AMG CLA45 Review - German Type R - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

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
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[@ZoomZoom81]

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

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thanks for being with us. Glad you enjoyed!

[@BudapestGuyful]

Good point. I have the new CLA250 and wondering what it would be to have a CLA45…

[@ahsansyed1493]

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!

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thanks for watching. We’re very glad you enjoy our work and it resonates as intended.

[@Pk1998AMG]

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.

[@thirdpedalnirvana]

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.

[@joseguapothedon2162]

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!

[@GlennsCarCollection]

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.

[@gregosipow1270]

This car seems exquisite inside and out. Great analyses by you both, thanks.

[@PresidentJackBauer]

They didn't mention the RS3 at all. For 70k you have a lot of options.

[@SeanyMacks]

Not really... if you want a high performance compact "near-luxury" sedan it's only the RS3 or CLA 45 (awd options)

[@ianthayer8688]

@@SeanyMacks for 70k you're getting in the C63 sedan territory. Id take that glorious AMG V8.

[@SeanyMacks]

@@ianthayer8688 you mean glorious 4 cylinder hybrid? 😏

[@ianthayer8688]

@@SeanyMacks no I mean a 2019-2021 haha

[@skidhvh]

@@ianthayer8688 M3 too btw

[@AFJDM]

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.

[@xdxangeloxbx]

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.

[@AFJDM]

@@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!

[@deefeeeeefeeeeeeeeee]

@@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+)

[@RockstarBruski]

Interesting information about the engine position and exhaust manifold. Thanks for the learning review. :)

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thanks for watching through our stuff as always!

[@kushing8]

The fact that you still feel special driving such a quick car slow speak’s volume for it.

[@Rmalikk]

Great review!

[@iantownsend500]

2 videos in 1 day awesome 👏 👍

[@wtitrader7397]

Nothing better then driving an AMG!!!!

[@blueshark3098]

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.

[@TestDriveVideos]

Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching!

[@BN99239]

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 :(

[@ojgod]

you are right 45s has 421 hp

[@bobbob-s3l]

Yup I own one

[@BN99239]

@@bobbob-s3l Damn lucky you!

[@benjamingibbs8788]

It is the same engine

[@Cherry_man1]

Can't wait to see the comparison to the RS3 when it comes out

[@Dude-1689]

That beast from hell 🤪🤪🤪

[@brianfloster2609]

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..

[@93455Driver]

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?

[@cayman9873]

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 ?

[@andycalifornia426]

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.

[@khronin]

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.

[@Ecuador006]

Smart move

[@mikey10184]

We get the CLA45s in Australia with 415 hp from the factory.

[@RideTillDie-b8b]

Considering getting one. Thanks alot for the info.

[@angy97]

Why we don’t get to have the 45s which has 421 ps?

[@jacobl6714]

To me, the M2 and the Cayman are the benchmark for awesome chassis. They're rwd, you can get the m2 in a manual, they're lighter, and the bimmer has the correct amount of cylinders for a car that costs over 50 grand (more than four). There's no amount of fun, and I'm sure that amg is fun I love amg's and their approach, what can overcome those foundationally important things

[@jhaemaracidera1536]

what u drive

[@popcornfps]

Drive it, you’ll see

[@moimoi4725]

2021 Audit TT RS Quattro.

[@kushing8]

Great review on this AMG cla. Hope you get to do a review on the Audi TTRS soon.

[@nbfy5837]

RS3 (5 cylinders) vs CLA 45 (4 cylinders)

[@rdiamond655]

Have you guys ever thought about adding a spec sheet (how you would build it), to every Test Drive?

[@1993Warbirds]

Paul and Todd are not very interested in spec sheets. They've said that on the podcast multiple times.

[@rdiamond655]

@@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.

[@signal_yellow]

I'm not the target buyer for this car, but that yellow paint is absolutely the color I would choose.

[@pr33tu_]

The upcoming RS3 should shake things up in this segment.

[@SeanyMacks]

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.

[@pan4632]

@@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.

[@Youcallthesebagels_]

@@pan4632 the cla makes more power, at least in the uk. At 415bhp

[@G80pon]

@@pan4632 it does not sound better at all.

[@nbb6609]

Yeap the CLA45s kicks out 410+ hp

[@AlexPH90]

What about the new RS3?

[@kcspeed9980]

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.

[@williamcarter9066]

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 !!

[@warpspeed9877]

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.

[@philr182]

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.

[@nicknick5219]

I have a non comp M2 and the interior of this Mercedes looks so so good. Making me want to entertain finding a deal on a used one.

