The Mercedes CLA45 AMG - Everything Wrong with Modern Cars?

[@pazt9911]

As a normal everyday driver, I have a range rover sport, I test drove the cla45 amg and not quite sure what you have been driving coz the cla45 I drove was unreal...so good that I decided to buy one last week and oh boy do I love it!

[@darrenbryant278]

I think you have answered your own question, you’re going from a RR Sport to this…let’s face it what does the Sport on RR mean? Erm a slightly faster RR for people who can’t afford the RR

[@Timtam99]

@@darrenbryant278 Bro replied 5 years later and still has no idea what he's takling about...

[@IshmaelSimpson]

@@Timtam99 6 months later for me now and I still haven't a clue what he's on about.

[@filippxx]

I love when regular guys do a honest review. Most of the reviews of the auto journalists are just masked commercials, without any courage to say anything bad so they don't loose their advertising money.

[@dakamel8365]

cla45 is a track car and solid c63 cost $89k I love my cla45

[@ayoa228]

That’s why people have different choice and preferences I see he doesn’t like the car but I love the cla 45 it’s something you look forward to each time I head out the house. That’s just how good it is.

[@mdcohen]

great review from a guy who really has been around cars and knows his stuff. The rant on the screen was fantastic.

[@DouEditz]

You sir were born to review automobiles

[@snaaail]

after seeing the quality of this video I was expecting him to have something like 600k subs but he only has 4.7k, definitely deserves more

[@ildiavolo01ify]

Fayrouz

[@martinboydd9334]

Mervcedesslk

[@markjames2343]

Totally agree

[@snaaail]

HeavyDutyTraining Oh the irony, is he the butt hurt one?

[@ErwinSchrodinger64]

Dear all that is unholy. Yes, you're absolutely correct. The tacked on screens in the center console look so cheap and flimsy. They look like MB went to AutoZone and went on a wild shopping spree with a $30.00 gift card.

[@chissssssss]

But if you compare this to let's say a new e63 amg you can't say both are low quality therefore modern mercedeses don't generally suck. It's just the cheaper cars that suck imo. Although there's still lot's of reasons the a45 is a great car.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Chris The A class still costs enough it should not be seen as a cheap car.

[@chissssssss]

That's true, but it's cheaper. And i don't think this car represents the notion that there's something wrong with all modern cars. It's just that mercedes didn't really care as much about this car as, say, an e class (not to say that i think that's right of them to do so), i don't disagree with you on the build quality.

[@robertsivonjic5080]

Because if the screen fails, it is easy to replace.

[@ayy2202]

Look at the E, S, CLS. They all have the same screen in the center.

[@theRappinSpree]

Lol at the negativity on here - not a real AMG and most of you are probably still driving your Mums Fiesta.

[@self1sch]

He keeps comparing the CLA to the C63. They are completely different worlds in terms of engine and price.

[@leviathan5207]

he could have compared it to an m135i or rs3, wich are in the same price range and adress the same issues he has with the engine and the sound.

[@revinot]

"Mercedes has lost their Mercedesness" This was a good review

[@InformalGreeting]

Anyone that complains about this car is wanting a super car for the price of a Ford Focus. I’m reality the -A45 is a spectacular car. Plenty of power, great handling, and a nice place to sit. People that call them an Evo for adults aren’t entirely wrong.

[@YouThana]

I know for sure why i brought a BMW M140i. 1/3 cheaper, two more cylinders, exciting sound and the most important part: proper rear wheel drive.

[@YouThana]

Unfortunately not. This would bring it too close to an actual M from a product manager perspective. However, it does have an electronic diff that works excellent. It is amazing how the M140i rear end finds traction even on slippery roads. It reacts extremely fast and very smooth to the point where you just don't notice that it does it's job. Until now i didn't find a situation where this LSD "emulation" did let me down. My previous 325i (3.0L) had only 218HP and 270Nm on 225 rear tires. The E92 was constantly spinning one tire especially in the rain. The M140i has only 2x20mm more rubber and 130Nm more torque over a very broad rev range but can handle the torque so much better. If you consider buying one, this is not something to worry about. If you want to drift it very often, then may be it is a good investment.

