The second-generation Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 was brought up just last year, and we witnessed a fresh revamp of the CLA 45 AMG.
The second-generation Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 was brought up just last year, and we witnessed a fresh revamp of the CLA 45 AMG. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is powered by a 382 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The AMG CLA 45 sits below the AMG CLS 53 in the lineup. The new CLA 45 boasts a varied range of standard safety features and aids.
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is the sole trim in the CLA class. The CLA 45 comes powered by a 382 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four engine mated with 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The coupe also offers an optional Drift Mode and AMG Drive system that helps you configure the performance metrics quickly. The CLA 45 gets standard features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, LED headlights, power-folding wing mirrors, and quad exhaust units. The safety aid includes eight airbags, crosswind assist, attention alert, and blind-spot assist.
Trim |
Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 |
---|---|
MSRP |
$55,350 |
Key Features |
Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine |
|
RACE and DRIFT modes |
|
Panorama roof |
|
Power front seats with 3-position memory |
|
Attention Assist |
|
AMG Performance front seats |
|
Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding |
|
Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) |
|
Active Brake Assist |
Which Trim should you buy?
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 seems to be well-packed with value-added features at $55,350. The car comes with multiple packages that can help to unveil the true potential of this performance beast. The AMG Dynamic PLUS Package costs $4,300 and adds features like three-stage ride control, composite brakes, increased top speed, Race/Drift modes, AMG drive unit, track pace app, and performance steering wheel. The CLA 45 Coupe also offers an array of optional features like adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system.
The 2021 CLA 45 AMG is more powerful and performance-oriented compared to the regular CLA class models. Looking at the EPA-rated fuel economy of the 2021 AMG CLA 45, we are surprised that the Coupe is able to return 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. With 13.5 gallons of fuel tank capacity, the coupe manages to offer 310 miles combined.
Models |
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 |
2021 Audi RS3 |
2021 BMW M340i xDrive |
2021 Genesis G70 3.3T |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
20 |
19 |
22 |
22 |
MPG (Highway) |
29 |
28 |
31 |
30 |
MPG (Combined) |
23 |
23 |
25 |
25 |
Fuel Capacity (Gallons) |
13.5 |
14.5 |
15.6 |
15.8 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi) |
270/392/310 |
276/406/333 |
343/468/405 |
348/474/395 |
The Merc CLA 45 AMG offers the best in class fuel economy when compared to its rivals. The BMW M340i manages to offer decent fuel economy too. With a 15.6-gallon fuel tank, the Bimmer and Genesis G70 cover a longer driving range. Audi stands together with Mercedes in the combined fuel economy figure, although it races past Mercedes in the range department due to its better bigger fuel tank.
The AMG CLA 45 has got a stunning interior just like its exterior. It comes loaded with a significant amount of features such as an AMG steering wheel, stylish air vents, dual 10.25-inch screens, and satin aluminum paddle shifters. The material quality inside exhibits a premium feel and nicer experience with the standard MB-Tex upholstery. The CLA 45 comes with power-adjustable front seats, hands-free access, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a LED ambient lighting system.
With the rear seats kept upright, the car offers a decent cargo space of 11.6 cubic feet. That's a bit more than the Audi RS3, and also Mercedes offers a good amount of small cubbies for holding some stuff. Notably, the previous model of AMG CLA 45 had a bigger trunk, but the opening was a bit narrow. All the cars in the segment come with a seating capacity of 5.
Models |
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 |
2021 Audi RS3 |
2021 BMW M340i xDrive |
2021 Genesis G70 3.3T |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.5/55.1/41.8 |
36.5 / 54.8 / 41.2 |
38.7 / 56.0 / 42.0 |
39.7 / 56.3 / 42.6 |
Second Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
35.7/54.0/33.9 |
36.1 / 53 / 35.1 |
37.6 / 54.6 / 35.2 |
36.9 / 54.6 / 34.8 |
Cargo Capacity (Cubic Feet ) |
16.5 |
15.0 |
17.0 |
10.5 |
The 2021 CLA 45’s trunk opens wide and makes loading easy like never before. The rear seats can be folded in 40/20/40-split, so you can get enough space for accommodation. The cabin also gets a small center console storage and compact door pockets. When comparing the cargo capacity, BMW offers the most at 17 cubic feet. Some of the notable interior features are:
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with a standard dual 10.25 inches screen mounted on the center of the dashboard. The gauges displayed on one of the screens can be customized in multiple design themes and layouts. The MBUX infotainment system lives up to the user's expectations and is refined to offer the best possible response and control. The infotainment is highly intuitive to use and takes less time to get familiar with.
