2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG carves its own path

Mercedes’ CLA embodies fine German quality for a distinctly non-German price. We recently drove the CLA250, retailing for just $29,900, and found it fantastic. At today’s New York International Auto Show, Mercedes revealed the CLA45 AMG – a raucous, amped up version of the CLA250 in which we loved.

The CLA250 amasses just 208 hp, but when driving, it feels plenty adequate. The CLA45 AMG, by comparison, boasts 355 hp from its 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, good for 332 lb. ft. of torque with a kick capable of dashing to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Starting at just $47,450, pocket change by AMG standards, the CLA45 AMG stands poised to create a real problem for its German rivals; we don’t get the BMW 1M in the U.S and the M3 costs well over ten grand more. The CLA45 AMG has few natural adversaries, allowing it to carve its own distinct path.