I Have One Of These For The Next Week

"Patrick George" (pgeorge)
02/10/2014 at 11:16 • Filed to: Mercedes CLA45 AMG

Why yes, that is an AMG. Thanks for asking.

I haven't driven it much yet but a full review is coming soon.

Things I like: Batshit crazy acceleration, raucous exhaust note, I'm a fan of the exterior styling even though I know a lot of people hate it.

Things I don't like: Interior isn't that fantastic for its price, DCT gearbox seems a little odd in normal driving, but I've barely driven it so we'll see how that one goes. (I'm a little bummed it's white too because it's so boring.)

If you have any questions about it feel free to drop them here and I'll answer them as I get to know this guy better.

DISCUSSION (100)

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:19

Since a) this is based off an FF car; b) its Audi RS rivals are also based off FF cars; c) its Audi RS rivals are known for their understeer, I'd like to know how much you think this car understeers. If you're going to pass the kind of roads where understeer can be noticed, that is.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:22

Will it baby?/Torchinsky

EL_ULY > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:22

Just wondering if it's too FW bias.

Tom McParland > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:23

Sweet! My dad has a FWD CLA 250 in the same color. While I normally dig white cars, for some reason I don't think it works on the CLA, the dark silvers however look amazing. I'm sure the AMG kit drastically improves the styling. I too found the interior to be a bit snug and not as nice as expected. I also sat in the new A3 at the Philly show this weekend and found it to be up to par with Audi's other interiors. I think these will be very popular, and will make some great pre-owned buys in a couple of years. No questions for now Patrick, enjoy the drive.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:25

I would love to hear what you don't like about the interior. With the exception of the first CLS, I felt that most Merc interiors from 2000-2010 looked pretty cheap and uninspired for the prices they asked. Especially when you looked at the gorgeous interiors of BMW and Audi at that time. However judging from the pictures I've seen , the current line up seems to have figured it out.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:29

I guess the big one would be, "Would you buy one?" Assuming you were in the market for a performance, subcompact sedan. Wanted to go German, and had $50-55k to spend.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > EL_ULY
02/10/2014 at 11:31

I believe it's 100% FWD under normal driving conditions until you put your foot into it then the clutch moves up to 50% to the rear.

ncasolowork2 > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:34

Will it drift?

ncasolowork2 > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 11:34

or can it handbrake turn to impress the girls?

victor > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:35

I really wish these types of cars would come in wagon form.

My Kids Have Four...Wheels (And Paws) > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:36

Are you in Michigan and if yes, will you give me a ride? :D

Mike Kopstain > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 11:37

Both BMW Mercedes offered medicre interiors for almost the entirety of 2000 - 2010. BMW started coming around in 2009 with the 750 and that interior trickled down as other models updated. Mercedes I assume has gotten better but the interior of the S550 was the biggest detractor for me.

BMW's interiors were industrial and over-buttoned but at least they were built well. I sit in my 535 though and despite how well it's built (and the high quality of materials) I can't fathom how BMW managed to convince people that this interior represented luxury.

MazdaMonkey > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:37

You're just now getting to this car? Didn't DeMuro review it months ago?

Racescort666 > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:37

Speaking of raucous exhaust note, any chance for some pure sound videos?

doctorprepper > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 11:37

I believe it has an electronic handbrake so I suppose no, sadly.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:38

Understeer?

427SOHC > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:39

Cool but, needs more wagon.

Patrick George > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 11:39

It's less about design than it is about materials. Lots of hard, cheap plastics, but it generally looks cool.

April_N_ > victor
02/10/2014 at 11:40

Kinja'd!!!

Just gotta move to a different country.

Patrick George > Goshen, formerly Darkcode
02/10/2014 at 11:40

Yeah, I plan on finding out just how understeer-y/front drive-y it really is.

marshknute > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 11:43

Name a single early 2000's BMW interior that didn't look like shit. Answer: there are none.

They may be well built, but they're cheap, ugly, and look hopelessly dated.

Patrick George > 427SOHC
02/10/2014 at 11:43

MooseKnuckles > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 11:44

It's basically a $30k car interior in what is now a $55-60k car

For Sweden > Battery Tender Unnecessary
02/10/2014 at 11:44

...and completely ignorant of the BMW 335i X-drive.

Illegal Machine > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:49

A) I was surprised by the amount of leg room in the back seat.

B) White isn't boring on a performance luxury car. Might be the sexiest color they come in.

GrayHays > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:50

I live in a high crime city. I KNOW that if I bought one of these some asshole would break into the car and rip off the OEM Nav screen thinking it was a Garmin. Can you imagine what MB would charge for that replacement? Plus it looks stupid.

