2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

Mercedes-AMG is relatively new to the AWD subcompact sports car game, but in the few years it has been competing in the US, it has come leaps and bounds, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is all the proof you need. This second-generation luxury subcompact packs a massive 382 horsepower punch from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and bolts out of the starting blocks thanks to a 4Matic AWD system and a sharp eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The exterior and interior of the CLA 45 both exude style, and the standard features list is impressive too. Combine this with a trick AWD system, launch control, and even a drift mode, and it's a formidable performance machine that can make even novice drivers look like superheroes. It might be a significant step up from its predecessor, but does it have what it takes to see off a brand new Audi RS3 and a massively overpowered Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing in a segment where BMW doesn't even show up to the party? The simple answer is that this battle is closer than it's ever been.

The CLA 45 looks significantly fiercer than its smaller sibling, the CLA 35, and we love it; it's not overdone yet gives fair warning that there's tons of performance underneath that svelte body. The flared wheel arches hide wide 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels, and the vertical-bar Panamericana grille looks like it wants to hoover up small children. The front bumper also features deeply sculpted intakes, and at the back you get an aggressive diffuser, a small rear spoiler, and four round exhaust exits. Standard exterior features include LED headlights, a panoramic roof, and keyless entry.

Optional extras include a wide range of wheel designs, including our favorite, the 19-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels, and styling packages such as the AMG Aerodynamics package. This cool piece of kit adds a big front splitter, lateral airflow breakaway edges in the rear apron, and gloss black details. The AMG Chrome package adds a silver chrome front splitter and chrome side sill inserts. For a blacked-out look, we'd recommend the AMG Night Package, which adds jet-black accents to the front splitter, air intakes, side mirrors, and side window surrounds. At the back you now get black tailpipes.

This luxury subcompact executive car shares similar dimensions with rivals such as the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Audi RS3. The CLA 45 measures 184.8 inches in length and rolls on a 107.4-inch wheelbase. It is 78.7 inches wide (with mirrors) and 55.4 inches tall. The 4-door CLA 45 is not exactly lightweight: it tips the scale at 3,660 pounds, which is a significant 240 pounds less than the Caddy, but 188 pounds heavier than the Audi RS3.

Mercedes-AMG matches the bold styling of this AMG CLA 45 sport sedan model with eleven exterior color options, including the brand new Rose Gold Metallic. Other colors on offer include no-cost options such as Polar White, Night Black, and Sun Yellow. Metallic colors will set you back $750 and range from Digital white and Iridium Silver to Cosmos Black, Mountain Grey, Denim Blue, and the aforementioned Rose Gold. Patagonia Red Metallic will set you back $1,750 while the matte-finish Mountain Grey Magno costs $3,250. The CLA 45 looks good in almost any shade, but the color choice is also dependent on what visual packages you spec, as the brighter colors work best with the black aero elements while the sleek greys make this a sleeper performance vehilce that will be underestimated at the lights.

The second generation of AMG-fettled CLA cars has blown us away in terms of how far they've come, both in terms of quality and especially the way they drive. The previous generation delivered great straight-line speed but dropped the ball with a numb driving experience, excessive understeer, and poor ride quality. The 2022 CLA 45 has improved in every aspect and then some. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine still packs an almighty punch, even though we get it in its lower state of tune, and the revised chassis means it's no longer a one-trick pony. According to Mercedes-AMG, the 2022 CLA 45 will complete the 0-60 mph sprint in four seconds flat, but independent testing has shown that this car can manage it in as little as 3.7 seconds, making it as quick off the line as a Ferrari F40, and with less turbo lag. Keep your foot in it, and the CLA 45 will reach a top speed limited to 155 mph, or 167 mph when fitted with the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. The CLA 45 benefits from a sharper transmission than the sloppy seven-speed unit found in the CLA 35 and delivers on an impressive range of talents, partly due to a new all-wheel-drive system that has an active torque vectoring differential at the rear capable of producing genuine power-on oversteer. One thing we know for sure, though: it's seriously quick and flatters drivers in a multitude of scenarios.

There is a single engine option for the AMG CLA 45, and it's a good one. This handcrafted and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine provides one of the highest specific outputs (power to displacement) in its class. Thanks to a water, air, and oil-cooled turbo boosting up to 27 psi, the CLA 45 delivers 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a razor-sharp eight-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transmission.

Like most turbocharged four-cylinder engines, this powertrain can be docile enough in traffic and provides good low-end pull when you want to exploit a gap in traffic, but things only get interesting once you build up boost past 4,000 rpm. Push it to its torque peak, which only arrives at 4,750 rpm, and all hell breaks loose. This is accompanied by an aggressive two-liter bark from the exhaust. The CLA will jam you into the back of your seat and scream towards redline before tapering off. The dual-clutch automatic gearbox, left to its own devices, will shift before this and keep you in the powerband, though, rattling through the gears with an assortment of pops and crackles when placed in its sportier drive modes.

