The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is the sole trim in the CLA class. The CLA 45 comes powered by a 382 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four engine mated with 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The coupe also offers an optional Drift Mode and AMG Drive system that helps you configure the performance metrics quickly. The CLA 45 gets standard features like 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic roof, LED headlights, power-folding wing mirrors, and quad exhaust units. The safety aid includes eight airbags, crosswind assist, attention alert, and blind-spot assist. 

Which Trim should you buy?

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 seems to be well-packed with value-added features at $55,350. The car comes with multiple packages that can help to unveil the true potential of this performance beast. The AMG Dynamic PLUS Package costs $4,300 and adds features like three-stage ride control, composite brakes, increased top speed, Race/Drift modes, AMG drive unit, track pace app, and performance steering wheel. The CLA 45 Coupe also offers an array of optional features like adaptive cruise control, parking assistance, ventilated front seats, and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system.

Powering the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is an improved 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine that produces 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The engine's power is sent to the front wheels through the AMG Performance 4MATIC AWD drivetrain. With the 19-inch alloy wheels, the car feels well planted while cruising on highways. The handling is improved a lot compared to the previous model. 

The 2021 AMG CLA 45 is capable of making a 0-60 MPH sprint in 4 seconds along with a quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds. Mercedes has limited the top speed to 155 MPH. The turbo 5 cylinder unit powering the Audi RS3 somewhat matches the performance of the AMG CLA 45. The BMW M340i can develop the same power as the AMG CLA 45. However, the acceleration is laggy due to its heavy weight. 

How well does the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 handle?

The four-wheel independent suspension system does wonders with the handling of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. The adjustable steering offers the best in class response and grip while cornering. The front struts and wishbone suspension work in line with the rear suspension to offer optimum comfort and stability to this performance Coupe. 

The CLA 45's Multistage Electronic Stability Program(ESP) optimizes the brakes for better control and well-planted torque. A safety aid like Dynamic Cornering Assist allows the vehicle to remain stable while making a sharp move around corners. The Coupe comes with an array of performance assistive features that just enhance the overall driving dynamics. 

2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Braking Performance

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is one of the fastest Coupes in the market, doing the 0 to 60 mph sprint in dead 4 seconds. With such acceleration comes great responsibility for the brakes. The AMG CLA 45 offers a very responsive and powerful braking system, consisting of a large 13.8 inches ventilated disc in the front and a 13 inches disc in the rear. 

There is an array of brake tech integrated nicely within the CLA 45 AMG, making it a safer bet among its rivals. The AMG CLA 45 gets an Adaptive Braking Technology along with predictive brake priming that is triggered once you apply the brakes, and the brake pads come closer to the discs, thus, maintaining the stability of the car while sudden braking. Also, there's an automatic brake drying system that uses an adequate amount of brake force to remove any moisture or water stuck to the discs. 

Some of the braking details are yet to be revealed for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG. However, we've identified some specs from the similarly powered vehicles. The Audi RS3 looks to offer good performance due to its light curb weight of 3,593 pounds. When comparing the curb weight, the BMW 340i is the heaviest option in the competition at 3,968 lbs.

The 2021 CLA 45 AMG is more powerful and performance-oriented compared to the regular CLA class models. Looking at the EPA-rated fuel economy of the 2021 AMG CLA 45, we are surprised that the Coupe is able to return 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. With 13.5 gallons of fuel tank capacity, the coupe manages to offer 310 miles combined.

The Merc CLA 45 AMG offers the best in class fuel economy when compared to its rivals. The BMW M340i manages to offer decent fuel economy too. With a 15.6-gallon fuel tank, the Bimmer and Genesis G70 cover a longer driving range. Audi stands together with Mercedes in the combined fuel economy figure, although it races past Mercedes in the range department due to its better bigger fuel tank.

The AMG CLA 45 has got a stunning interior just like its exterior. It comes loaded with a significant amount of features such as an AMG steering wheel, stylish air vents, dual 10.25-inch screens, and satin aluminum paddle shifters. The material quality inside exhibits a premium feel and nicer experience with the standard MB-Tex upholstery. The CLA 45 comes with power-adjustable front seats, hands-free access, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a LED ambient lighting system. 

With the rear seats kept upright, the car offers a decent cargo space of 11.6 cubic feet. That's a bit more than the Audi RS3, and also Mercedes offers a good amount of small cubbies for holding some stuff. Notably, the previous model of AMG CLA 45 had a bigger trunk, but the opening was a bit narrow. All the cars in the segment come with a seating capacity of 5. 