[@YouThana]

I have to admit i only drove it in the rain when it wasn't run in yet. Still, compared to my previous E92 325i 3.0 Coupe with open diff it is already a huge diff(erence :-) On dry roads the M140i has amazing traction. I am still learning the potential of the car. I am already very happy it is not just sending it with one tire fire.

[@DouEditz]

I told my brother not to get the CLA45 AMG and he did and he got rid of it in less than a month. cheers

[@mountainman6172]

Grandmaster I have seen cla45 amg 2014-2015 with halogen light on British roads. Almost vomited!!

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Mountain Man OMG that is exactly what I thought too! I mean for fuck's sake you buy a brand new 2017 Merc and you cheap out on headlights? Wtf? Makes the whole car look like a joke! My 2013 E Class Avantgarde has adaptive lights!

[@nickbabeaux4980]

SpaghettiKillah This is one of my issues with all new Mercedes, Not just the CLA's... 50k GLC's and C class have halogens not even projectors like wtf... My friend who works at Mercedes stated that most new mercedes do not have lighting packages that come from the factory.... so stupid.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Nick Babeaux Then there's the issue of fake exhausts on new E Class and C Class yet I see A Class 160 with real ones! Wtf??😂

[@maurice6692]

Nick Babeaux r

[@SunWindWave]

Thoroughly entertaining as always, great comment. Cheers James.

[@siriansight]

your final thoughts are excellent. I agree, actually, 'this isn't a bad car. It is, however, a bad Mercedes' Great review

[@vladimirart758]

But it’s a MERCEDES BENZ!!!

[@nickevoT]

I can relate exactly to how you feel driving the CLA45; I exchanged my E92 M3 for an A45 ..... Been sharpening my knife ever since, trying very hard not to stick it in my neck !

[@bme9071]

Wow god I could never ever do that. Seriously just sell up that toy car and get back into the m3!!!

[@wiseguy724]

I just lost my e92 m3 to the rod bearing issue, had to sell it for a tremendous loss. It cost me $11,050 in repairs and maintenance for the 5 years I owned it outside warranty, not including the rod bearing. be glad it's gone before it blew up and lost all it's value.

[@CarrosCenasPT]

that was a bad m3. most dont give a lot of problems

[@wiseguy724]

It was not a bad m3, a lot of that was maintenance, only had a handful of it was actual part failures. The s85 had this issue and they never remedied it in the s65, the e46 also had engine failures. No recall issued, very disappointed in the brand. My audi never had a single part fail after nearly the same mileage, including nearly 1,000 track day miles. S65/85 are time bombs.

[@LysergicCasserole95]

Couldn't imagine selling an e92 m3. That sound alone is worth it

[@darrenbryant278]

I loved the honest comments and the fact they were backed by examples and real world comparisons. Keep it up and thanks.

[@TravelTeleport]

I have owned a A45 for 3 years now. I agree with the grabby hill hold point you raised, it is a right pain. However personally I don't think you are the right demographic for this sort of car, your driving style tells me this. I never notice any turbo lag when I drive, this is because if I want speed I drop a gears or two on the paddles (you can use them no matter what drive setting you are in) and bang you have instant power and it's fun to do. I live in London and this car is the perfect size, not too big so you can go for that gap in traffic and not too small you cant move crap around. Don't get your point about the seats not being supportive, there is a button on the side of the seats to adjust the bolster support, the same seats are used on the AMG GT! I think you forgot to mention that if you want a new small car (hatchback in my case) with close to 400bhp, 4 wheel drive and a not too basic interior (Focus RS) and that is not a common as hell VAG product then you really don't have many places to turn to.

[@tredfxman]

TravelTeleport Iwas thinking of buying the A45, but didnt. Ifelt if im gona pay that much for a small car, ican just pay abit more & just as well get an M3. Anyways, i waited & now own the 2017 GTI Clubsport, as seen on my channel instead. Price with the extra options was half of an M3 & All of KZbin is raving bout the thing! its a living proof that there exist Special VW models, as its the "40 Year Anniversary Edition", and the S model happens to be keeping the World Record on Nurbergring to.

[@EnglishLaw]

TravelTeleport Performance must be configurable in the ECU surely

[@TravelTeleport]

3DFX club sport is a great looking car but not 4 wheel drive and wasn't around when I bought my A45. I don't think one would replace a A45 with it.

