2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC Review

The luxury performance compact sedan market has been heating up in Malaysia in recent years. Consumers want the sophistication brought by a brand without compromising on power and handling performance — the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC is precisely a model targeting this demand. As an entry-level performance car of the AMG family, it not only continues the coupe-like design of the CLA but also boasts a 2.0T engine with 421 horsepower and an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.1 seconds, a figure sure to excite performance enthusiasts. The core purpose of this test drive was to evaluate the vehicle's performance on everyday roads and during light spirited driving to see if it strikes a balance between "daily commuting" and "occasional thrills."

From the exterior, this car has a highly distinct appearance. The front features AMG's signature vertical grille, complemented by sharp LED headlights, with the hood slightly bulging with character lines that enhance the sense of sportiness. The side profile retains CLA's classic coupe-like design, with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with wide 255/35 R19 tires, further enhancing its performance-oriented vibe. The side skirts and front and rear spoilers use black plastic materials, reducing the cost of scratches and lowering the visual center of gravity. At the rear, the quad exhaust layout on both sides is a "signature of AMG," and the LED taillight cluster displays a unique star-shaped pattern when lit, ensuring high visibility at night.

Stepping inside, the interior retains the familiar Mercedes-Benz style but is filled with AMG elements in the details. The dashboard features a double-screen design formed by a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument cluster. The interface fluency and display clarity meet the standards of a luxury brand. The air conditioning vents adopt circular turbine-style designs, and the adjustment knobs have a metallic texture. Combined with the Alcantara material used on the steering wheel and seats, the interior strikes a balance between luxury and sportiness. In terms of features, the Burmester 10-speaker sound system, HUD head-up display, and 360-degree panoramic camera are all standard. The front seats support electric adjustment with memory function, and rear air conditioning vents and USB ports are also included, making daily use very convenient.

Regarding space, the car's dimensions are 4701mm×1999mm×1413mm, with a wheelbase of 2729mm, fitting within the standard compact executive car category. The driver's seat offers ample head and legroom, and even a passenger with a height of 180 cm won't feel cramped. The rear space is fairly standard; a passenger of the same height sitting in the back will have about a fist's worth of legroom with three fingers of headroom due to the coupe-like design, which may feel slightly restrictive over long trips. The trunk has a capacity of 460L, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding design. It can accommodate two 28-inch suitcases or daily shopping items with no problems, meeting the needs for short family trips.

In terms of power, the car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum power of 310kW (421PS) and a peak torque of 500N·m. It is paired with an 8-speed DCT transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. During everyday driving, switching to "Comfort" mode makes the power delivery relatively smooth, and the throttle response is not too aggressive, making it suitable for city commuting. When switched to "Sport+" mode, the engine sound becomes more robust, and the throttle pedal's sensitivity increases significantly. When you step hard on the accelerator, the transmission downshifts rapidly, providing an instant thrust with a strong pushback feel. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.1 seconds is genuinely perceivable during actual driving, making overtaking almost effortless.

The handling and chassis performance are the highlights of this car. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play; it feels stable and firm at high speeds while being light and nimble during low-speed maneuvers. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, adjusted to be slightly firm, but it provides sufficient support during cornering, with excellent body roll control. When dealing with speed bumps or minor bumps on urban roads, the suspension quickly absorbs vibrations without noticeable residual oscillations. However, when encountering larger potholes or uneven surfaces, rear passengers may experience a degree of bumpiness, which is a common trade-off for performance cars.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km. During this test drive of approximately 200km, with 60% urban roads and 40% highway, the actual fuel consumption was about 9.2L/100km. Considering its performance orientation, this result is within an acceptable range. The braking system performs exceptionally well, with a combination of front ventilated discs and rear ventilated discs providing quick braking response and a short braking distance, offering ample confidence.

In terms of driving comfort, the sound insulation is commendable; wind and tire noise are well-controlled at high speeds. The Burmester sound system delivers clear audio quality, effectively masking external noise. The seats provide excellent support, and the Alcantara material offers sufficient friction to keep the body firmly in place during spirited driving. However, lumbar support is slightly inadequate for extended periods of sitting, so it is recommended to use lumbar cushions for long drives.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC lies in "balance"—it delivers AMG’s signature performance while retaining Mercedes-Benz’s luxury features and everyday practicality. Compared to the Audi RS3 in the same class, its fastback design is more aesthetically appealing, and its features are more comprehensive. Compared to the BMW M235i, the stability provided by the all-wheel-drive system makes it better suited for daily driving. This car is suitable for two groups of people: young individuals who seek brand prestige and performance but also require a daily commuter, and consumers who occasionally want to "release their passion" while primarily focusing on family outings.

In summary, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC is a performance car with "no significant weaknesses." It can satisfy your thirst for speed while being fully capable of handling daily commuting needs. If you’re looking for an "all-rounder" luxury performance sedan, it’s worth considering.