proportions. That's how I look at this Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake van.
But if these are all advantages, the less positive points remain the same. Starting with the curved behavior, which despite being super-effective, leaves very little room for fun.
However, the experience always manages to be immersive and… fast. In this field, the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Shooting Brake looks down on all rivals in the segment.
And exploring the limits of lateral grip and acceleration power becomes, almost immediately, an addictive experience behind the wheel of this AMG. Crushing the throttle just past the middle of the turn lets you drive off with the wheels straight and catapults you forward in an impressive way.
The 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine is a remarkable piece of engineering and makes a fantastic team with the eight-speed automatic transmission, which always proves to be very fast and adjusted to our driving style.
Admittedly, the 505 liters of luggage capacity (or 1370 liters with the rear seats folded down) are a good plus over the A 45 S, but the very narrow tailgate remains a limitation, especially for families. And in addition to that, I noticed some noises and vibrations inside the cabin that I didn't feel in other models of the CLA family.
But when it comes to taking stock, I have no doubts in stating that this is one of the most impressive vans on the market. It is a superlative proposal at all levels, often difficult to justify. But as soon as we “lay our hands” on her, we become addicted to what she has to give us.