[@TravelTeleport]

Hey Micky the programs only really control the gear change characteristic and open the exhaust flaps. In comfort mode it does fell like the car is trying to tell you "Hey man, put me in sport or manual mode if you want to hammer it" I tend to oblige frequently. ;)

[@AdolfHitler-xp1nx]

i would buy a used C63 AMG before i ever bought any fake AMG for more or less cash AWD TT 4 cylinder AMG? for 75k canadian? merc are making a fantastic profit from 100 IQ gits :D im the same way as the guy up higher with the 2002 520i, my 2001 540i sportwagon does all the luxury things i give a fuck about (and not to mention it has a PROPER german luxury engine, 4.4L v8 :D )

[@darrylphillips6301]

Its 2024 and i just bought a CLA250 with AMG package and absolutely love this car. Its def has the most power ive ever experienced in 4-cylinder and i dont even have the 43. Great handling as well!

[@stuartchristie654]

Without doubt the best description of the sports exhaust! Annoying fruit thrown at a wall

[@mcspooney]

have you hear a golf r change up, sounds like a midget farting though a smartie tube

[@shan9956]

that comment made my day

[@richiechou1605]

GOLD

[@OsellaSquadraCorse]

Sports exhaust MIT double-clutch auto.

[@JP-ul7tp]

Hahahhaha

[@BopsRusher]

We own a 2017 CLA and you can't ever Compare it to a C63. The CLA180 or the CLA 45 AMG are basically the same thing with a different Engine and some other minor changes on the drive train and stuff. And the CLA is basically an A-Class. And the A-Class starts at around 20.000€ And the interior in your CLA45 is basically that of a 20K A-Class with some slight modifications. I would never ever go for a CLA45 rather go for a C400 or C43AMG i can only speak for Germany but here the Base Price of a CLA45 is 57.000€ You can get a C400 for 52K or a C43AMG for 60K And that are way better cars. Remember the CLA is basically a 20K Car with some turbo charged Engine thrown into it. Look at those buttons in the center console those are like 10 Years old. Then Compare it to the new C-Class interior. Those are two completely different worlds. The CLA45 is a really bad car for its price. The CLA isnt a bad car. We own a CLA 180, for the price it is a really good car the interior is almost the same as in the CLA45 we even have the better Screen cause it is a must have this tiny little screen you have will make you crazy the borders of the Display are bigger than the Display itself...

[@ildiavolo01ify]

fayrouz

[@Dannyhall922]

I had a 2015 CLA45 and now have a 2018 C63 coupe. When people say the CLA drives nicer it's because they can't drive a RWD. Definitely more user friendly and that's not a bad thing but a C63 is definitely more of a drivers car. Overall though I really enjoyed the CLA45 and there is not a lot that will beat it off the mark.

[@brendantremmel8728]

Xellossaxon, I think that entire comment was a better review than the damn video

[@bernardo290499111]

Just say it already, you never actually owned a cla45 and the guys who does stole your girl You’re talking about a platform that does better track times than the 400 hp RS3, has a much more reliable engine with much less turbo lag, the best 4 cyl exhaust note to date and a lot more steering and gearbox feedback than it’s counterparts (rs3 and n55 m2) it’s a really great car but no one who has the buck spends it on a hot hatch because “hurr durr its 4 cyl”, thats too bad. I dont trust this reviewer, he’s had lot of misconceptions about other cars such as the M2C, like saying it’s steering has a dead point in the middle or that it’s so “dangerous and tail happy”, looks like just another english reviewer who’s too afraid to turn TC off and actually feel the drive. The A45/CLA45 engine is an engineering marvel and you brits cant handle it.

[@williamjiang3681]

I mean if ur getting the car for interior solely then I will shut the eff up, but how intelligent is it to compare those in an AMG CLA 45 to those in a non AMG C43 or C400? Like whats the point those cars dont have the characteristics a true AMG should have. Again, if you are only comparing the interiors, just ignore this comment XD

[@antares_racing]

Former owner of the A45 here. Your review's *spot on*. Well done with your brutal honesty!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks! I honestly expected to be slated for my review but it seems most people who have experienced them actually agree , including many owners

[@raz-cd5ux]

I don't usually leave comments but its my opinion that out of all the car reviewers on youtube you are the most articulate, knowledgeable and entertaining. Your honesty is appreciated and I hope you go on to achieve success with your channel.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks!

