Topic: Test Drive: 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

[AutoTrader.ca]

The most accessible AMG.

Read more.

[ChaosphereIX]

I am not one to speak of reliability ever, but damn these things are bound to fall apart after 5 years...CPO for sure 

Also, wow is it expensive for a compact car. $70k. That is entry level? The base price is much more attractive, even if still a little dear for a tune on the engine and some bodywork (over the base CLA awd)

"Cramped rear seat" - not even worth mentioning for this car. A given. Back seat is for kids and occasional use on short trips, the stupid "coupe" roofline sees to that.

Finally, it is STUPID that you have to buy a "sports exhaust and suspension" and "sports wheel" as AN OPTIONS PACKAGE! It is a damn AMG, why the hell is it not on the car in the first place!!!???

[CanuckS2K]

Maybe it's just me but that entire dash looks absolutely horrible.  Seats look pretty good though.  But in the end, this car does absolutely nothing for me.  But I'm probably in the minority I'm guessing. 

[Fobroader]

Maybe it's just me but that entire dash looks absolutely horrible.  Seats look pretty good though.  But in the end, this car does absolutely nothing for me.  But I'm probably in the minority I'm guessing.

I'm with ya....thats not attractive in any way, shape, or form. Plus $70k for an STI thats even less reliable, naaahhh...I'm well.

[dirtyjeffer]

i don't mind the exterior (somewhat), but that interior does not look good to my eye...and at $70k, i'd take an Audi RS3 for $5k less 10 times out of 10...alternatively, i'd take a nice Genesis G70 with the 3.3T for like $15k less 10 times out of 10 over this.

[OliverD]

Finally, it is STUPID that you have to buy a "sports exhaust and suspension" and "sports wheel" as AN OPTIONS PACKAGE! It is a damn AMG, why the hell is it not on the car in the first place!!!???

Are you just as outraged that those are all options on a 911 as well? 

[aquadorhj]

did they get rid of the horrible turbo lags on these?

[Hammy]

Since the base price is about $20,000 more than my Golf R I can't really see why I would want to buy one?  I can add a $1,000 tune to get equivalent HP/TQ numbers, and while the Golf R interior may not be quite as nice (but it is really nice), the back seat is usable and I can carry a lot of stuff in my car.

[OliverD]

Finally, it is STUPID that you have to buy a "sports exhaust and suspension" and "sports wheel" as AN OPTIONS PACKAGE! It is a damn AMG, why the hell is it not on the car in the first place!!!???

Are you just as outraged that those are all options on a 911 as well? 

These types of options are pretty much across the board on luxury marques.

Yeah exactly, this is standard operating procedure.

[Jaeger]

Since the base price is about $20,000 more than my Golf R I can't really see why I would want to buy one?  I can add a $1,000 tune to get equivalent HP/TQ numbers, and while the Golf R interior may not be quite as nice (but it is really nice), the back seat is usable and I can carry a lot of stuff in my car.

I'd take the R and the double bonus of $20k in my pocket and not looking like a clueless .

[Gurgie]

Oh boy 26PSI of boost!?!? Yeah, nothing will go wrong there over time 

[Serniter]

2018 CLA 45: 375 hp / 350 lb-ft
2019 340i: 382 hp / 369 lb-ft

I assume suspension setups would be different, but pending details, I would choose the BMW. This styling worked well on the CLS, but doesn't translate well to a smaller car.

[OliverD]

2018 CLA 45: 375 hp / 350 lb-ft
2019 340i: 382 hp / 369 lb-ft

I assume suspension setups would be different, but pending details, I would choose the BMW. This styling worked well on the CLS, but doesn't translate well to a smaller car.

But what about the upcoming A45? That looks a lot better IMO.

[Serniter]

2018 CLA 45: 375 hp / 350 lb-ft
2019 340i: 382 hp / 369 lb-ft

I assume suspension setups would be different, but pending details, I would choose the BMW. This styling worked well on the CLS, but doesn't translate well to a smaller car.

But what about the upcoming A45? That looks a lot better IMO.

Agreed, the hatchback looks much better. It would then depend on whether one prefers the 'wild' personality of the AMG. I expect the 340 to be tame in comparison.

[NormT]

2018 CLA 45: 375 hp / 350 lb-ft
2019 340i: 382 hp / 369 lb-ft

I assume suspension setups would be different, but pending details, I would choose the BMW. This styling worked well on the CLS, but doesn't translate well to a smaller car.

A big turbo helps with top end. I see 340-380 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel with late model Ecotec 2.0T with smaller turbo which limits top end to 330 hp or so.

[greengs]

Since the base price is about $20,000 more than my Golf R I can't really see why I would want to buy one?  I can add a $1,000 tune to get equivalent HP/TQ numbers, and while the Golf R interior may not be quite as nice (but it is really nice), the back seat is usable and I can carry a lot of stuff in my car.

People that buy these presumably want a MB badge not a VW one.  Same with the Audi RS3 that this is meant to compete with I guess. the tune isn't a fair comparison either because when you do that you have no powertrain warranty anymore and VW/Audi are basically the most strict about mods along with Subaru. 

[ChaosphereIX]

Finally, it is STUPID that you have to buy a "sports exhaust and suspension" and "sports wheel" as AN OPTIONS PACKAGE! It is a damn AMG, why the hell is it not on the car in the first place!!!???

Are you just as outraged that those are all options on a 911 as well? 

These types of options are pretty much across the board on luxury marques.

Yeah exactly, this is standard operating procedure.

Standard or not...I think it is kinda dumb.