Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Quick Spin review

Luxury sedan brings a surprising turn of speed.

David McCowen

06:2624 November 2016

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Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Quick Spin review

What is it?

A swoopily-styled four-door sedan version of the Mercedes-AMG A45, the turbocharged terror that rewrote the rule book for hot hatches.

What isn't it?

This is not a coupe, despite what Mercedes says. It's definitely a compact sedan.

What does it say about me?

That you want an AMG performance car but don't want to be seen in the wild and winged A45 hatchback - this sedan is a little more distinguished.

Who else is buying it?

Young couples and women seem to gravitate toward the CLA45, which has proved incredibly popular in major cities. The "45" series of junior AMGs has done wonders for the marque's sales, near-doubling the brand's numbers in recent years.

What colours does it come in?

White, black, silver and grey are the popular colours, though there are navy blue and racy red tones that represent more fetching options.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

The CLA just might be TV presenter and part-time racer Grant Denyer - it's a polished, popular and well-dressed nugget with better driving ability than you expect and a fair old naughty streak.

Why would I buy it?

Because it's the cheapest way into an AMG sedan, or the most outrageous four-cylinder performance car on sale. Your call.

Will it let me down?

That's unlikely, though we have heard of a few random issues within Benz' small car line-up.

Does it cost too much?

Yeah, it probably does. Priced from $92,215 plus options and on-road costs, the CLA really doesn't always feel like a great way to blow $100,000. It's dearer than key rivals such as Audi's RS3 and the BMW M2, but is better equipped in standard form than both and significantly cheaper than larger V8-powered AMGs.

Will I get a deal?

There's often a waiting list for this one, so that might be tricky. Keep your mind open, though, and you might snag a deal on a demonstrator model.

Will it get me noticed?

Yes and no. Friends will notice that you have a new 'Benz, but only enthusiasts might clock that it's a $92,000 AMG version and not a $52,000 entry-level CLA200 sedan.

Any gadgets I can brag about?

The big one is under the bonnet, where a 2.0-litre engine pumping out 280kW and 475Nm represents the most powerful four-cylinder engine on the road. You also-get AMG-fettled treatment for the brakes, seats, exhaust and more that make it a driver's delight. There are plenty of luxury toys too, but the balance between performance and prestige motoring swings toward speed.

How's the cabin ambience?

Not bad, blending an AMG-sourced suede-like steering wheel with grippy seats, metal-look pedals and a decent sized display screen with sat nav and a pretty punchy Harmon Kardon stereo.

Does it go?

Yep. The CLA uses launch control and all-wheel-drive traction to rip to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds - a time to rival exotic performance cars from the likes of Lotus or Porsche. It's a seriously quick machine, and that's where a lot of your money goes.

Does it like corners?

It's not bad at all, responding crisply to steering inputs before making the most of that all-paw purchase to rip away from bends.

What about bumps?

Previously a weak point for the CLA, the ride has been refined somewhat to make it firm but liveable.

What about service stations?

As with most modern performance cars, the CLA's fuel use is ok if you drive sensibly. But it loves a drink if you tap into that performance.

Would you buy one?

Yeah, I'm a fan of the CLA45 - particularly in oddball Shooting Brake form, where the car features a swoopy wagon bodyshell.

What else should I consider?

Audi's upcoming RS3 sedan is its most logical competitor, while BMW's M2 is an excellent two-door riposte to rivals that started life as front-drive hatchbacks.

The Spin:

Avant-garde meets driving performance.

The Translation:

You don't have to choose between style and speed.