AMG CLA45 Review - German Type R - Test Drive | Everyday Driver
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- Mercedes 2021 AMG CLA45 continues their tradition of absurdly boosted 4 cylinders in their smallest cars. We take this new, and shockingly expensive, CLA out to find who it's for, what it is up against, and if the price is worth it. Join us for a Test Drive.
#Mercedes #AMG #CLA45 #Sedans
Our Podcast, "The Car Debate", can be found every Tuesday and Friday wherever you get Podcasts.
If you want to see our TV show, our gear, or anything else we do, go here:
www.everydaydr...
New videos on UA-cam on Thursdays. Also on our original channel:
/ everydaydriver
Please help us by subscribing,
Thanks for watching!
Absolutely fantastic review guys. You commented on very relevant facets to this car. Your energy, enthusiasm, depth, chemistry, cinematography; all just came together in a beautiful harmonious package. I was so impressed by the genuineness (is that a word?) and relevancy of this review. I basically now feel that I don't even need to test drive this car! Not only was I so impressed with the review but unfortunately now you have me smitten with this car! (hate you for that!!) Amazing efforts guys and please keep it up. I am really rooting for you guys. Your quality of work deserves more views and recognition!
Thanks for watching. We’re very glad you enjoy our work and it resonates as intended.
Can't wait to see the comparison to the RS3 when it comes out
That beast from hell 🤪🤪🤪
Great review!
I thought the CLA 45 S (421 hp) is the highest output 4 cylinder production engine. Too bad we don't get that here in the US :(
you are right 45s has 421 hp
Yup I own one
@@bobbob-s3l Damn lucky you!
It is the same engine
I love people with common sense, these guys have buckets full
Thanks and glad to have you watching!
Damn. I wanted a CTSv... But now I want this.
If only it was rear wheel drive
Get the CT5-V or CT5-V Blackwing? If Blackwing, get that instead. Better driver's car than this CLA.
Will other country gets the car in yellow too ? Im in asia pls answer me 🙏🏻 thank you
I wish we received the hatch 45s in NA 😥
It's $55,000 US is fair price
There will never be a german Type R. They can only do amg lol
An cla45S has 421 hp guys
love this car. But unfortunately it does not hold value as well as the Japanese type r, which I end up getting :)
I can't imagine buying one of these new for 70k, but on the used market they can be an absolute steal. I have a 2014 CLA 45 that had 50k miles on it when I picked it up for 22k USD. There's a very good chance that when I go to upgrade, I'll buy one of these newer models the same way. The way these cars handle is just incredible to me, and they're pretty easy to get some extra power out of. I spent maybe 2 grand and am at 440HP and 410 pound feet of torque. I think with these newer ones you can almost be to 500HP with 2 to 3 grand.
This is the first review that explains the real differences between the CLA250/35 and justifies the extra cost over those 2 trims. No one else does these kinds of review. Well done gentlemen. Thank you for making my sickness even worse now. LoL
Thanks for being with us. Glad you enjoyed!
Good point. I have the new CLA250 and wondering what it would be to have a CLA45…
I think this is my perfect car, except I don't have $70k for it 😒
Got a clean low mileage one for less than half price and its amazing
@@fasttlife1807 seriously!? I could definitely swing $35k once my current vehicles are paid off
@@letsgobrandon416 I got it right before the car market went nuts. Would probably cost 10k more now so wait until the market calms down 👍🏼
@@fasttlife1807 a 2 year model should be under 60% MSRP for sure.
Well, It sucks here in malaysia, I've always admired you guy's low tax that you guys have to pay, here in my country (Malaysia) its around $130,000 for the cla 45 s which is just insane, and for the f90 bmw m5 competition, its around $250,000 for it :/
They didn't mention the RS3 at all. For 70k you have a lot of options.
Not really... if you want a high performance compact "near-luxury" sedan it's only the RS3 or CLA 45 (awd options)
@@SeanyMacks for 70k you're getting in the C63 sedan territory. Id take that glorious AMG V8.