With launch control engaged, this car feels like a rocket ship. We typically adore the 4MATIC AWD system's massive grip when it comes to hard launches, but that story changes entirely once you start having fun through the corners…

Gone are the days when driving an AWD performance car meant excellent grip in a straight line but terrible understeer everywhere else. The previous generation CLA and A-Class AMG cars will always be remembered for their fantastic acceleration, but also for their terrible understeer and general lack of entertainment behind the steering wheel. Mercedes-AMG has corrected its wrongs with the new generation, and what a massive difference it is.

The CLA 45, unlike its baby brother, the CLA 35, comes with some fancy torque-splitting tech that allows the CLA 45 to behave like a RWD car. This means loads of oversteer action on-demand, and not just in Drift Mode. Even in Sport mode, the CLA 45 will kick the tail out under heavy throttle loads, while the front wheels maintain enough drive to keep things pointed in the right direction. When driving like a normal human being, the CLA 45 is refined if not a bit stiff; for this reason we recommend the optional adaptive damping which takes the edge off. But this car's target market will understand that a bit of stiffness comes with the territory.

Drive the baby AMG hard through the corners, and the grip levels become apparent; they're utterly tremendous. The CLA 45 will cling on for dear life and won't wash away in a misery of understeer once it gets too much. The CLA 45 is fun to drive any way you choose to do it. The only caveat is that we feel a little bit too much of its incredulous capability is the result of computers and electronic trickery. This flatters novice drivers and makes good drivers feel superhuman, but it'll also give many drivers way too much confidence, and with the nannies switched off, the CLA 45 will bite you.

For a nearly 400 hp AWD sports car, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 doesn't drink a lot of go-juice, and driven with a light foot, should return impressive mileage figures. Driven with a little common sense, the EPA claims the CLA 45 will get 20/28/23 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. Sure, that's more than the base CLA 250's 25/36/29 mpg, but it can't offer even half of the fun the 45 does. The Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, with its larger 3.6-liter turbocharged six, will consume a fair bit more at 16/24/19 mpg in automatic configuration. With a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons, the 2022 CLA 45 can travel up to 311 miles on a single fill, but requires premium gasoline.

Most competitors in this class have opted for a cold and calculated feel inside the cabin, which might appeal to some, but when you're driving a performance car, surely you'd want the interior to show it? Mercedes-AMG is one of the best in the business when it comes to designing cool interiors, and the cabin of the CLA 45 looks fantastic. The iconic turbine-style air vents and ambient lighting makes you feel like you're sitting inside something much faster and exotic while the level of tech is truly impressive, giving you more screens at this level than you might expect. The choice of materials is largely top-notch, but certain gloss plastics attract fingerprints quickly and feel a little flimsier than they appear. With AMG-specific items like the steering wheel and supportive bucket seats, the CLA 45 does enough to separate its spec list from lesser CLA-Class variants.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is classified as a four-door coupe, with a trim roofline making it look like a mini CLS-Class. This sleek Merc might be more coupe than the sedan, but with 33.9 inches of rear legroom, the back seat is actually usable, and taller passengers will feel comfy, even over longer trips. The sloping roofline doesn't help rearward visibility, but there's still enough rear headroom for your average adult. The front sports seats look good, feel comfortable, and offer tons of support. Legroom is plentiful, and there's ample headroom for taller passengers. AMG provides an even more aggressive front bucket seat, which looks the business but can get uncomfortable on long road trips and doesn't accommodate those of a larger frame particularly well. They do, however, afford a little more legroom thanks to their thinner backrest design.

The interior of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 looks good but feels even better thanks to a great choice of interior materials and trimmings. Mercedes-AMG offers the CLA in a range of six interior materials, starting with no-cost options such as Neva Grey and Black MB-Tex, or Black MB-Tex with microfiber inserts and red stitching. Leather upholstery costs an extra $1,450 and includes options such as classic black leather, Bahia Brown, Classic Red/Black, and finally Titanium Grey/Black. There are five trim inserts options: aluminum with linear grain, aluminum with longitudinal grain, AMG design aluminum which features black striping and AMG lettering, Black Linden wood, and Brown Walnut wood, the latter pair at a $325 premium.

Mercedes-AMG offers new buyers an impressive range of steering wheel options. For an additional $400 you can get an AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather. Pay $500 and get it in Nappa Leather with microfiber, or for $600, you can get it in full microfiber. For no additional cost, you can swap out the red seatbelts for black. Look hard enough, and you'll find some cheap plastics, particularly around the air vents where the gloss black shows up fingerprints instantly, but the overall feel is decidedly premium.