Corinthian Leatherface > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:50

With it's cab-forward styling and tapered rear, it couldn't look any more like a front wheel drive car. Not that FWD is a terrible thing, but for a Mercedes??

fintail > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:50

It'll be interesting to see the real MSRP vs the base MSRP that will be touted in ads.

My local dealer had one that stickered well over 60K, pretty loaded. It's a funny little freakshow car.

Slow4o > marshknute
02/10/2014 at 11:52

I agree. The interior in my mom's new 3 series looks just like the interior of the early 2000's 5 series they used to have. Sure it is a comfortable interior, but for the amount of many being paid, I don't want a new 3 series looking hopelessly outdated.

5.OHHHH > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:52

IMO the interior looks good, they just RUIN it with the GPS units in the new and upcoming Merc's. The "standalone"-ish unit rather than being integrated looks like an afterthought to me and kills it.

macanamera > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:54

Give us exhaust sound vids, please. I can never get enough AMG exhaust vids, and PLEASE buffer the mic so we can hear it.

Patrick George > macanamera
02/10/2014 at 11:55

I don't have much in the way of fancy video equipment, but I could sure give it a try!

Leadbull > For Sweden
02/10/2014 at 11:55

...and the Audi S4.

GrayHays > For Sweden
02/10/2014 at 11:55

Do you mean 435i X-drive Grand Coupe?

In my delusional head I debate whether I would have the CLA 45 or Audi S3 way too often. Then I remember that my work includes visiting the homes of some of the poorest people in the country and I continue to buy boring SUV's and trucks. Wah wah.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > Mike Kopstain
02/10/2014 at 11:56

Over-buttoned? We can argue about many things, I for one really liked the style that was introduced with the E65 but that's subjective - but over-buttoned? If iDrive did anything, it under-buttoned the interior.

Battery Tender Unnecessary > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 11:58

Also, the CLA45 is meant to be the "bridge" to AMG for young up and comers. I like it because I've already been "indoctrinated" by AMG through my ownership of a C63, which I traded on a CLK63 Black Series, and finally into the SLS (their dream scenario). So the CLA45 is preaching to the converted with me. The C63 was a great "gateway drug" for us M3 owners. I'm still on the fence whether the CLA45 will do the same for the $47-55k performance market. Their own research shows the C63 has been huge success converting people from Audi and BMW M but the market is much more crowded in the CLA45's price range.

GrayHays > Tom McParland
02/10/2014 at 11:58

2016 will be the year I pick up a CPO S3 for $33k. Let's hope.

crossbonechuck > Leadbull
02/10/2014 at 11:58

Mmmmm, S4...

victor > April_N_
02/10/2014 at 11:58

Yeah, I know. I really want that car, but i'd rather have a Shooting brake version of it ( http://jalopnik.com/sexy-mercedes-… ) .

This one is like an Angry GTI

Leadbull > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:00

Any plain old car reviewer can tell me how it drives. Jalopnik is clearly above that, so I want you to find out how many dollars worth of pennies one can fit in the sunglasses compartment.

This is serious, Patrick.

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > marshknute
02/10/2014 at 12:02

That's like you're opinion man. And regarding the "dated" thing, they just revolutionized the entire industry with their iDrive centered layout.

Kinja'd!!!

Such cheap.

Many ugly.

Very hopelessly outdated.

Wow.

ThinIce-Koe > Illegal Machine
02/10/2014 at 12:03

Well it's a pain to get into with that low sloping roof(yeah hit my head climbing in and out) and tiny door opening, PLUS the ridiculous lack of headroom. Between this and the X1, I hate to say I'd pick the X1. At least with that car I don't have to deal with watching out for the top of the door opening.

Just as bad as the CLS, Hate to be the passengers unfortunate enough to have to sit in the back of these 4 door coupes.

macanamera > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:03

Dude, I just stick my Iphone in a pair of socks to record blatty exhausts and it works pretty well.

JaredTheGeek > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:04

Oh Man! I have been thinking about one of those so I can't wait to read about it. I know there are compromises but are they too big to overcome?

CleverBS > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 12:04

If you've spent time in any non-C class Mercedes lately and then sat in this (or the current C-Class), prepare to be extremely disappointed. While they can kind of dress it up for press photographs, in person it's a lot of cheap, hard plastics and a really cheap infotainment screen that feels glued on to the top of the dash (as opposed to built in, properly integrated, or pop up). The seats are fine, the steering wheel is fine, but everything else is basically out of a much lower level car... if it didn't have a Mercedes badge, you'd have a difficult time convincing anyone it was a Mercedes from the inside.

The Audi A3 appears to be better, primarily because they have the new MK7 Golf/GTI/Golf R to baseline (which has pretty good interior materials), and they can just go a level above that in interior design and materials. Audi went with a much simpler design inside and out compared to the Mercedes, but I'd argue it looks much cleaner inside and allows them to not waste their time with hard plastics on superfluous design touches that only look good in pictures.

