The Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, produced from April 2016 to December 2018 as part of the C117 facelift generation, represented the high-performance variant of the CLA Coupe. Positioned as the flagship model within the CLA range, it offered a significant performance upgrade over the standard CLA 250, targeting enthusiasts seeking a compact luxury vehicle with substantial power and dynamic handling. This model year saw refinements to the original C117, including styling updates and minor technological improvements, solidifying its place as a competitor to vehicles like the Audi S3 and BMW M235i/M240i.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Coupe (C117, facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | AMG CLA 45 (381 Hp) 4MATIC DCT |
| Start of production | April, 2016 |
| End of production | December, 2018 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.6-9.2 l/100 km (24.5 – 25.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.0-5.6 l/100 km (39.2 – 42 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3-6.9 l/100 km (32.2 – 34.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 171-162 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4 kg/Hp, 252.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.2 kg/Nm, 314.6 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 381 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 191.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 475 Nm @ 2250-5000 rpm (350.34 lb.-ft. @ 2250-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 133.980 |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 8.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1510 kg (3328.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2075 kg (4574.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 565 kg (1245.61 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4640 mm (182.68 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1432 mm (56.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2699 mm (106.26 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.30 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.04 m (36.22 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 7 gears, automatic transmission DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 235/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CLA 45 AMG was the M133 980 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This engine was hand-assembled, adhering to the “one man, one engine” philosophy common in AMG production. It featured direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and a reinforced crankshaft to handle the increased power output. The engine produced 381 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque between 2,250 and 5,000 rpm. This output made it, at the time of its release, the most powerful production four-cylinder engine in the world.
Power was transmitted to all four wheels via Mercedes-Benz’s 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The DCT provided rapid gear changes and contributed to the car’s sporty driving experience. The 4MATIC system was specifically tuned for the CLA 45, with a rear-biased torque distribution to enhance agility and driving pleasure.
Driving Characteristics
The CLA 45 AMG delivered exhilarating performance. Its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 4.0 seconds, and it boasted a limited top speed of 155 mph. The DCT offered incredibly quick shifts, both up and down, and the engine responded promptly to throttle inputs. While the engine lacked the low-end grunt of larger displacement engines, it built speed rapidly as the revs climbed. The 4MATIC system provided excellent traction, allowing for confident cornering and acceleration even in adverse conditions. However, some reviewers noted that the ride could be firm, particularly on rough road surfaces, due to the sport-tuned suspension.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The CLA 45 AMG came standard with a comprehensive list of features, including AMG body styling, sport seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a performance exhaust system. Interior appointments typically included leather upholstery, aluminum pedals, and red contrast stitching. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance features such as lane keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. The interior design was generally consistent with other CLA models, but with AMG-specific accents to emphasize its performance character.
Chassis & Braking
The CLA 45 AMG featured a sport-tuned suspension with stiffer springs and dampers compared to the standard CLA. It also benefited from larger brakes with ventilated discs at all four corners, providing ample stopping power. The steering was precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback to the driver. The chassis was reinforced to handle the increased stresses of high-performance driving. While the rear suspension utilized a multi-link setup for improved handling, the base models often featured rear drum brakes, upgraded to discs on higher trim levels or as an option.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 45 AMG was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its impressive performance, engaging driving dynamics, and relatively affordable price point compared to other high-performance compact cars. However, some reviewers criticized its firm ride and the engine’s lack of low-end torque. Compared to the standard CLA 250, the CLA 45 offered a dramatically enhanced driving experience, but at the cost of some fuel economy and ride comfort. Against competitors like the Audi S3 and BMW M235i/M240i, the CLA 45 held its own, offering a unique blend of performance, luxury, and style.
Legacy
The CLA 45 AMG (C117) established a benchmark for performance in the compact luxury segment. Its powerful engine and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system set a high standard for future competitors. While the M133 engine was later superseded by the more advanced M139, the C117 CLA 45 remains a desirable vehicle in the used car market. Its combination of performance, style, and relative affordability continues to appeal to enthusiasts seeking a thrilling driving experience. Maintenance costs are generally comparable to other German performance cars, with potential issues relating to the turbocharger and cooling system requiring attention as the vehicles age. Overall, the CLA 45 AMG represents a significant achievement in compact performance engineering.
