If you have ever dreamed of owning something close to an Evo, but your life now demands something a little more polished, then the Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S might just be the car for you.
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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