[@hwleitner2009]

Yup that stick on screen is horrendous

[@iSOBigD]

Same as in the Mazda 3 or when people used to slap on third-party screens...and they have it in the C class too

[@neilvincent5524]

It looks shit in those cars too

[@1Reddd]

HERBERT leitner $100,000 G-Wagon has it as well... In fact I think it was the Benz that started the "stuck on" screen.

[@wetlettuce4768]

It's something I'd expect to see in a £14k Peugeot not an expensive AMG Mercedes....

[@pikherz]

I think it looks great. The M3 looks really stupid in comparison.

[@danielwilliams8533]

I have 10 years of KZbin automotive experience. This is the most articulate review on this site.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Daniel Williams Thanks Daniel. Means a lot.

[@FreeRsGuides]

I saw the dislikes and thought this was gonna be meh... But this was genuinely entertaining. Liked & Subbed.

[@JAnx01]

I'm pretty sure there is a good reason for that display. The previous generation of Mercedes cars all have deeply integrated displays with the largest sunshades in the business. Not only they have different display sizes, but they're probably also planning on releasing new displays over the lifecycle of this car (and the other models with displays on top of the dashboard as well) and this is how they reduced the amount of dependent parts of the dashboard to naught so basically, they eliminated one logistical nightmare.

[@DJ.Skyhawk]

I got a GLA45, coming from a MINI Cooper S, and coming from that awesome little go kart, this car feels more grown up. I get what you're saying though. And you're spot on about your point regarding flooring the pedal from a stand still and pulling out. I was making a left from a stop light at my office and did exactly that, floored it and started to roll, then really started to go and before I let my foot up, the turbo boosted and jolted me into harder a turn than I felt I input with my foot and then pops and bangs. Don't mind me, just leaving the parking lot. After a few months now I am getting used to it.

[@prohenderson8082]

Totally agree with you on the screen, nobody else seemed to understand my issue with it.

[@SC-wk2bs]

I test drove this car in April and didn't buy it PRECISELY because of the reasons you mentioned: the rectangular abomination on the panel ridiculous turbo lag including the situation you demonstrated at the crossing the sound quality which was worst than what I get out of a bt speaker for iphone So nice to see someone else agrees and explains it well!

[@julianevans9548]

I couldn't believe the delay when he pressed the accelerator at that junction.

[@YASHDATTANI]

I own a C63 edition 1 and a stage 2 2016 CLA45 and I have owned a 2010 E63, its a phenomenal car and perfect daily driver. For such a low starting price you get a car that breaks necks when properly equipped (ED1 stripes, Night package) and with some minor tweaks you can make insane power. Sure theres door gaps and the screen sticking out isn't the best, but the air vents and CF dash always get great compliments along with those insane recaro seats. I definitely enjoy the sound of my V8 better but thats not the point, this car is by far one of the best 4 cylinders I've ever heard.

[@JohnSmith-en7et]

lol, best engine for 3 years in the row.......wtf is you talking about. this car is phenomenal

[@tomicarr90]

Annoying fruit at a wall is possibly one of my favourite sentences I've heard in a while! Great videos!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks tom!

[@walkerhall9243]

One of the best car reviews ive seen on youtube, you seem like you belong on top gear

[@tredfxman]

Walker Hall It truly seems like its in his blood! :)

[@anthonykelmann3640]

He's too honest.

[@tehguankiong8132]

I mean if you were his dad would you not chase him up a tree if he went full Clarkson on a car you were trying to sell...

[@dylanking1509]

Thank you kind sir! I currently own a 17 mk3 Focus RS (lightly modified) and have been contemplating getting a CLA45. This is the sort of honest reviewing I needed! Such thanks, many appreciations. Oh and I think I'll keep the RS

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Another great review James. And I agree entirely with your views on the screen looking like an iPad hurriedly glued to the dash. Infuriating! That's the only thing stopping me getting a new AMG GTC convertible. That and the lack of 150 grand...

[@tastyryan]

finally a realistic mercedes review. Not some car salesman mumbo jumbo talk.

