Hear me out.

Of course, it is not actually an Evo, but the DNA is there. A small four-door saloon? Check. A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder that punches well above its weight? Check. A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with a Drift Mode thrown in for good measure? Absolutely.  

The Mercedes-AMG CLA45 sits as the sleek, slightly more mature sibling to the A45 hatchback. It is essentially a Ford Focus-sized car, but with a supercar-level 415bhp in CLA45 S trim.

That is enough power to launch it from 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds, on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Remove that limiter, and who knows what madness it could achieve before aerodynamics and physics step in.

What makes this even more remarkable is that all this power comes from a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Just like the old rally icons.

But, unlike those early 2000s Japanese legends that had a fair bit of turbo lag, this AMG masterpiece delivers its power instantly. 

Four-Cylinder Saloon That Feels Like a Supercar  

Let us start with the obvious: the performance is staggering. Put your foot down, and suddenly, you are doing speeds that seem entirely inappropriate for public roads.

You constantly need to check the speedometer, because what feels like a relaxed cruise is probably way over the limit. This is the sort of effortless pace usually reserved for cars with twice the displacement.

But while the old CLA45 was quick, it always felt a little raw and unrefined, as though AMG had simply stuffed as much power as possible into a small chassis and hoped for the best. This new model is different. It is still insanely fast, but it is also more sophisticated.

The engine is a work of art. Turbo lag is practically non-existent, and the engine revs so freely, you might find yourself bouncing off the rev limiter in second or third gear if you are not paying attention.  

The 8-speed gearbox is another highlight. It is miles ahead of the 7-speed automatic in the standard CLA models. Gearshifts are razor-sharp, with closely stacked lower ratios to keep the engine in its powerband.

In eighth gear, it settles down to a relaxed cruise below 2,000rpm, making long highway drives a breeze, provided you can tolerate the tyre noise.  

A Saloon Ready To Dance

Handling is where the CLA45 surprises you. The all-wheel-drive system grips like a vice, meaning you can get back on the power far earlier than you think.

Unlike some of its rear-wheel-drive AMG siblings, the CLA45 does not try to kill you at every opportunity. But that does not mean it is boring.  

It has a playful side, especially in the wet. You do not even need to use the gimmicky Drift Mode to have fun; the car’s natural balance lets you enjoy some “controlled” slides without any electronic trickery.

The steering is precise, and the chassis is surprisingly adjustable for an AWD car.  

But The Ride Borders On Brutal  

There is no getting around it, the CLA45 is firm. Even in Comfort mode, the ride never fully relaxes. On smooth roads, it is fine. But throw in some less-than-perfect tarmac, and suddenly you are feeling every imperfection.  

It is clear that AMG prioritised handling precision over ride comfort, which is understandable in a performance car. 

At Least You Get A Nice Interior  

Step inside, and you are immediately greeted by a wall of screens. Being an AMG model, the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S gets a few extra goodies. The digital displays include G-meters, lap timers, and performance data readouts, useful for showing how fast you can pull away from the lights. 

One particularly clever touch is the extra set of rotary dials on the steering wheel, which allow you to quickly adjust settings like the exhaust mode or stability control.

Once you have set up your preferred chassis, engine, and gearbox settings, you can save them in Individual Mode, making it easy to switch between relaxed and aggressive driving styles.  

The front seats are superb. The materials feel premium, though some cheaper plastic elements let it down.  

Rear passenger space is better than expected, but headroom is tight for anyone over 160cm. 

A Baby Supercar In A Suit  

The old CLA45 was brutally fast, but a bit one-dimensional. This new version has layers.  

It can be a comfortable, all-weather cruiser one moment, then a playful, high-performance monster the next. It still has that all-wheel-drive aggression, but now it is wrapped in a package that is more refined and more usable every day.

It is not cheap, but for those who want a four-cylinder saloon with the heart of a supercar, this might just be the best you can buy today.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S

Engine: 1,991cc 4-cylinder in-line 16-valve, turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 310 kW (416 bhp)
Torque: 500 Nm
Gearbox: 8G-DCT (A) AMG SPEEDSHIFT
0-100km/h: 4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy: 11.6 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$398,800 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz’s CLA four-door coupe has just undergone a mid-cycle makeover, and it’s now ready to strut its stuff in Singapore.

What’s new, you ask? Let’s dive into the revamped beauty.

A Fresh Face

First impressions matter, and the updated CLA knows this all too well. It sports a revised front grille, with an eye-catching star pattern design. The lower bumper gets a facelift with a reshaped front apron, giving the CLA an even more dynamic presence.

Those LED headlights? Well, they’re not left behind. They’ve got a modernized graphic treatment.

What about the rear, you ask? A new rear diffuser adds an extra layer of sporty flair.

Mercedes-Benz also decided to jazz up your choices with two new body colour options – hyper blue and spectral blue. And for the wheel aficionados among us, three fresh alloy rim designs, sized up to 19 inches, are here to add that perfect finishing touch.

A Dash of Luxury Inside

When you slip inside the CLA, you’re met with a new leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Driver Assistance Package has been upgraded, offering a refined Lane Keeping Assist system. And that’s not all – there’s a parking assistance package that makes longitudinal parking a breeze. And the cherry on top? A 360-degree camera that provides a 3D image of your ride.

What about the MBUX operating system? The displays now flaunt fresh styles, and there’s a more intuitive voice recognition system to keep things smooth.

AMG: Adding More ‘Grr’ to the Mix

Now, if you’re an AMG fan, you’re in for a treat. The AMG variants get slightly meatier updates – an AMG-specific grille, a performance steering wheel that’s all about control, new alloy wheel designs, and fresh upholstery seat options. They’re turning up the style, no doubt.

Under the Hood: Electrifying Touch

But here’s where things get electric – quite literally. The CLA is now embracing mild hybrid drivetrains with a 48-volt electrical system, complete with a belt-driven starter generator that can throw in up to 10kW (that’s 14hp for you) of power. It’s all about smooth startups, coasting with the engine off, and harnessing energy while you’re braking and accelerating.

The CLA 180 and 200 models are still humming along with their 1.3-litre turbo four-cylinder engines, pushing out 130hp and 163hp, respectively. And for the CLA 35 and 45 S AMG, they’re rocking 2.0-litre turbo fours, roaring with 306hp and 421hp.

Special Edition: CLA 45 S AMG Street Style

Hold your breath for this one. To celebrate the facelift, there’s a special edition in town, the CLA 45 S AMG Street Style Edition. It’s like Mercedes-Benz dressed up for a gala – with a grey Magno paint job and unique AMG graphics. Those exclusive 19-inch matte black AMG forged wheels? They’re turning heads. Red brake callipers add that dash of sportiness.

Inside, it’s an orange party, with contrast stitching on the seats and trims. The AMG-specific interior ambient lighting? Let’s just say it sets the mood right.

Price Tag for the Singaporean Road

The updated CLA starts at S$255,888, and that’s inclusive of COE for the CLA 180 Progressive. If you’ve got your eyes set on the CLA 200 AMG Line, it’s yours for S$332,888 with COE. As for the pricing details on the facelifted CLA 35 AMG and CLA 45 AMG, well, you’ll have to stay tuned.

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