[@cayman9873]

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.

[@scoobers90]

That's why so many cars like this are leased...

[@wutangclan2051]

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.

[@rdiamond655]

This looks far better, in my opinion, than the M2. Loved the review.

[@TML34]

👓

[@Dude-1689]

The road and that car 😍😍😍😍😍!!!! Love the review!

[@MadelnMachines]

Do you want 4 cylinder engine with the MPG of a V8? Why? I'm surprised no one mentioned the Lotus Emira.

[@Pk1998AMG]

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.

[@splashmaster037]

Is this faster or better than my q50 red sport looking for a new daily

[@fasttlife1807]

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.

[@kanaric]

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?

[@paulo5297]

I love to see you guys drive a amg a45s.

[@vomErsten]

They don't sell it here in the USA, which is stupid. Between the CLA45 and A45, they should have elected the A45 if they could send only one our way.

[@ianthayer8688]

So we're not going to talk about the RS3?

[@richardmahoney9415]

First the OG turbo video now this some days u just win in life

[@alexg475]

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.

[@sunrise7236]

how is the turbo ? is it direct ?

[@hondacar]

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 .

[@benjamingibbs8788]

I bought mine three weeks ago. So fun

[@jagayong9333]

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.

[@comickebs748]

Not going to lie - I thought this was a driving review of the upcoming Integra. That yellow color & tailight design got me at first.

[@Ecuador006]

Liar ⚠️ alert

[@computerhelpcc]

? 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!

[@dct124]

I love people with common sense, these guys have buckets full

[@TestDriveVideos]

Thanks and glad to have you watching!

[@paulspindler5849]

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?

[@pankusharma4570]

Great review as always!

[@farhanruslan110]

Will other country gets the car in yellow too ? Im in asia pls answer me 🙏🏻 thank you

[@letsgobrandon416]

I think this is my perfect car, except I don't have $70k for it 😒

[@fasttlife1807]

Got a clean low mileage one for less than half price and its amazing

[@letsgobrandon416]

@@fasttlife1807 seriously!? I could definitely swing $35k once my current vehicles are paid off

[@fasttlife1807]

@@letsgobrandon416 I got it right before the car market went nuts. Would probably cost 10k more now so wait until the market calms down 👍🏼

[@makatron]

@@fasttlife1807 a 2 year model should be under 60% MSRP for sure.

[@hs0988]

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 :/

[@LoLsaladz]

Holy sh*t, 70k? That’s insane…that car is the size of a Corolla

[@SeanyMacks]

Did you miss that this car has a bit more performance than a Corolla? 🙄

[@LoLsaladz]

@@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.

[@SeanyMacks]

@@LoLsaladz can a Corolla do this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfEf3eebJWnj68

[@feefeee]

Aw man, I just decided on the a35, now I gotta decide.

[@dcb1728]

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.

[@douggreen980]

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.

[@AverageArdvark]

Damn. I wanted a CTSv... But now I want this.

[@AverageArdvark]

If only it was rear wheel drive

[@vomErsten]

Get the CT5-V or CT5-V Blackwing? If Blackwing, get that instead. Better driver's car than this CLA.

[@thielepr]

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.

[@andycalifornia426]

Plus this Mercedes looks like a beached whale. Even something like the new M3 is more classy looking, even with that grille.

[@skidhvh]

Fuck the m2, it costs like M3 and C63s with a real V8 and proper RWD🤦‍♂️

[@omairsh8]

God this thing looks amazing, especially in that yellow

[@mattdirks7896]

Make no mistake, this car has its appeal. The problem for me is the CT4 Blackwing starts at 60K. I know its a different class, but its not that much bigger. Not that I can afford either.

[@vomErsten]

That's a great point, the CT4-V Blackwing will destroy the CLA45 as a driver's car and it's much nicer than the ATS-V was, so the delta in interior style and materials is smaller than it was.

[@mauriceconger1926]

RS3 would also be an option

[@JBsC6]

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

[@TestDriveVideos]

Yes. This engine and transmission in an Emira will be amazing. Though we’d still likely prefer the supercharged v6 and the manual.

[@pizmo3048]

May i asked how tall you guys are for car room comparison??

[@TestDriveVideos]

Both our guys are 6’3”, but Todd has a longer torso. Thanks for Watching!

[@dct124]

I've literally only seen 1 of these (AMG) on the road ever. Mostly just base models on the road.

[@3joewj]

Cadillac ct4 blackwing definitely competes with this car...but this thing is nice.

[@ac.4ce442]

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 :|

[@daviddill5227]

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.

[@swisschoco25]

$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.