The 2021 CLA 45’s trunk opens wide and makes loading easy like never before. The rear seats can be folded in 40/20/40-split, so you can get enough space for accommodation. The cabin also gets a small center console storage and compact door pockets. When comparing the cargo capacity, BMW offers the most at 17 cubic feet. Some of the notable interior features are:

• Power-adjustable seats with memory function
• Panoramic roof
• Two-zone automatic climate control system
• Tilt & telescopic multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Hands-free trunk
• Proximity entry
• 9-speaker sound system
• 12-way power-adjustable front leatherette heated seats 
• Stainless steel foot pedals
• Dual 10.25-inch screens ( instrument cluster and infotainment display)

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with a standard dual 10.25 inches screen mounted on the center of the dashboard. The gauges displayed on one of the screens can be customized in multiple design themes and layouts. The MBUX infotainment system lives up to the user's expectations and is refined to offer the best possible response and control. The infotainment is highly intuitive to use and takes less time to get familiar with. 

There's a navigation system along with augmented reality within the multimedia package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard with Bluetooth connectivity. You can also get a 12-speaker Burmester premium sound system that would cost you an extra $850 for the upgrade. The notable features of the infotainment system are:

• Touch controls in the steering wheel
• 12 speaker Burmester premium audio system
• SiriusXM satellite radio and HD radio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Voice command system
• 590 Watts digital amplifier

The CLA 45's design is just like any other Mercedes-AMG product that leaves you mesmerized and brings in the performance and luxury blend together. The 2021 AMG CLA 45 is the same as its previous model year, receiving a major overhaul recently. The major design attribute of the AMG CLA 45 is its couple-like roofline that flows throughout the body and smoothly moves around the sides. 

The CLA 45 gets larger 19-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels, a panorama roof, and a signature Panamericana grille. At the rear, you'll find a spoiler, LED tail lights, and chrome exhaust tips. Mercedes-AMG has offered an array of options with the CLA 45 that makes the exterior more attractive. Some of the options include a distinctive wheel design and an all-black AMG Night Package. 

Compared to the rivals, the CLA 45 is long and wide. With the recent revamp, the CLA 45 manages to offer a bolder exterior compared to its previous models. Also, with a wheelbase of 111.8 inches, the AMG CLA 45 is quite comfortable in driving when it comes to cornering and braking. When comparing the ground clearance, BMW offers the most at 5.4 inches. Some of the notable exterior features include:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights, DRLs & taillights
• Black grille with chrome accents
• Chrome window trim
• Quad exhaust chrome tips
• Rear fog lights
• Exterior entry lights
• Power-folding, driver's side auto-dimming exterior mirrors

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Coupe had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS. As the Coupe got a second-generation upgrade in 2020 and is still a fresh arrival in the lineup, the agencies might take some time to crash test it. Apart from the basic safety features, the CLA 45 gets additional safety features like auto-leveling headlights, front driver and passenger airbags, Active park assist, and many more. Some of the notable safety features of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Coupe are:

• Rear-view camera
• Forward collision warning
• Crosswind assist
• Active park assist
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Child safety locks

2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 vs. 2021 Audi RS3

The Audi RS3 doesn't fairly beat the AMG CLA 45 when it comes to performance. The RS3 also offers limited interior space in the front row. Also, the cargo space is lesser compared to the CLA 45. In terms of safety features, the CLA 45 offers an array of aids compared to the RS3. Despite having a larger fuel tank, the RS3 fails to offer a decent driving range and fuel economy. 

2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 vs. 2021 BMW M340i xDrive

The BMW M340i is priced higher than the AMG CLA 45. The Bimmer costs around $1K more. Both cars produce almost similar power, but the M340i is slightly slower than the CLA 45 in terms of acceleration. The BMW boasts a spacious and practical interior. It has also been rewarded with IIHS's Top Safety Pick award. 

2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs. 2021 Genesis G70 3.3T

The Genesis G70 is the least costly alternative in the highly expensive performance coupe market. Compared to the AMG CLA 45 that has got revamped recently, the G70 lacks on the features front. Though, it manages to keep itself cost-effective when compared to the German rivals. Between the two, the choice remains between value for money or the all-out German luxury and performance.

With an aesthetic design and theme, the 2021 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG is now available with better ergonomics and features. The performance car is well-placed among its German rivals. The most important rival is the Audi RS3. It closely competes against the RS3 in terms of driving dynamics and safety aids. The 2021 AMG CLA 45 remains majorly unchanged from the upgraded 2020 model. So, there is not much reason to go for a 2021 model that gets select new standard features like keyless entry and ignition, auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, and blind-spot monitoring. However, one can go with the 2020 model to save some bucks while getting the luxury and performance of this AMG model.