There's a navigation system along with augmented reality within the multimedia package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with Bluetooth connectivity. You can also get a 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system that would cost you an extra $850 for the upgrade. The notable features of the infotainment system are:
The CLA 45's design is just like any other Mercedes-AMG product that leaves you mesmerized and brings in the performance and luxury blend together. The 2021 AMG CLA 45 is the same as its previous model year, receiving a major overhaul recently. The major design attribute of the AMG CLA 45 is its couple-like roofline that flows throughout the body and smoothly moves around the sides.
The CLA 45 gets larger 19-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels, a panorama roof, and a signature Panamericana grille. At the rear, you'll find a spoiler, LED tail lights, and chrome exhaust tips. Mercedes-AMG has offered an array of options with the CLA 45 that makes the exterior more attractive. Some of the options include a distinctive wheel design and an all-black AMG Night Package.
Models |
2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 |
2021 Audi RS3 |
2021 BMW M340i xDrive |
2021 Genesis G70 3.3T |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight (lbs) |
3825 |
3593 |
3968 |
3887 |
Length (in) |
185 |
176.3 |
185.7 |
184.4 |
Width (in) |
71.3 |
70.7 |
71.9 |
72.8 |
Height (in) |
56.3 |
55.0 |
56.7 |
55.1 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
3.5 |
NA |
5.4 |
5.1 |
Wheelbase (in) |
111.8 |
103.6 |
112.2 |
111.6 |
Compared to the rivals, the CLA 45 is long and wide. With the recent revamp, the CLA 45 manages to offer a bolder exterior compared to its previous models. Also, with a wheelbase of 111.8 inches, the AMG CLA 45 is quite comfortable in driving when it comes to cornering and braking. When comparing the ground clearance, BMW offers the most at 5.4 inches. Some of the notable exterior features include:
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Coupe had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. As the Coupe got a second-generation upgrade in 2020 and is still a fresh arrival in the lineup, the agencies might take some time to crash test it. Apart from the basic safety features, the CLA 45 gets additional safety features like auto-leveling headlights, front driver and passenger airbags, Active park assist, and many more. Some of the notable safety features of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Coupe are:
The Audi RS3 doesn't fairly beat the AMG CLA 45 when it comes to performance. The RS3 also offers limited interior space in the front row. Also, the cargo space is lesser compared to the CLA 45. In terms of safety features, the CLA 45 offers an array of aids compared to the RS3. Despite having a larger fuel tank, the RS3 fails to offer a decent driving range and fuel economy.
The BMW M340i is priced higher than the AMG CLA 45. The Bimmer costs around $1K more. Both cars produce almost similar power, but the M340i is slightly slower than the CLA 45 in terms of acceleration. The BMW boasts a spacious and practical interior. It has also been rewarded with IIHS's Top Safety Pick award.
The Genesis G70 is the least costly alternative in the highly expensive performance coupe market. Compared to the AMG CLA 45 that has got revamped recently, the G70 lacks on the features front. Though, it manages to keep itself cost-effective when compared to the German rivals. Between the two, the choice remains between value for money or the all-out German luxury and performance.
With an aesthetic design and theme, the 2021 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG is now available with better ergonomics and features. The performance car is well-placed among its German rivals. The most important rival is the Audi RS3. It closely competes against the RS3 in terms of driving dynamics and safety aids. The 2021 AMG CLA 45 remains majorly unchanged from the upgraded 2020 model. So, there is not much reason to go for a 2021 model that gets select new standard features like keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, one can go with the 2020 model to save some bucks while getting the luxury and performance of this AMG model.