@@ianthayer8688 you mean glorious 4 cylinder hybrid? 😏
@@SeanyMacks no I mean a 2019-2021 haha
@@ianthayer8688 M3 too btw
I love this review! Thank you for shining light on the AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+- Got my 2021 this past April and I 've been loving it ever since. Way better than a C63 or E53, but that’s my opinion. Great job guys keep it up!
Totally crazy 2.0l turbo but you can get a BMW 340, an IS500, C43, or go cheap a loaded G70, for less than this car.....so awesome but value?
Great video. I owned the original 2014 CLA 45 AMG. Great sound and fast. AMG makes the best sound with their turbo engines. I wish my turbo Porsche and turbo BMW M cars sounded like that. Though the handling holds up well on the street, too much understeer on the track since the all wheel drive system is front drive based. Highlights are looks, sound and performance, the engine is to die for. One of the most powerful 4 cylinders ever made, downsides are stiff ride, small trunk opening and lack of headroom in the back seats (kids only). I preferred my 2015 GLA 45 AMG, usable back seat, bigger trunk (hatchback) and better handling (less understeer) with revised suspension.
I love how you guys describe how the car feels to drive. I so relate to wanting to feel the throttle interact with the cornering. So many AWD cars do not do that.
I think it's funny all these vidoes are making a big deal about the turbo location like this is some monumental thing when didn't like VWs and Audis already have a setup like that?
I have a soft spot for these - even the first gen. You even mentioned that these may appeal to "hot hatch guys" which I am (GTI owner) so you are probably on to something there.. As always great review guys - keep up the good work - even though you give the MQB a hard time on the regular..
They've got a point about the suspension. I've got a 2016 GLA 45 AMG and it doesn't have the adaptive suspension but that only increases stiffness and my car is very stiff, somewhere between and Golf R and a Focus RS. It's an absolute blast of a hot hatch but sometimes it really just is too stiff...but that engine is incredibly addicting.
I have a CLA45s without adaptive suspensions and I live in Switzerland. It's not stiff at all. Maybe the roads in your country are just really bumpy I guess. Adaptive suspension actually make the care even more stiff in my experience.
@@xdxangeloxbx Sadly this is the case, the U.S. has places with Swiss-level road quality and places with absolutely horrendous quality and everything in between. Enjoy those roads!
@@xdxangeloxbx He told you why. The CLA before 2020 series haven't the adaptative suspension. And I have a 2017 model. I can tell u, u feel the road and yes it's really bumpy. You have the adaptative suspension so it's mean you can have the suspension of a business model, but also the suspension of a sporty car regarding the selected mode (confort or sport/sport+)
A Stinger is a what a Type R should be.AWD and a 3.3TT engine--all for under 40k--I paid 36k last year--now they are more expensive--but Type R's are now almost mid 40k--this AMG is 55k or more fully loaded--a Type S is also close to 60k.Stinger hands down if you compare performance to dollar amount.A Type R also has nothing after about 120 and I think takes over a minute to reach a high 150 maybe low 160 top speed--a Stinger can hit its 167 MPH top speed in under a minute from a dead stop--also the gas mileage is similiar--I am at 21 to 23 in comfort mode--which is still fast enough to blow most other folks off the road.My 2 finalist for cars last year were a GLA 45 AMG and a Stinger--I chose a Stinger simply because I did not want to go over 50k--even though I could--I was able to put almost 30k back in the bank and i own my stinger outright.
Smart move
Interesting information about the engine position and exhaust manifold. Thanks for the learning review. :)
Thanks for watching through our stuff as always!
This car seems exquisite inside and out. Great analyses by you both, thanks.
Holy sh*t, 70k? That’s insane…that car is the size of a Corolla
Did you miss that this car has a bit more performance than a Corolla? 🙄
@@SeanyMacks yea but if you’ve seen an A class in person, it’s amazing how tiny it looks, literally looks like an economy car. The aero and carbon probably helps tho.
