2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with a single trim to offer. The price for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 starts at an MSRP of $58,950. The car comes with an abundance of features such as Performance-tuned eight-speed transmission, 19-inch wheels, a Hands-free opening trunk, Power-folding, Bigger digital instrumentation and infotainment displays, Sport-tuned suspension and transmission, Sportier body styling, auto-dimming side mirrors. The 2023 CLA 45 also gets a Panoramic sunroof, Keyless entry, push-button ignition, Dual-zone automatic climate control, a Leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, and Customizable ambient cabin lighting.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with only one configuration to offer. However, there are several options available Gloss black and carbon-fiber-style rear spoilers, Adaptive sports suspension, Leather upholstery, Wood interior trim, Heated and ventilated front seats, Multi-contour front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support, Heated steering wheel, Hands-free opening trunk, Wireless charging pad, and Dashcam.

AMG Dynamic Plus Package includes:-

• Electronically adjustable sport suspension
• Driver-selectable performance modes
• Upgraded brakes

Parking Assistance Package includes:-

• Active Parking Assist
• Surround View System

AMG Night Package Plus includes:-

• AMG side sill panels w/inserts in high gloss black
• front splitter and trim on the louvres in the outer air intakes in high-gloss black
• beltline trim strip and window line trim strip in high-gloss black

Multimedia Package includes:-

• OTA map updates and connected navigation features
• MB Navigation
• MBUX Augmented Reality for Navigation

AMG Aerodynamic Package includes:-

• Front apron w/larger front splitter and adapted flics in the side of the air intake in high-gloss black
• Diffuser blade in high-gloss black
• lateral airflow breakaway edges around the simulated air outlets in the rear apron in high-gloss black

Driver Assistance Package includes:-

• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Evasive Steering Assist

We Recommend

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is available with only one trim. However, we recommend adding up the additional optional packages based on personal preferences to further enhance its features. The overall automobile is worth the price and can surely be preferred when compared to other rivals in the list.

Release Date

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 was released on 1st December 2023.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is widely known for its performance, thanks to its impressive turbocharged 2.0L Inliine 4 powertrain. The 2023 CLA 45 makes around 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque with the benefit of a water, air, and oil-cooled turbo that can raise up to 27 psi. The 8-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission (DCT) routes the power to all four wheels of the car. The new AWD system and transmission which was featured for the first time in the 2022 CLA 45 is an advancement over the boring and slow drivetrain and seven-speed transmission found in the CLA 35. To say the least, every tiny component of the 2023 CLA 45 has improved significantly as compared to its previous generations. The 2023 edition of the car will finish the 0-60 mph sprint in under four seconds, as claimed by the brand. The CLA 45 offers its drivetrain with an active torque vectoring differential at the back that can truly generate power-on oversteer. 

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 offers less power than the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. The CLA 45 has the same power output as the BMW M340i. The torque delivery of the CLA 45 is the least among the rivals. The CT4-V Blackwing dominates in this aspect. The CLA 45 offers the quickest acceleration on the 0-60 MPH mark than the Audi S4, M340i, and the CT4-V Blackwing. Similarly, it also leads in terms of the quarter mile timing as compared to the S4 and the M340i. The top speed of the 2023 CLA 45 is 155 MPH (governor limited) which justifies its segment.

2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Ride and Handling

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, unlike its younger sibling, the CLA 35, comes with impressive torque-splitting technology that lets the sports car be driven like an RWD automobile. This means oversteer action is available at all times, and not just in Drift Mode provided by the brand. Even in Sport mode, the CLA 45 will ride all composed under heavy throttle loads, whereas the front wheels retain enough drive to keep the car in the right direction. On city roads, the 2023 CLA 45 is refined and remains calm. However, it can come out as a bit stiff sometimes. Hence, in our opinion, It is recommended the optional adaptive damping kit, but the target buyers of this beast will understand that some stiffness is to be expected.

2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Braking Performance

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with disc brakes on all four of its wheels. It comes with 13.8-inch front brake rotors and 13-inch rear brake rotors. The brake pads of the CLA 45 last about 30,000 to 70,000 miles. The car gets a standard Anti Lock Braking System and EBD. Without much or any help from the driver, the automatic parking system navigates into a compact parking space. As a standard feature, active braking aids reduce rear-end crashes and pedestrian crossing incidents. Furthermore, a situation-based brake boost is also assured if the brakes are applied too softly. The 2023 CLA weighs around 3,505 lbs.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with bigger front brake rotors than the BMW M340i. However, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing leads in this aspect. The rear brake rotors of the CLA 45 are smaller than the M340i and the CT4-V Blackwing. Moreover, apart from the CLA 45, all three sedans carry a similar curb weight, around 3,850 lbs, leading to reduced momentum while cruising for the CLA 45. The data for the stopping distance while at 60 MPH is not yet available for the Mercedes-AMg CLA 45. 

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 offers 20 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on a highway, and 23 MPG combined. Furthermore, the expected range of travel of the car is around 270 miles in a city and 378 miles on a highway. To compare with, the baby brother of the CLA 45, the CLA 35 offers a fuel economy of 21 MPG on a city road, 29 MPG on a highway, and 24 MPG combined. 

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 offers better fuel economy than the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing in all three aspects. However, the Audi S4 and the BMW M340i are a bit more economical than the CLA 45. The CLA 45 also comes with a smaller fuel tank capacity as compared to the S4, M340i, and CT4-V Blackwing. The best range of travel among the rivals is offered by the BMW M340i, followed by the S4 and the CLA 45. 

