Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 2023 Review

Nowadays, Malaysia's C-segment performance car market has become increasingly segmented, with consumers pursuing both speed and luxury no longer satisfied with ordinary family sports sedans. They require a model that balances the aura of a brand with daily commuting and occasional passionate driving — this is exactly what the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC aims to fulfill. As an entry-level performance four-door coupe in the AMG family, it not only features a 2.0T turbocharged engine with 421 PS but also comes equipped with a full suite of intelligent driving assistance systems, while retaining the comfort configurations expected of a luxury brand. In this test drive, we will focus on whether its performance lives up to the “AMG” badge and whether its daily practicality can meet the needs of most users.

Sitting inside for the first glance, the exterior design of the CLA 45 S exudes a strong sense of performance. The front face employs the iconic AMG vertical bar grille, combined with a three-section sporty lower bumper, while the large air intakes on both sides not only enhance heat dissipation but also make the front appear broader and lower. The side body lines are smooth, with a fastback styling extending from the A-pillar to the rear, preserving the elegance of a coupe. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels paired with 255/35 R19 tires further enhance the sporty stance. The rear features dual round quad exhaust tips, a standard for performance cars, while the LED taillight cluster has a smoked finish that provides high recognition when illuminated. The small-sized spoiler on the trunk may not be exaggerated but hints at its aerodynamic optimization.

Opening the door, the interior strikes a balance between luxury and technology. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, coupled with metallic trims and carbon fiber-patterned surfaces, with most touchpoints featuring soft materials. The 10.25-inch central touchscreen and the fully digital instrument panel form a dual-screen design with high interface fluency and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The steering wheel features AMG’s exclusive flat-bottom design, with Alcantara material on the grip areas, providing a solid feel. The standard HUD displays real-time speed, navigation, and other information to reduce distractions while driving. The front sports seats are electrically adjustable and provide strong lateral support, keeping the body firmly in place even during aggressive driving. The rear seats are split-folding in a 60:40 configuration. Although the fastback design slightly compromises headroom, the legroom allows for about a fist’s space for passengers of 175 cm height, making it suitable for seating three adults comfortably in everyday use. In terms of features, dual-zone automatic climate control for the front seats, rear air vents, a Burmester 10-speaker audio system, and a 220V power outlet for charging electronic devices during long trips are all standard.

The moment the engine starts, the exhaust sound is deep and powerful, a unique “ceremony” of AMG. This test drive model, the CLA 45 S, is equipped with a 2.0T four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 421 PS at 6750 rpm and a peak torque of 500 N·m at 5250 rpm, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. When switched to Sport+ mode, the throttle response becomes exceptionally sharp, and a slight push on the pedal is enough to feel a strong kick of acceleration. The official 0-100 km/h acceleration takes just 4.1 seconds, and it can even achieve under 4 seconds in actual testing. Mid-range acceleration is equally impressive; during 80-120 km/h overtakes, the gearbox downshifts promptly, and power is readily available. While cruising at high speed, the engine rpm remains around 1800, with noise well-controlled. For daily driving, switching to Comfort mode allows the gearbox to stay in higher gears to reduce fuel consumption, providing a driving experience closer to a regular family car, with the suspension becoming softer and more relaxing.

In terms of handling, the CLA 45 S has a precise steering wheel with minimal play, allowing easy maneuvering even on narrow city roads. The front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, exclusively tuned by AMG, provide excellent support. Body roll is well-contained during cornering, and the suspension quickly filters out vibrations when encountering speed bumps or bumpy roads, avoiding a harsh impact feel. The all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery surfaces, maintaining steady body posture even when cornering quickly in the rain. The braking system performs excellently, with sufficient and linear braking force from the front ventilated disc brakes. The 100-0 km/h braking distance is about 35 meters, meeting the standards of a performance car. In terms of fuel consumption, real-world testing shows approximately 9.2L/100km under mixed conditions. Although it is slightly higher than the official 8.1L figure, considering its performance, this result is quite commendable.

Refinement is one of the CLA 45 S's surprises. During high-speed cruising, tire and wind noise are well-controlled, and only during rapid acceleration does the engine’s exhaust note enter the cabin, at a moderate volume that doesn’t disturb conversations among passengers. The energy recovery system only lightly intervenes during coasting, without noticeable drag, offering high comfort for daily driving. Additionally, features like the 360-degree panoramic camera and automated parking assist are very practical for a performance car, making parking easy even for novice drivers.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC lies in its “versatility.” It carries AMG’s performance DNA to satisfy occasional demands for thrilling drives, while retaining Mercedes-Benz’s luxury and comfort for daily commuting without feeling tiring. Compared to the Audi RS 3 in the same class, the CLA 45 S boasts a more stylish fastback design and additional configurations like a HUD heads-up display and Burmester sound system; compared to the BMW M240i, it has a more practical four-door design and a roomier rear seat space.

In conclusion, the CLA 45 S 4MATIC is suitable for those seeking both the driving pleasure of a performance car and the practicality needed for daily use. If you're a young adult between 25 and 35 years old, with a budget of around 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit, who cares about brand appeal and requires a car that accommodates family outings, then this car would be a great choice. While it’s not a pure track weapon, the CLA 45 S provides plenty of excitement for city roads and occasional mountain drives. Additionally, its luxurious interior and extensive features ensure that your commutes are comfortable and convenient. For performance car enthusiasts hoping to have the best of both worlds, the CLA 45 S 4MATIC is well worth a try.