Mercedes CLA AMG. On a par with the racing cars
The Mercedes CLA AMG is a powerful sports series of compact prestigious passenger cars produced by Mercedes-Benz (Germany) since 2013. These vehicles are built on the CLA-class platforms. The sedan and estate versions are available. In 2020, Israeli buyers could purchase the 2019 second generation Mercedes CLA AMG Sedan.
The first generation
The first generation was produced from 2013 to 2019, while its restyling took place in 2016. The first Mercedes AMG CLA-Class was assembled at a plant located in Hungary. The C117 vehicle, built on the front-wheel drive platform of the A-class hatchback, had a sedan coupe-like body. Both front and all-wheel drive versions of this model were available. The vehicles were equipped with 6-speed manual or 7-speed semi-automatic transmissions. In 2015, an estate version was added to the product range. The Mercedes CLA 45 AMG was equipped with a petrol engine, boosted to 360 hp. At that time, it was perhaps the most powerful 4-cylinder engine in the history of production cars, as the Germans managed to squeeze out as much as 360 hp from a two liter engine! The Audi RS3 was a little more powerful, but it had a 5-cylinder engine and a 2.5 liter engine. The traction of the CLA 45 AMG is 450 Nm!
Unlike the standard CLA, the AMG version looked sportier, had a retuned suspension and a sports steering wheel. The automatic transmission lever was located on the central tunnel and had no locking positions, somewhat reminiscent of the ‘goddess’ of sports cars, the Mercedes SLS. The spectacular Mercedes CLA AMG sports car was distinguished by its large wheels, a sports body kit, red brake calipers and a 2 centimeters reduced ground clearance. After the restyling in 2016, the CLA-Class could boast of the new finishing materials, a new steering wheel and an expanded list of options.
The second generation
It has been reduced from 2019 to present (as of 2020). The 2020 Mercedes CLA AMG is equipped with a distinctive front bumper apron with a signature radiator grille, a rear bumper apron with a characteristic decorative diffuser and a body-colored spoiler lip on the trunk lid. Currently, the market offers two Mercedes-AMG models: the CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ with a torque of 500 Nm that accelerates to 100 km in 4 seconds, and the CLA 35 4MATIC with a torque of 400 Nm that accelerates to 100 km in 4.9 seconds. As the most powerful production 4-cylinder engine, the new high-tech 2-liter AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ continues the tradition of its predecessor. The high-performance braking system with optional red calipers helps to harness this remarkable power. The new Mercedes AMG CLA 35 4MATIC is powered by a turbo-charged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 225 kW or 306 hp.
The new AMG Performance 4MATIC+ chassis with the AMG TORQUE CONTROL system provides a driving performance on a par with the racing cars. Two separately operated clutches on the rear axle distribute the required amount of traction force to each rear wheel separately. In the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+, this power is particularly strong in standard drift mode. The RACE START function provides the fastest acceleration from a standstill. Partial ignition interruption when upshifting and automatic throttling function when downshifting make the engine sound more emotional. The standard all-wheel drive distributes traction from the front-wheel drive to a 50:50 distribution in a fully variable manner. The AMG Performance 4MATIC drive combines maximum traction with driving pleasure. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G twin-plate transmission delivers an extra boost of adrenaline with its acceleration potential within all speed ranges.