@@LoLsaladz can a Corolla do this? ua-cam.com/video/C6aNDh70tYM/v-deo.html
The upcoming RS3 should shake things up in this segment.
It's the same car as before... with the same engine as before just with a wider power band and rear torque vectoring. The interior is refreshed but not as nice as the CLA interior.
@@SeanyMacks to each their own, but I think the new RS3 interior is really nice. I also prefer the 5-Cylinder because it makes more power and sounds better than the 45 AMG engine.
@@pan4632 the cla makes more power, at least in the uk. At 415bhp
@@pan4632 it does not sound better at all.
Yeap the CLA45s kicks out 410+ hp
$70,000K is a lot...that's about $1K-$1,500K a month and thwts just for the car itself not including the price Of gas your going to have to pay, and insurance. If you have the money to spend on the car and then still be able to eat, keep a roof over your head...go for it.
$54,000 US you mean
RS3 (5 cylinders) vs CLA 45 (4 cylinders)
This "baby" AMG is kind of a laugh and you honestly don't believe it comes from Mercedes-Benz from all manufacturers. In fact, the CLA45 is more akin to a WRX STI or Lancer Evo than a M2 which it competes against. The ride is hardcore stiff, the sound from the exhaust and road is overwhelming, and the material use while better than Subies and Mitsu is nowhere near Mercedes usual high standards.
This is an enthusiast car in every measure, especially at its $85k CAD asking price. However in the used market it can be a legit competitor to more mass market sport compacts....which is why I got one like that.
So we're not going to talk about the RS3?
So i get 421bhp out of my cla45s but only 299bhp out of my Ranger Raptor, how come you only get 385bph out of the CLA45 but 400bhp out of your Ranger Raptors?
70k for this car is a scam lol
Why we don’t get to have the 45s which has 421 ps?
Drift mode for automotive press to destroy tires even faster. How does that help the end buyer? How many times are you going to melt the tires ?
Exactly. At least they could make it an option so people with sense wouldn't have to pay for a piece of tech they're not going to use. Launch control too.
I think it looks good....except for that HUGE mercedes logo in the grill!
2.0 4 cyclinder with GDI and Turbo. I might as well give the dealer a blank check. They will happily fill in that total later, (warranty or no warranty.) Endless money pit...and than some.
Aw man, I just decided on the a35, now I gotta decide.
bro this is the m139 421 hp, a different breed animal than the type R.stop doing stupid comparisons and name drops
I’m sorry 70k for this? I don’t doubt how awesome it is but the two car mentioned the 718 and M2CS are in a different level compared to this car. This may be a better daily than the other two but dynamics wise as much as good as the Merc can be it can’t hide his FWD origins.
A base M2C is less than 60k.
Plus this Mercedes looks like a beached whale. Even something like the new M3 is more classy looking, even with that grille.
Fuck the m2, it costs like M3 and C63s with a real V8 and proper RWD🤦♂️
2021 Audit TT RS Quattro.
uhhh... the RS3 would like a word or two.
Cadillac ct4 blackwing definitely competes with this car...but this thing is nice.
Do you want 4 cylinder engine with the MPG of a V8? Why? I'm surprised no one mentioned the Lotus Emira.
Have my 2014 CLA 45 tuned to 440 HP and I still get 30MPG on the interstate. Those extra gears past 6 really help alot. I'd imagine since this one has the 8 speed it's probably a little better even.
We get the CLA45s in Australia with 415 hp from the factory.
Thanks for the great review, guys. Can't believe you actually made me want to buy a Mercedes. Not many of them that I would actually want, but this thing seems like an amazingly fun machine. And I'm not even offended by the price fully optioned, considering what happens with dealer markups on similarly fun cars. Anyway, thanks again.
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!
Great review, great car. excellent point about the wrx, your video comparing it to the brz sold me on the car, I got a performance pack 2020. while i love the car (amg) you guys are right about the price.
