Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S 4Matic+ Launched - 421hp Four-Door Coupe

AMG's baby 'coupe' unleashed on Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is starting off June 2020 full of flair with the launch of a trio of high performance AMG models. Along with our focus here, the CLA 45S 4Matic+, MBM also took the wraps off the new A 35 4Matic and the more capable A 45S 4Matic+ for their respective Malaysian premiere.

These three cars represent the smallest and most compact rung of the AMG family, within which only the Shooting Brake body style of the CLA is missing. This sedan (or four-door coupe) version, however, slides in at RM448,888. Interestingly, that’s about RM11,000 lower than the similarly specified A 45S 4Matic+ hatch, which is sold here as exclusive Edition 1 examples.

Of course, hailing from Affalterbach, performance is this car’s main attraction. At centre stage we have a new but equally hand built M139 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, turbocharged to a shocking 421hp which is reached at 6,750rpm. Peak torque, meanwhile, stands at 500Nm between 5,000 and 5,250rpm.

Undeniably, this is supercar-levels of power and performance from an engine UNDER 2,000cc. This isn’t some tuner special either; this has a warranty and everything. It’s still seriously impressive even if you halve its cylinder count and displacement - generating 208hp from each cubic litre.

When this new range-topping CLA was first announced in 2019 alongside its 5-door twin, the A 45S, Mercedes-AMG claimed this engine to be the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder in series production, and since then nothing has managed to dethrone it.

The transversely-mounted motor is placed in a rather cramped engine bay, which is unsurprising given how much cooling is required to keep it in check in our climate. It’s also mounted in a reversed orientation, meaning the exhaust manifold and turbocharger are situated behind the block, allowing for a shorter and freer breathing intake system as well as better airflow overall to accommodate its secondary radiator.

Power is sent through an 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT dual-clutch transmission before the 4Matic+ system distributes it between all four of its 19-inch AMG forged cross-spoke wheels. Thanks to its AWD system and massive power, the CLA 45S can dash to 100km/h from rest in just 4 seconds flat. Top speed is 270km/h.

In order to reliably extract that kind of power, this new CLA 45’s engine has been fortified with some next-level innovation, inheriting the proprietary anti-friction Nanoslide coating technology that now lines most of the high stress internal components such as the cylinders and pistons, purported to be almost twice as resistant to wear as cast-iron liners.

Inside, the car mixes luxury with sporty touches. Nappa leather can only be found on the steering wheel, though it’s forced to share surface area with the gripper DINAMICA microfibre material. AMG Performance seats are also accented similarly with contrasting red side stripes and red seatbelts.

Other standard features include Mercedes-Benz’s excellent ambient interior lighting, a 360-degree camera system, wireless smartphone charging pad, Multibeam LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, and of course the MBUX infotainment and vehicle management system, which is presented via a combination digital instrument cluster and multimedia control screen measuring 10.25-inches each.

This is supplemented by the included AMG Track Pace performance data logger, in-built LTE connectivity for Mercedes me services, the inclusion of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, as well as a premium Burmester surround sound system.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S 4Matic+ can also be had through Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Agility Financing with monthly instalments starting from RM5,355. The AMGPro Financing plan is also available and adds the comprehensive Star Protect Plus insurance, which includes unlimited mileage breakdown and accident towing and tyre and rims replacement among other protections, starting from RM5,588 a month.