DRIVEN + VIDEO: Mercedes-Benz's CLA45 AMG LOOKS Great On Paper, But How's That Translate To Reality?

These days buyers have to beware. What do I mean by that? Well, it's simple. Just because a vehicle looks amazing on paper doesn't exactly mean it will be just that when you actually get behind the wheel.

Remember, there's more to a vehicle than statistics. It has to have character — that's what makes a great product.

And unfortunate for Mercedes-Benz it's not all a locked and loaded deal with the CLA45 AMG. While the numbers and information about its dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive set up sounds like the bees knees, it's a little more complicated than that.

Watch Autocar's Steve Sutcliffe details the good and the bad with the all-new CLA45 AMG that's destined for the States.

According to Mercedes, the CLA45 AMG has the same performance as the mighty Mercedes A45 AMG. But, as Steve Sutcliffe discovers in this video road test, there's a little something missing - especially given the asking price.

AutoSpies.com is ranked #1 on Google for auto show photos!

2013 New York Auto Show Photo Gallery

Read Article

Dexter1 - 6/23/2013 1:20:25 PM

+2 Boost

Looks like something Scion should make.

GermanNut - 6/23/2013 3:41:48 PM

+1 Boost

The Audi S3 sedan will be significantly cheaper than the CLA45 AMG and while it may not offer the same straight-line acceleration as the Mercedes, it's straight-line acceleration will be only slightly slower but it will offer better handling and driving dynamics. Therefore I think the Audi S3 sedan will be a better car overall and will win the comparison tests between these two vehicles.

cidflekken - 6/23/2013 5:13:43 PM

+2 Boost

Nuttie, if an A8L were going against a Ferrari 458, you'd put your money on the A8L.

I thought this was a really good review of the CLA45. Sounds like it's a bit more refined than the A45. At the same time, i think the 4Matic has dialed in some of the "wildness" of previous AMGs.

GermanNut - 6/23/2013 6:14:52 PM

+2 Boost

Not really, cidflekken. Considering the Audi S3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG are going to be direct rivals, I think the Audi will be the winner in comparison tests due to the significant cost savings, better handling, better driving dynamics and straight-line acceleration that is just slightly behind the CLA45 AMG's. As an added bonus in favor of the Audi, I think the S3's cabin will be of higher quality and luxury than the CLA45 AMG's.

cidflekken - 6/23/2013 9:42:53 PM

+1 Boost

Of course those are your thoughts, Nuttie. Everything Audi does are like Golden Touches from God, according to your point of view.

pmrmd - 6/23/2013 11:47:48 PM

+2 Boost

Paper and sheetmetal are two different things and that car looks like shit.

Driver8 - 6/24/2013 7:44:37 AM

+1 Boost

You never know. The S3 in it's latest incarnation isn't known for it's handling or driving dynamics. And AMG's aren't known for that either. If you had said BMW, maybe. But you are making HUGE suppositions.

It will be interesting to see how they compare.

Sciros - 6/24/2013 11:00:36 AM

+3 Boost

This car seems like a great bargain if you want an AMG Merc that looks pretty aggressive and has the performance to match. Yeah, yeah, some people will like how other cars drive more and that's totally fair, but to me there's some level of "prestige" that comes with driving an AMG or an M or an RS (the top-of-the-line performance badges of these imports) that isn't there with just a 335 or 550 or S or whatever. Telling peeps you drive an AMG Mercedes has much more impact than saying you drive an S3 or S4, and let's be honest if you are paying $50k for a car like this then it's those little things that demand that sort of premium.

How the engine will hold up remains to be seen. Lots of tuners will squeeze loads of horsepower out of small engines but I do believe it affects the engine lifespan. Just because AMG does it in-house doesn't make the parts any more magical and durable so a long-term test would shine some light on that.

CarCrazedinCali - 6/24/2013 8:50:46 PM

+1 Boost

they should have just made it a coupe, the back seat is pointless, even the guy in the photo can't sit in it properly... styling is over the top in and out and I like aggressive styling... sorry mb