Great review on this AMG cla. Hope you get to do a review on the Audi TTRS soon.
The fact that you still feel special driving such a quick car slow speak’s volume for it.
2 videos in 1 day awesome 👏 👍
Have you guys ever thought about adding a spec sheet (how you would build it), to every Test Drive?
Paul and Todd are not very interested in spec sheets. They've said that on the podcast multiple times.
@@1993Warbirds That's not really where I was heading. Paul mentioned this is the one you want. I'm thinking of what options or packages are important to get the good handling and engagement. Not the specs of hp or 0-60 times.
70 grand is way too much coin in my opinion. Great car. Wonderful review. Strange choice of color for a Mercedes as well. This is the motor and transmission in the 74 grand lotus evira
Yes. This engine and transmission in an Emira will be amazing. Though we’d still likely prefer the supercharged v6 and the manual.
Not going to lie - I thought this was a driving review of the upcoming Integra. That yellow color & tailight design got me at first.
Liar ⚠️ alert
They did what VW did, they just paired it with a better turbo
What about the new RS3?
The base cayman at least looks like a sports car and has better seating position. Get a corrola or camry if you want practical.
How reliable is that engine going to be out of warranty ?? The depreciation is what your not talking about in this equation.
That's why so many cars like this are leased...
Nothing better then driving an AMG!!!!
this car is so cool and cheaper than gt63s
RS3 would also be an option
May i asked how tall you guys are for car room comparison??
Both our guys are 6’3”, but Todd has a longer torso. Thanks for
Watching!
now I see where Subaru got the inspiration for the design of the rear bumper on the 2022 WRX...this car must have inspired the Subaru designers...however, Mercedes executed the design much better and gave it some class...Subaru just said matte plastic is fine because it matches all of the other cars in the showroom....how much AMG E63 Wagon can you get for $70k get? Is the CLA35 really that much of a dog or is it food in it's own right; just not CLA45 bonkers???
It is ashame that the US doesn't import the higher-spec S trim, the A45s with 415hp.That would've been an interesting test .
Lol for 70 I’m gonna go buy a couple year old cayman and have a much better car. And if I wanna be practical, I’m gonna go buy a cayman… and because I’m STILL under 70, go buy a daily hot hatch like a 2017-2018 Focus ST or sedan like a WRX.
there is a 45 s also whith 420 horsepower
how is the turbo ? is it direct ?
? GSF 2016 used a mistake vs mighty mouse AMG? Paul n Todd, you advised me in a podcast years ago NOT to hotrod my 97 Jag XJ6, which led to my 911 996.1 manual. Still have those, GSF new to me, your review of this AMG was an eye opener. Neat car!
Love my 2020 C300 4matic Coupe (real coupe, 2 door...). This is a great car, but I'm not to keen of the school bus yellow.
Right now in Europe, 72k is the base model. Fully spec it's like 90k. I would pay 70k for a fully spec model but not 90 :|
I've literally only seen 1 of these (AMG) on the road ever. Mostly just base models on the road.
2 Type-R’s or 1 baby benz
It’s a shame the US doesn’t get the hatch version of these, which is surprising considering the number of the German Toyota Corolla, VW Golfs, are getting snapped up.
nice car, but disgusting color
CLA45s AMG gets over 400hp tough, but those s variants don't seem in the US. Such shame.
Great review!
After watching this video, I found myself looking for one for sale(not that I could afford it right now)…and I’m pretty sure I found the one you guys drove? From Mercedes of Westminster
Am driving the 18 an even going through a broker the price started at 60,000 only because it wasn't sitting out in the lot .. So basically without a broker or a big down payment you could say it starts at 80,000 if it were on the lot .. However if its loaded an mine is its been worth every sexy struggle and penny to have it its an incredible work of art on wheels !!
It is a fantastic car. But with 70k it is not fair to compare with type r! Almost twice expensive than Honda type r.
