Mercedes-AMGCLA 45 4MATIC+ 2019 - 2023

　　Mercedes-AMG stirred the market of premium sport compact sedans when it launched the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ series in 2019, battling for the title of the sportiest vehicle in its segment against the Audi S3 Sedan. On the other hand, BMW didn't have a four-door vehicle in the segment with similar performance.

　　When the three-pointed star brand brought back the four-door coupe shape in 2004 with the CLS lineup. Later, it expanded the concept with the smaller-sized A-Class that morphed from an MPV-shaped to a hatchback and then into a four-door coupe. Since Mercedes-Benz had already introduced the AMG lineup as a distinct brand, known as Mercedes-AMG, it felt natural for it to create an AMG version for its smallest four-door vehicle available. As a result, in 2019, the newly formed brand introduced the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ models.

　　At the front, the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ featured the AMG-specific Panamericana grille with twelve vertical slats where the carmaker's badge took center stage. The swept-back headlights featuring LED daytime running lights and LED lamps amplified the aggressive look of the vehicle. In addition, the apron sported the A-shaped AMG grille flanked by big functional side scoops fitted with piano-black trims. From its profile, the CLA 45+ showed its distinct-looking and aerodynamically profiled side skirts. To further emphasize the car's sporty character, the automaker installed standard 18" light-alloy wheels with a ten-spoke design, while a set of 19" alloys was on the options list. At the back, the sloped-down trunk lid had a lip spoiler. On the rear fascia, the automaker boldly installed four round exhausts that peaked under the bumper, flanking a four-slat diffuser.

　　Inside, the CLA 45+ carried over some features from its sibling, the Mercedes-Benz CLA, such as the twin-display for the instrument cluster and the infotainment system placed above the dashboard. Unlike that, the sportiest model in the CLA range had a flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in DINAMICA microfiber, while the upholstery was from man-made ARTICO leather. Surprisingly, Mercedes-AMG didn't put carbon fiber trims on the inside. It chose aluminum and piano-black ones that emphasized the luxurious side of the vehicle. The high-bolstered bucket seats at the front were available with integrated headrests. The bench seat was profiled for two at the back but featured three three-point seat belts.

　　Under the hood, the automaker installed the most powerful inline-four, two-liter engine on the market. Thanks to a ball-bearing turbocharger, the powerplant sent to the eight-speed automatic (dual-clutch) SPPEDSHIFT gearbox 387 HP (387 PS) for the CLA 45 and 415 HP (421 PS) for the CLA 45+, respectively. Power went in all corners via an AMG Torque-control system with active differentials. Unlike most other Mercedes-Benz cars, which were limited to 250 kph (155 MPH), the CLA 45 and the CLA 45+ were available with a driver package that allowed them to reach up to 270 kph (168 MPH).

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