2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45

　　

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　With the discontinuation of the A-Class for the 2023 model year, the CLA is now Mercedes' entry-level sedan. In other words, the luxury brand's most affordable car. But if you're also considering an SUV, the GLA is a bit cheaper. Some might be disappointed they missed out on the A-Class' lower price tag, but the CLA packs more power and offers more option packages and features. Its rear sloping roofline adds more style, and the CLA has two AMG models to choose from.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$200/mo  for CLA-Class AMG CLA 45

　　CLA-Class AMG CLA 45

　　AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) (Most Popular) - $57,800 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　And it's hard to argue against the CLA's attainable price, especially when considering a fully loaded midsize sedan from a non-luxury brand costs about as much. Not only that, but Mercedes didn't skimp out on the CLA: The sedan has an elegant and high-tech-looking interior, provides plenty of comfort, and offers many of the same features found on larger, more expensive Mercedes models. It's also fun to drive and boasts one of the best infotainment systems in its class. The CLA aces most categories, but it's not perfect. Its rear seats are cramped and its reasonable price can quickly climb with options.

　　If you're hard set on purchasing the CLA you might want to wait a little longer for the 2024 model because Mercedes updated its design, engines and added more standard tech. And if you aren't sold on the CLA, consider some of its rivals, including the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. There's also the all-electric alternative: the Tesla Model 3. If you do decide to go with the current CLA, you'll likely be very happy with this well-built, tech-forward luxury sedan.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

9.0/10

　　How does the AMG CLA 45 drive? We tested the AMG CLA 45. At the zzdcar test track, it ripped from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and rocketed through the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 112 mph. Braking performance was also impressive, with a stopping distance from 60 mph of just 111 feet (with the optional high-performance AMG brakes).

　　The CLA 45's handling limits are seriously impressive. Cornering is exceedingly flat, even on high-speed sweeping turns. The steering is appropriately weighted but a bit vague for a car with so much performance potential. Most impressive about all this is that the CLA 45 doesn't feel high-strung or aggressive. It's both sharp and easy to drive no matter how fast you're going.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the AMG CLA 45? This is a comfortable car when you take into account its high-performance nature. Our test vehicle came with a number of options including an adjustable suspension and performance front seats. The suspension is appropriately stiff but not excessively so. Those performance front seats are well bolstered and offer adjustable thigh support. The rear seats are a bit flatter but acceptable for most trips.

　　The climate control system expertly cools and heats the cabin to your needs, and the heated and ventilated front seats operate quickly and effectively. Road noise from the high-performance tires is noticeable, however, and the exhaust gets quite loud in the CLA's Sport and Sport+ drive modes.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below