Cla45S has over 400😂
It's a good value for the price on what you are getting it's just when I'm hear or a car badged as "AMG" I just keep thinking big V8, it's difficult to hear AMG using a 4 cylinder. I do like the car I'm just ole school AMG enthusiast.
I know, but AMG haven't always had V8. I don't know much Mercedes history, but from a look at wikipedia page for W201, it looks like AMGs came with inline-sixes and maybe even 2.5 four-poppers.
The used version of this at 1/2 price is why many more people consider this car, and people that have do deal with a harsh winter climate.
God this thing looks amazing, especially in that yellow
Quadrifoglio or CLA 45, that is my dire question.
"Here, let me put it in manual mode so you guys can barely hear what I'm saying".
I was due for a new car and I wanted this one but there was no stock near me so I ended up with a 2020 bmw m240i. I can’t say I’m mad about my decision.
Only 1 problem with the CLA45 is the 2022 RS3
I love mine. Going 110 feels like 80 in a normal car.
That's a good thing?
So lame NA does not get the AMG A45 S. Instead we get some lame cross over.
Yeah, it has a warranty. But what happens when that warranty expires? I'd be worried about a 382hp 4-cylinder long-term, especially with Mercedes history reliability concerns.
I have a 2014 since new. My AC has a slow leak which will be pricey to fix. Other than that there have been no mechanical issues. I have 80k kms on it and have not even changed the brakes. The regular maintenance from MB is pricey however. I would get a new one, but admit that the price is holding me back. Overall, it is a great daily with lots of power and able to carry 3 kids in the back. Fuel economy is also pretty good. It isn't a perfect car, but it is very well rounded.
Is this faster or better than my q50 red sport looking for a new daily
Yes it's a powerful 2 liters engine but you need to beef it up(oversize several components) to generate/handle all that power. So it comes with extra weight. This is partly why the car weighs 3,660 lbs. Which is a lot for a little sporty car. This extra weight will eat up tyres and brakes much faster if driven on track.
I mean there are less powerful 2 liter engines in much lighter cars. For instance a Type R: 320 hp @ 3100 lbs. Hp/lb ratio is pretty close and you have a lighter more nimble car. This makes the lighter car faster and more maneuverable in the corners. The car "fights" less against the driver.
The tricky thing is how to build a high hp/weight ratio car. I don't see many stock cars able to achieve that. All will gain lots of weight in the process.
Love your perspective about this car! New subscriber now. The Shooting Brake version of this car is my next (additional) car to my Audi TTS.
I got a GM 2.0 lit leh engine with changed internals that produces more than 500 ps. And it's doing it for 6 years as a daily without a single hickup.
The styling does not look German to me. It looks Asian. Not that it's bad i just expect crisper lines from a German car. I don't think it will age well as most current MBs seem to be over wrought. Look at the MBs designed by Bruno Sacco especially the E300-500 variants. While the engine sounds amazing, it just seems so over stressed I'm afraid of what the repair bills will look like post warranty. And we haven't even discussed the price! Ouch!
It looks like a beached whale to me. Mercedes used to be the king of classy looks, and they've lost the title in my eyes. It's like they're chasing trends instead of having their own thing, and, especially with cars like this, trying to appeal to "the kids".
WRX shopper target customer? Your otherwise good video was bombed by that non-relevant comment. German compact performance car buyers are in fact niche, but no way can they be put in the same profile.
I had WRX and an STI cars before leading to this car decision..
And the EU version has 421 HP, why?
The worst quality to own. Cheap and poorly built.
I'm not the target buyer for this car, but that yellow paint is absolutely the color I would choose.
A lightweight manual RWD version...
Immediately there is a major problem. Would you please get off from the passing lane if you aren't going to use it. Please.
You've made a lot of assumptions that what you can see at the beginning of the video tells you everything that was going on. Did you know that the car on Paul's right sped up because of the another car entering, or that Paul promptly passed the car on his right after we cut away? How could you... but thanks for watching.