Following the debut of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake is of course the CLA performance model, the 2017 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. The modified CLA 45 AMG will feature the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engine that we know from the previous generation.
The very capable 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is similarly home to the A 45 and GLA 45 AMG models produces 381 hp (280 kW) and 475 Nm of torque. The massive four-cylinder power output translates to a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.2 seconds for the Coupé and 4.3 seconds for the shooting brake. To further enhance the dynamic driving character of the CLA 45 AMG, the DCT 7-speed automatic transmission will feature shorter shifting times.
The facelifted Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will get the DYNAMIC SELECT menu as standard and the LED high performance headlights that were previously optional too, will now be standard on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 as well. Visually, the twin louvre in the radiator grille is now finished in silver chrome. Aerodynamics have been further improved as well, reducing the car’s drag coefficient whilst improving the car’s driving dynamics and stability.
Other minor exterior changes include the AMG front apron in a new A-wing design with front splitter inserts in matte titanium grey and high-gloss black flics. New at the rear and similar to the design of the new GLC 43, is the design of the diffusor insert that now shows four vertical fins. To compliment the car even further, the AMG Aerodynamics package is now available as an option. This package includes a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip at the rear and spoiler lips over the air outlets on both sides of the rear.
Similar to the regular CLA and Shooting Brake models, the AMG wheel collection gets two newcomers in the form of light-alloy ten-spoke wheels with a titanium grey or black finish, or the AMG cross-spoke light-alloy wheels available in both matte black or titanium grey.
The interior of the CLA 45 AMG is complimented by the in ARTICO man-made leather upholstering of the instrument panel and beltlines. Typical for AMG models, the CLA 45 too gets the exclusive finishing touch of red contrasting topstitching. With the addition of a few extra AMG logos on the ignition key and E-select selector, the rest of the interior remains fairly the same.
It is expected that the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 will be available from June 2016, just like the regular Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake.
I SAW IN ONE OF THE FOREIGN MAGAZINES A CHROME BAR THAT RAN BETWEEN YHE REAR TAILIGHTS IN THA CLA. IT’S NOT THERE NOW. CAN IT BE AN OPTION ON YHE CLA AND GLA? IT REALLY MAKES THE CAR LOOK BETTER.