The CLA 45 may not have massive amounts of backseat passenger space, but it has a surprisingly practical trunk. With 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space, the 2022 CLA 45 has a fair chunk more cargo space the Audi RS3 (8.3 cubic feet), but you're still not going to be able to fit your taxidermied mountain lion back there. Suitcases and luggage for that weekend away are a perfect fit, thankfully, and should you need more, the 40/20/40-split rear seats open up some much-appreciated cargo space for longer items while still maintaining flexibility in terms of rear-seat occupants.

Inside the cabin, the CLA 45 has all the basics: there's a glovebox, a center console storage tray, some door pockets, and front and rear cupholders. Careful of spillages in front, however, as the cupholder placement ahead of the shifter and drive mode selector means that any spills will damage the electronics and result in costly repairs.

This premium AMG product comes loaded with standard features, but there are even more waiting on the options list. For 2022 the CLA 45 gets standard front heated power seats with eight-way power adjustability and four-way lumbar support. The cabin also boasts dual-zone automatic climate control, a 64-color LED ambient lighting system with illuminated vents, keyless entry, and push-button start. Other amenities include auto-dimming rearview mirrors, cruise control, and a panoramic sunroof. Driver assistance features such as active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and crosswind assist.

Delving into the options is a pricey affair, but one that unlocks features like the AMG Drive Unit steering wheel controls, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, surround-view camera, and greater semi-autonomous emergency intervention.

The dashboard of the new CLA 45 is equipped with not one but two 10.25-inch screens shared across one common display housing. The touchscreen multimedia display runs on the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment software and can be controlled via keyword activation, touchpad controller, the touchscreen itself, or steering-wheel touch control buttons. This system is intuitive and features all the latest apps such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other standard features include Bluetooth streaming, HD Radio, and multiple USB-C ports. Optional extras include in-car Wi-Fi, navigation, and a 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester surround sound system, while the proof of the CLA's technological might is fully revealed with the augmented video navigation option.

Mercedes went through a phase in which perceived quality and reliability took a bit of a dip, but it seems to have navigated that valley and is emerging strongly on the other side. The 2022 CLA 45 has not been affected by any recalls yet and J.D. Power gives the CLA family a Quality & Reliability rating of 73/100. Certain 2021 CLA models have suffered from malfunctioning rear view displays, GPS issues, and child anchoring system faults, resulting in three recalls, but this number in itself is lower than most Mercedes products. Mercedes-AMG covers the CLA 45 with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, including corrosion cover, a drivetrain warranty, and roadside assistance for the same amount of time/distance. Various maintenance plans are available at the time of purchase to help alleviate the cost of ownership and unforeseen repairs.

As with so many other German luxury cars, there is no NHTSA nor IIHS review of the AMG CLA 45, but Mercedes-Benz tends to build safe cars, so we wouldn't be too worried.

Despite its lack of official safety scores, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 should prove to be a safe family car. Mercedes has poured a ton of safety equipment into this car, including classics such as ABS brakes, LED headlights, rain-sensing window wipers, and traction and stability control. The CLA 45 also features eight airbags, including a driver's knee and side-curtain bags. A rear-seat side-impact airbag system is also offered for $700. Standard driver assistance systems include blind-spot assist and crosswind assist. Mercedes-AMG offers many more optional safety systems, including Active LED headlights, adaptive high beam assist, speed limit assist, evasive steering assist, cross-traffic assist, lane keep and blind-spot assist, and a surround-view camera system. Various active aids include speed sign recognition, lane change assist, emergency stop assist, and a slew of semi-autonomous functionality.

While the likes of the Subaru WRX STI are now dead, signaling a downturn for the AWD sport sedan, Mercedes-AMG has proven that these can still be exciting in the modern era. The improvement from the first to the second generation of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is monumental, representing a quantum shift in the way we view Mercedes-AMG products. We never thought we'd see the day when a FWD-based AMG product could both drift and carve corners with equal amounts precision and driver enjoyment, and yet AMG has pulled a rabbit out of the hat here. Now, the CLA 45 rides in a composed fashion with a balance to the chassis that was previously missing. The tires are no longer a shield used to overcome poor suspension tuning, but rather work in a cohesive fashion with the rest of the mechanicals. The gearbox is a vast improvement, the steering even feels better. While BMW doesn't offer a truly hot version of the 2 Series Gran Coupe - even if it did, the M235i GC has disappointed us already - Audi's new RS3 is in for some stiff competition from AMG.

As for the downsides, rear visibility is compromised and even a subcompact Mercedes AMG CLA 45 is no longer a small car, meaning there's a lot of car to maneuver. These are minor gripes in the grand scheme, though, and while purists may still find a little more joy in a BMW M2 Coupe, the AMG CLA 45 is a performance car for the everyday driver who doesn't need motorsport experience to extract the best it has to offer.

