Mercedes-AMG CLA45 facelift debuts – 381 hp/475 Nm

At the top of the heap in the refreshed Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class line-up is the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4Matic. Available in Coupe and Shooting Brake variants, the hardcore version of the CLA-Class receives updates to its looks and performance here.

First up, the M133 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine retains its power output of 381 hp at 6,000 rpm and 475 Nm at 2,250 to 5,000 rpm, where the updated mill was first introduced on the pre-facelift European market CLA 45s. The engine here is mated to an AMG Speedshift DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which has been tweaked for shorter gear ratios, and Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

Performance figures here are just as impressive, and better than before. The CLA 45 Coupe will make the century sprint in just 4.2 seconds this time round, while the Shooting Brake does the same in 4.3 seconds.

An AMG Dynamic Plus package (first introduced in September 2015) is still here, which adds a mechanical front axle locking differential plus AMG Ride Control sports suspension that features two-stage adaptive adjustable dampers. Additionally, there is an AMG Dynamic Select knob located behind the gear selector, which allows for different transmission modes and car characteristics to be selected.

Compared to the outgoing model, the cars are 0.4 seconds quicker at accomplishing this feat. Top speed is still kept at 250 km/h. On the NEDC cycle, the CLA 45 will achieve a fuel consumption figure of 6.9 l/100 km, while CO2 emissions is rated at 162 g/km.

On the looks front, the CLA 45 now gets the company’s LED High Performance headlamps as standard (a cost option on other CLA variants). Elsewhere, the CLA 45 adopts the A 45’s front apron in a new A-wing design, with front splitter inserts in matte titanium grey and high-gloss black canards. A minor change here is the twin louvre in the radiator grille, now finished in silver chrome.

The familiar silhouette of the CLA 45 is unchanged here for both the Coupe and Shooting Brake. However, two light-alloy wheels join the fray. The first is an 18-inch AMG ten-spoke painted titanium grey or black (with 235/40R18 tyres), while the other is an optional 19-inch AMG cross-spoke (with 235/35R19 tyres), available in matte black or titanium grey.

At the rear, the diffuser has been tweaked to now feature its four vertical fins more prominently. The design of the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid is also new. Mercedes say the visual changes serve to improve the car’s aerodynamics further.

If that isn’t enough, the CLA 45 can also be specified with the optional AMG Aerodynamics package, which comprises of a larger front splitter, additional flics, a black AMG spoiler lip at the rear plus spoiler lips over the simulated air outlets on either side at the back.

Inside, the instrument panel and beltlines are upholstered in Artico leather as standard, with red contrast stitching to match. The CLA 45 also benefits from a new slimmer-looking freestanding 8-inch infotainment display screen, linked to the standard Audio 20 USB or the optional COMAND Online system.

The main dashboard trim now features a matte-printed design on top of its gloss black polished surface, available in black/red as standard, or black/silver if you opt for the Exclusive package.

Also available here is the optional AMG Dinamica Cockpit package, with the microfibre material being used on certain trim elements, as well as the Performance steering wheel. If you need reassurance that you are indeed in an AMG, the iconic emblem can be found on the ignition key and the E-Select gear selector lever.

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