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is identified as a 4-door coupe with a trim roofline that gives it the appearance of the brand’s CLS-Class. The rear seats of this attractive sports car are comfortable, even for long trips. There is adequate rear headroom for an adult occupant despite the sloping roofline's negative impact on the view from the back. The 2023 CLA 45 comes with standard front heated power seats with eight-way power adjustment, and four-way lumbar support. Additionally, the interior features a 64-color LED ambient lighting system, Auto-dimming rearview mirrors, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, push-button start, keyless entry, and lighted vents. 

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 provides more front headroom than the Audi S4 and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. At the rear, CLA 45 provides more shoulder room and legroom than the CT4-V Blackwing. The M340i and CLA 45 have a more modern and stylish cabin than S4 and CT4-V Blackwing, which have simple and straightforward layouts. In our opinion, the 2023 CLA 45’s interior is more appealing due to its attractive center console.

Some of the key interior features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 include:

• Power sunroof
• Power adjustable seats
• Four-way lumber support
• Leather upholstery
• Ambient interior lighting
• Automatic climate control

How intuitive is the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 infotainment system?

The all-new MBUX infotainment system from the brand is surprisingly simple to operate and can be controlled by keyword activation, a touchpad controller, the touchscreen itself, or steering-wheel touch control buttons. The system comes with essential connectivity features such as Bluetooth Connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. It is no surprise that the brand features the market’s best voice controls as well. All in all, the infotainment display with sharp graphics is highly responsive. The driver's arm can readily access all connectors and buttons. An impressive low- and mid-frequency audio system is offered by Burmester. The car comes with several options which include a 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester surround sound system, in-car Wi-Fi, and navigation.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 include:

• Burmester sound system
• Bluetooth Connectivity
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-FI Connectivity
• In-car navigation system
• USB ports

Front and rear bumpers feature deep contours, while the rear also features a small spoiler, four round exhaust outlets, and an aggressive diffuser. LED headlights, Keyless entry, and a panoramic roof come standard with the CLA 45. Several wheel types, including the most preferred, the 19-inch AMG cross-spoke wheels, and appearance packages like the AMG Aerodynamics package are available as additional options. The package adds rear apron breakaway edges for lateral airflow, a sizable front splitter, and gloss black accents. The CLA 45 stands at 55.3 in and has a wheelbase of 107.4 inches.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is broader than the BMW M340i and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. The S4 carries an aggressive exterior profile with its signature front-face styling. The BMW M34i and the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing also boast their authoritative profile with BMW’s two-slat grille and Cadillac’s impressive LED headlights. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, on the other hand, carries its look similar to the CLS sedan with a flawless side profile and large two-slat front grill embodying the brand’s attractive logo.

Some standout exterior features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Daytime running lights
• LED headlights
• Optional AMG Aerodynamic Package
• Sizable front splitter
• LED tail lights

This 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 includes a plethora of precautionary features, such as rain-sensing windscreen wipers, ABS brakes, LED lighting, and traction and stability control. A set of 8 airbags are also included in the 2023 CLA 45, which includes side-curtain and knee airbags for the driver. For an additional $700, a rear seat side-impact airbag system is also available for the buyers. Two of the most common driver assistance features are also available which are Crosswind assistance and blind-spot assistance. Several more optional safety features are also available from Mercedes-AMG, such as adaptive high beam aid, speed limit help, evasive steering assist, cross-traffic assist, lane maintenance, active LED headlights, blind-spot assist, and a surround-view camera system.

Some of the major safety features available with the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 include

• Cross-traffic assist
• Blind spot monitor
• Park assist
• Adaptive high beam aid
• Evasive steering assist
• Cross traffic assist

2023 Mercedes CLA 45 vs 2023 Audi S4

The 2023 Audi S4 is a less expensive sedan as compared to the 2023 Mercedes CLA 45. It comes with a bigger V6 engine. It is also more fuel efficient than the rival and provides a better range of travel, in a city and on a highway. On the other hand, the 2023 CLA 45 is powered by the turbocharged Inline 4 powertrain that provides better power delivery. The CLA 45 also provides a quicker acceleration by reaching the 60 MPH mark in less time. It also does better in quarter-mile timing. The CLA 45 provides a better cabin feel and competitive exterior styling.

2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 vs 2023 BMW M340i

The 2023 BMW M340i is similarly priced as compared to the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. With a bigger Inline-6 powertrain, the M340i features a standard RWD. It is also more fuel economical than the rival and provides a better range of travel. Whereas0, the 2023 CLA 45 is powered by the powerful turbo four-cylinder that provides the same power output. The CLA 45, however, provides a much quicker acceleration by reaching the 60 MPH mark in less time. It also dominates its rival in quarter-mile timing. It's tough to pick one, but we found the CLA 45 to be more wholesome than the M340i.

2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 vs 2023 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with a more reasonable price tag to offer to the customers. With a smaller engine than the rival, the car significantly leads the CT4-V Blackwing in terms of fuel economy and has a range of travel. It also provides better rear legroom than the competitor. On the other hand, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing dominates the CLA 45 with better power output and torque delivery. The CT4-V Blackwing offers a slightly quicker acceleration in terms of quarter-mile timing.

The 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is not set to bring any major changes which make it similar to its previous edition. The car appears to be a good choice due to its feature extensive and comfortable cabin. The fuel economy of the CLA 45 is at par with other sedans in the segment. The four-cylinder powertrain is sufficiently powerful and performance-oriented. The ride quality remains composed, especially for a drive over the track. The exterior styling of the car also looks aggressive and dominant. The 2023 CLA 45 also provides plenty of safety features to mitigate any unforeseen consequence. Also, the brand carries a reliable image. In our opinion, the best choice would be to go with the only trim available with the AMG Aerodynamic package that comes optional with the car.