No AMG car will ever be cheap, and even though the price of the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 sits near the bottom of the pile in the bigger picture, it still costs a pretty penny. Mercedes-AMG asks for an MSRP of $55,900 of your finest US dollars for the privilege of owning one of these cars, and that price excludes tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,050. However, that is just the starting price, and adding a few optional extras will see that cost quickly surpassing the $60k mark. Fully loaded, the CLA 45 can cost around $84,000.

There is only one model on offer for 2022. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The exterior features 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a panoramic roof. Standard interior features include heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 64-color ambient lighting system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display features the MBUX operating system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth streaming. Standard driver assistance features include active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and crosswind assist.

The price of the 2022 CLA 45 can get out of hand in an instant if you're not careful with the optional extras. That being said, Mercedes-AMG offers such a comprehensive list of extras that we wouldn't be able to resist. Some standout packages include the $1,700 Driver Assistance Package, which adds driver assistance tech such as active blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, emergency stop assist, evasive steering assist, and speed-limit assist. For the eager driver, we'd recommend the AMG Dynamic Plus Package. For $4,300, this package adds a sporty steering wheel, Race and Drift modes, a composite braking system, AMG Ride Control with three-stage damping, an increased top speed of 167 mph, and an AMG Drive Unit which adds a set of controls on the AMG steering wheel for quick performance adjustments. Individual interior options include a head-up display for $1,100 and the aforementioned AMG Drive Unit. Those who want a more aggressive look should definitely consider the AMG Aerodynamics package which adds a larger front splitter, a rear spoiler, lateral airflow edges in the rear apron, and a gloss black diffuser. The $900 Exterior Lighting Package adds Active LED headlamps and adaptive high-beam assist.

There's only one model on offer, so here's how we'd build ours. Starting on the outside, we'd go for the Iridium Silver paint color and add the AMG Aerodynamics and AMG Night package. We'd stick with the standard MB-Tex seats and aluminum trim on the inside. To further increase the car's performance capabilities, we'd also throw in the AMG Ride Control system, increase the top speed to 167 mph as part of the $4,300 AMG Dynamic Plus Package, and add the Driver Assistance Package. Total cost? A hair under $70k.

These cars are obviously siblings, with the biggest difference being under the skin. The CLA 250 is an attractive thing, just like its bigger brother, but it can't match the CLA 45 for aggression. On the inside, both share a similar interior design, but once again, the CLA 45 outshines the CLA 250 in terms of overall style and its sportier bucket seats. Both cars do however share the same interior and trunk space. The CLA 250's 2.0-liter turbo engine produces 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and sends its power to the front or all four wheels in 250 4Matic configuration. Performance levels between these cars are vastly different, but the CLA 250 has one advantage; it's much lighter on fuel. The 2022 CLA starts at $38,200, which is a far cry from the $55k-plus you'll pay for the CLA 45. Choose the 45 if you're a wild animal, or go with the CLA 250 Coupe if you're an entry-level stockbroker.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is the baby of the AMG family and slots in below the CLA 45. The 35 is powered by similar turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to the CLA 45's but makes a less potent 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, a difference of 80 hp and 56 lb-ft. The CLA 35 will get to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds; nearly a second slower than the CLA 45. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission that doesn't feel as sharp as the eight-speed unit found in the CLA 45, and the lack of any sort of torque vectoring in the rear means that the CLA 35 misses out on any real drifting ability, while the 45 can feel almost fully rear-driven under certain conditions. The 35 is a fast car but feels almost sluggish when compared to its bigger brother and can't replicate the CLA 45's tail-happy antics. Is the CLA 45 worth $8,000 more than the CLA 35? Well, if you prefer eking out every ounce of performance, definitely. But if you prefer luxury over outright performance, save yourself some cash.

After a one-year hiatus in which the CLA 45 was left to its own devices, the Audi RS3 is back for 2022! Built on an updated version of the MQB platform, it's evolution rather than revolution. Like the AMG, the RS3 now has a trick AWD system with a Drift Mode, and like the AMG, it has a dual-clutch automatic gearbox, albeit with seven gears instead of eight. However, the Audi's party trick is a 401-hp/360 lb-ft 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbo engine that wails and howls and sings while the CLA 45's four-pot sounds like an angry washing machine by comparison and only has 382 hp and 354 lb-ft. In the Audi, 60 mph takes 3.6 seconds, four-tenths quicker than the AMG. Both are well-specced and a lot of the ownership experience will come down to brand preference, but the Audi is lacking in practicality with a smaller trunk, making up for it with traditional sedan proportions and more rear headroom. These two have never been as closely matched, or as dynamically talented, as they are now, but with Mercedes refusing to bring a full-fat CLA 45 S to America, the Audi has the upper hand in the performance stakes, which is enough to sway our judgment ever so slightly in its favor, despite it costing $3,000 more in base form.