The Mercedes is probably a decent car to own, especially if it's only you and one other person at most ever in the car, but the AMG version is a bit expensive considering the S3 is thousands less and probably just as fast despite being down on power.

WeimMe > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:07

I imagine it feels and sounds like a baby cthulhu is under the hood whenever you hit the gas. Am I right?

(for reference)

Kinja'd!!!

350Zed > fintail
02/10/2014 at 12:07

That's what online configurators are for...

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic…

spyderman4g63 > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:08

White is sexy and clean.

macanamera > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:08

Are u in DC area w that CLA?

Deputy Kovacs > For Sweden
02/10/2014 at 12:09

I haven't driven the CLA, but I'm sure the acceleration is much greater than in the 335.

Jimbobway > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:09

(I'm a little bummed it's white too because it's so boring.)

Kinja'd!!!

fintail > 350Zed
02/10/2014 at 12:10

Thanks. I've seen the internet before...

I meant the exact test car shown in the article, the MSRP of cars actually built vs potential MSRP...

...

For Sweden > Deputy Kovacs
02/10/2014 at 12:10

Yeah, I'm not going for your CLA pump-and-dump scheme

somberlaine > fintail
02/10/2014 at 12:14

i have been checking dealer inventory. From what i have noticed, MSRP for CLA45 hovers around $58k

somberlaine > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:18

can you test out the iPhone interface? is it worth the money? also, does your test car come with the upgraded seats? how do they compare to the standard seats? are they worth the extra $$$

thank you sir

teahead > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:19

Cute little car.

Party-vi > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:20

After seeing two patrons of the Motor Week Baltimore Auto Show fold themselves into the back of a new Audi A3, I would like to know what the rear seating is like - enough room for some adults or is this strictly a kiddie-hauler?

Akagitsune > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 12:24

My friend's C300 was able to fit two mountain bikes in the back with the seats down and both wheels off the bikes. If you could somehow test this, that would be awesome as I often bike and can't bare the sight roof racks. I have owned many STi and Evos in the past and currently own an Evo X GSR with the touring package (leather, sunroof, heated seats, etc.) and I would really like to see how the CLA45 compares. I think the target audience for this car would be for people like myself who are looking for something a LITTLE bit more luxurious with the added functionality of rear folding seats (yes I know the STi has those Subie people)! I never feel a test drive is long enough to really get acquainted with the way a car feels and behaves so I am looking forward to this read.

Jon > Deputy Kovacs
02/10/2014 at 12:26

Nope, 335xi: 3695lbs 300bhp

CLA45AMG: 3494lbs 355bhp

Jayhawk Jake > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 12:27

I'd be surprised if it didn't have an electric parking brake

somberlaine > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 12:28

One of the best interiors i have seen in that price range is the that of the new IS. how does the CLA compare to the IS?

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 12:29

Anything can handbrake turn if you try hard enough!

I love you but I've chosen hooning! > somberlaine
02/10/2014 at 12:42

Kinja'd!!!

That's actually not badly looking.

ThinIce-Koe > fintail
02/10/2014 at 12:43

The internet also has a thing called inventory on MBUSA website that shows the MSRP of the cars on the lot, thought that was obvious LOL

BTW, these aren't being marked up, so the price shown online is representative of the actual sticker price.

GroundSwell83 > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 12:47

No, electronic handbreak. I don't even think it engages when you are in motion.

StevenG > Leadbull
02/10/2014 at 12:52

and if liter bottles fit in the cup holders or not!

CALUSA > April_N_
02/10/2014 at 12:55

That's not "in wagon form". It's an hatchback.

somberlaine > I love you but I've chosen hooning!
02/10/2014 at 12:59

I actually test drove an IS a month ago. i absolutely loved it. it' doesn't feel cheap at all.

YacozA11 > April_N_
02/10/2014 at 13:01

Saw one of these at Redbull in Salzburg.

MY. GOD. IS. IT. HAWT!

Patrick George > somberlaine
02/10/2014 at 13:01

I drove the IS when it launched and the interior is one of the highlights. It's pretty great.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Illegal Machine > ThinIce-Koe
02/10/2014 at 13:02

Yeah, the sloping roof will do that. I was expecting that, though. I was also expecting a Mustang sized amount of leg room, and was seriously surprised.

These looks GREAT on the road, too. Haven't seen am AMG yet.

Illegal Machine > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 13:05

DON'T BE A PANSY AND TAKE IT TO A 1/4 MILE!

CaptainWompus > crossbonechuck
02/10/2014 at 13:09

Seriously. My brother in law has a 2013 S4. That thing was a blast to drive. I've lusted ever since I drove it.

Illegal Machine > fintail
02/10/2014 at 13:17

Same here. The few I've seen on lots (a few hundred miles away, via Autotrader) they're all $60+.

