The CLA 45 AMG Debuts in New York | Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

CLA 45 AMG Debuts in New York

Mercedes-Benz's aggressive new model offensive shows no signs of slowing down, even in America.New York International Auto ShowHere, the "B-Class Electric Drive," an electric version of the B-Class, and the "CLA 45 AMG" made their world premieres. In addition, the production model "CLA-Class", and the wagon version of "E 63 AMG S Model", "C 63 AMG Edition 507", and "Smart Fortwo Electric Drive" made their U.S. debuts. Here, we introduce the CLA 45 AMG.

Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)

Mercedes-Benz's Smallest, Fastest Coupe

If the CLA-Class is the little brother to the CLS-Class, then the "CLA 45 AMG" is the little brother to the "CLS 63 AMG". Mercedes-Benz touts the CLA 45 AMG as a four-door coupe that heralds a new era for AMG, being both compact and luxurious. As the "45 AMG" model name suggests, it is essentially a four-door coupe version of the "A 45 AMG", meaning it shares the same 1,991cc four-cylinder twin-scroll turbo engine as the A 45 AMG, meticulously hand-built one by one by AMG's master technicians.

The specifications remain unchanged: a maximum output of 265 kW (360 hp) at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 450 Nm between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm. This currently holds the record for the highest output from a four-cylinder engine for a production car. Like the A 45 AMG, it employs the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. Torque is distributed to the rear wheels via a lightweight, compact power take-off unit integrated with the AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed sports transmission and an oil circuit, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds.

Meanwhile, thanks to the high-efficiency technologies that Mercedes-Benz calls the BlueDIRECT family, fuel consumption is 6.9 L/100 km and CO2 emissions are 161 g/km. It not only meets EU6 standards, which will be applied from 2015, but also clears the 2017 particulate matter standards for exhaust gases.

Furthermore, it is equipped to handle sporty driving with features such as ESP with on/off and sport modes, a dedicated suspension system, speed-sensitive power steering, and powerful brakes. The interior, despite being a compact model, is impeccably appointed as befits an AMG member, featuring leather sports seats with red stitching and red seatbelts, and a multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters.

Sales began in July 2013, with deliveries scheduled for September. The announced price in Germany, including 19% VAT, is €56,078.75 (approximately €47,122.5 excluding tax).

This CLA 45 AMG, a compact four-door coupe from a premium brand that simultaneously offers the performance of a genuine sports model, has no direct rivals currently, as Mercedes-Benz states. Just as the CLS-Class once did, and as the CLA-Class aims to do, it is a model to watch to see if it will create a new segment in European cars.

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