[@GoBrand0n]

$54,000 US you mean

[@xxxmosh]

They did what VW did, they just paired it with a better turbo

[@iznon]

Quadrifoglio or CLA 45, that is my dire question.

[@mibox8302]

Only 1 problem with the CLA45 is the 2022 RS3

[@makatron]

CLA45s AMG gets over 400hp tough, but those s variants don't seem in the US. Such shame.

[@Dudeman9339]

uhhh... the RS3 would like a word or two.

[@dwighttttt]

I love mine. Going 110 feels like 80 in a normal car.

[@supraJZA80s]

That's a good thing?

[@animated8623]

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

[@edgarm8933]

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.

[@mikeiso8963]

I thought you guys were shills until you basically explained I bought cla45 because I have a real job now and don’t need to buy a used clapped out Sti or evo8 to daily drive. I can have both.

[@JomesZ]

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.

[@andycalifornia426]

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.

[@Angus1216]

I think the new Mk 8 Golf R is a good alternative for about $30,000 less than this. Fast and more practical, it would be my ultimate daily driver all-rounder...

[@johnwjeromejr]

My tuned Golf R (Mk 7) has 387 HP and 409 TQ, weighs hundreds of pounds less, and costs $30K less including mods. Buy your car from a dealer that has a tuner shop.

[@nickng5857]

@@johnwjeromejr but instead the cla45 owners get 5 years factory warranty while your car can blow up any second

[@vomErsten]

@@nickng5857 But it probably won't, that's a strong but not dangerous tune for an EA888 engine. If it was so unreliable, it wouldn't be so popular; damn near everybody who buys a Golf R or any related VAG product slaps a comparable tune on it.

[@nickng5857]

@@vomErsten if you talking about tuning the m139 is also highly tunable. Strong internals with hand built engine and as a package got better suspension brakes interior badges everything

[@vomErsten]

@@nickng5857 Sure, I don't doubt it. Just saying, tuner cars are rarely running over-stressed and ready to pop.

[@ilopancharov]

I wish we received the hatch 45s in NA 😥

[@maxidaho]

"Here, let me put it in manual mode so you guys can barely hear what I'm saying".

[@andycalifornia426]

I wonder whether this world's most powerful turbo four-popper is strong enough to last more than the warranty period?

[@ac.4ce442]

Yeah, I wonder that too. That's definitely alot for a 2L but the germans know their cars.

[@mikaeltjarnas4515]

there is a 45 s also whith 420 horsepower

[@yumendengdai]

It is a fantastic car. But with 70k it is not fair to compare with type r! Almost twice expensive than Honda type r.

[@TunnelVision3]

I think it looks good....except for that HUGE mercedes logo in the grill!

[@stormfur19]

I've driven a few of these at work and honestly think they're overrated. They don't feel small enough for my taste. I prefer my mini cooper because it has a sporty stiffness but in a cute but powerful package that is also practical.

[@deefeeeeefeeeeeeeeee]

I dont know the definition of "small" there, I guess it's related to USA market. Because in UE, once parked, even SUV models are shorter in length than the CLA... I have one

[@vomErsten]

@@deefeeeeefeeeeeeeeee Wheelbase is too long. In the US, they decided people would only buy the CLA45 because "everybody wants bigger in the USA" and thus didn't give us the A45, but I think they misjudged because this car is so niche that the rule doesn't apply. What does still apply is the value equation; like the Audi TT, it's about 8,000 USD too expensive for what it is and, for the price, buyers mostly stick to the S5/RS5, M3/M340i, M2, and Cayman options depending on whether they lean slightly more practical or slightly more sports. But lots of people lust over the AMG A45S; they should have brought that.

[@deefeeeeefeeeeeeeeee]

​@@vomErsten The american market is quite competitive regarding price/perf. Because u used to have powerful car for very low price. For exemple the dodge challenger is amazing, but in UE the price is just out of mind, u can buy a nicer AMG with that. And the entry price of the doge gives u the CLA45 AMG edition. So yes I guess Mercedes should adapt to the US market, only bring the CLA45S version with limited option to lower the price. That's also what makes Mercedes more expensive, it's can come with a variety of options.

[@fikes73]

Wish we got the hatch

[@dannyferguson9415]

A lightweight manual RWD version...

[@restlessactivity8696]

And the EU version has 421 HP, why?

[@KK-tt6ui]

Thought it was an Acura integra for a moment

[@K03sport]

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???

[@seanwang6402]

this car is so cool and cheaper than gt63s

[@jgower12345]

That is a serious drone...fake or not.