Meat > GrayHays
02/10/2014 at 13:28

Hoping for the same with the CLA 45.

ThinIce-Koe > Illegal Machine
02/10/2014 at 13:29

Great for couple with no kids. I seriously doubt it's much fun mounting any decently sized childseat in the back and hauling those things out. Saw a couple with the guy around 6'2"+ and the girl around 5'4" checking out the CLA250 when I dropped by the dealership. Neither bothered trying to get into the back, shows you how bad it is when even the girl won't bother LOL

I admit it felt pretty good in the driver's seat. View up front is decent. Maybe I'm getting old, but I think I'd be much happier just getting a normal sedan or CUV :P

Illegal Machine > ThinIce-Koe
02/10/2014 at 13:31

I have a 392 300 SRT. I could park this thing in my back seat.

fintail > ThinIce-Koe
02/10/2014 at 13:40

Hah, I like to "discover" cars sitting on the lot. Still haven't seen a mythical base CLA250 either, they all hover around 34K. LOL

No ADMs (MB hasn't played that game in a long time), but you won't get the 10+++% off you can easily score on a C or E.

Titanius Anglesmith > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 13:43

Kinja'd!!!

bergina lights. Can't take the car seriously at all.

fintail > somberlaine
02/10/2014 at 13:43

I can see that. A good 20% over base - that's where the money is made, on an everything-is-optional car.

carsandmusic > ncasolowork2
02/10/2014 at 13:46

Does this answer your question?

KSEGGFTW > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 13:48

I like how AMG's now are helping to feed my OCD-ness by allowing you to have 4300K BIX-matching rear license plate bulbs when you get one with the Lighting Package.

It's a weird pet peeve of mine when I see MB's/BMW's/Audi's with the bright-white LED DRL's up front, but nasty halogen/yellow headlights and rear license plate lights.

202dame > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 13:51

Do you think it's "douchy"? Do people pay attention to it while you drive or when you park it?

Rico > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 13:52

Saw one of these in gray on Friday and have to admit it looks 100x better than the normal model. As in I'd never even entertain the idea of the normal model after seeing this one.

Bimmer-Bob > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:13

Looks good IMO. Not sure I could justify the expense, however. Think the regular CLA would be a cool alternative to a Camry or Accord, though.

PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol) > Leadbull
02/10/2014 at 14:13

Reminds me of "GUM FOR DAYS."

Kinja'd!!!

mr_gofast > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:14

this or a m3 sport or similair m3 or a audi s4 or a jag xfrs???

PhiLOL (slowcarSLOW-MPGlol) > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:15

Lag? And/or pinging? I'm skeptical of something with that much boost (26 lbs).

FamilySedan > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:18

What is that steering wheel wrapped in?

Baber K. Khan > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:24

Why what a lovely Hyundai.

OtizzyStarBai > spyderman4g63
02/10/2014 at 14:26

white looks like it came outta my local electric company's fleet.

Deputy Kovacs > For Sweden
02/10/2014 at 14:34

STEVE FUCKING MADDEN!!!!

Zaxxon > Battery Tender Unnecessary
02/10/2014 at 14:35

I really want to see a head to head of this vs the upcoming (stateside) S3 sedan...

tge-89 > Patrick George
02/10/2014 at 14:38

I just picked mine up with all the carbon fiber exterior goodies and the black rims an hour ago!!!!!!!!!!!! Its got the Recaro seats and a removed speed limiter from the factory as a special order!!!!

Rico > GrayHays
02/10/2014 at 14:43

Kinja'd!!!

Rico > Battery Tender Unnecessary
02/10/2014 at 14:54

Hmm I didn't know the C63 really blew the M3 out of the water like that. Always good to know.

Zaxxon > Battery Tender Unnecessary
02/10/2014 at 15:02

I'm just going to sit here and drool over the mention of the CLK63 Black.

As for the $47-55k market, that's about where I find myself currently and there is a lot to offer in the segment (partially because I cant seem to figure out how to balance my need for a sportscar with my desire to have 4 doors and a carseat in the back for my 3 yr old). The CLA45 and upcoming S3 seem to fit smack in the middle of that range for me.

Rico > Party-vi
02/10/2014 at 15:03

I've looked in the back of one of these that was parked in front of my school and the rear space is super tiny. Like a Honda Civic coupe has more rear room in it, why this thing has 4 doors makes no sense to me.

Zaxxon > macanamera
02/10/2014 at 15:04

This kid does some pretty through great reviews. His one of the CLA45 show most of this including the exhaust note.

Rico > Illegal Machine
02/10/2014 at 15:09

Did you mean lack of leg room? Because the back of this thing is seriously small. Like a Honda Civic coupe has more rear leg room.