[@AJTalks]

Best cla45 review on youtube. Good job man

[@dparag14]

Its not an "A-class", its a C- Class !! he said it wrong

[@josj15]

you clearly did your homework and gave many details and insights into the car that one would not get from other reviews, thank you for your attention to detail and ability to articulate those details clearly, well done!!!

[@kurtkoleszar819]

All new Mercedes are like that. It's very ingenious actually where they placed the screen. So you do not hAve to look down.

[@chilllis]

Look at the interior of a F30 or G30 BMW and you will see how you can put the screen even higher without it looking absolutely idiotic!

[@Barthoization]

I used to place my TomTom there in my oldtimer. Mercedes stole my idea !

[@richiechou1605]

Ingenious? BMW started the trend not Mercedes. This is now in a lot of modern cars, including Mazda. Also the Mercedes infotainment system (laggy, hard to use) and design (lets just plop an iPad right on the dash because we're lazy fcks) is the worst out of the three big Germans.

[@trumpcardthegamer1241]

Just because you can't afford something, doesn't mean that you can't comment on it. If you think the CLA45 is a sext pocket rocket, then rent a w204 facelift C63 AMG for 1-2 days and you will realize: "Shiiiit, this is 1 million times better."

[@TheAdamAdy]

I like the way you review the car, dunno what it is exactly, but i feel like im on the same wave if you know what i mean...

[@onik2206]

In my opinion, very harsh review, I have a CLA45 AMG 2018 model, and it drives beautifully, the lag is much less in sports/+plus mode, for a 4 cylinder car the AMG exhaust sounds amazing, as for ride its very compliant. The race launch control is brutally amazing. It's funny even with Doug Demuro's review of these cars they always review the base model AMG with no options and complain. Most other car reviewers always review the up-spec model with all options, so the viewer can get a full idea of what the car is like at it's best. If anyone is interested in getting this car you will not be disappointed, just get the facelift model, has more power, metal paddles, better transmission etc. All these issues that this grumpy guy is highlighting are non existent. Also it wouldn't hurt for the presenter to lose some weight, perhaps the lag would be a little less.....just a gentle thought, peace

[@wilf18]

Ooh butt hurt. A little sensitive there sweet pea. I agree with James. He’s spot on. The CLA is a bad car for ALL the reasons he said. There are much better cars out there. I couldn’t live with that cheap screen and crappy interior. James is being subjective. You’re being all defensive and sensitive about your car !! 😆 I can think of much better cars out there: Volvo V60 Polestar (367 bhp), Jaguar XE supercharged S (380 bhp), Alpina D3 (350 bhp), Audi S5 (354 bhp), etc.. they all ride better, are equally as fast, have nicer interiors, and the Volvo, Jag & Alpina have much nicer steering.

[@2424mazza]

My dad had a a45 and now has the new c63 coupe, he liked the a45 but the c63 is just another level. Sounds awesome and drives even better!

[@PKPhoenix83]

I agree with your assessment. Tried to like it, but I'd rather get a 2 year old C63s than a new CLA45. Just not well built, and the turbo lag is terrible. If a top spec 45 was only $50,000, it would be worth it. Not in the $60's.

[@ziomorph]

PKPhoenix83 this thing needs to be high 30s low 40s to be worth it.

[@aaronbiggin1103]

My wife's 2010 clio auto is exactly the same when wanting to pull away in a hurry, you put your foot down and it takes about a year to actually move. It's coursed a few brown trouser moments. Great review.

[@CMOVlogs]

You fucking nailed it with this review mate, well done lol CLA45 AMG fan-boys will be after you!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

OssomC2 Haha cheers, I was actually expecting to get crucified for this review but it seems most people actually agree with me! So that's nice

[@phil-Leotardo.171]

JayEmm on Cars Excellent review indeed, I've been saying the same for ages about stupid tablets just stuck to the dashboard as a really bad afterthought. It seems to be a trend with Mercedes-Benz models now. I really hate the styling and the over bloated model range, Which in my humble opinion has taken Mercedes-Benz down market. but of course they still want to hang on to those "Premium" price tags.

[@engineer17151]

But I bet most don't own one ....

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Rog Burton Most people commenting on car videos have never driven the car they are defending/attacking

[@jameswingrove7421]

I don't know why I haven't found your stuff sooner. I agree with very nearly everything you've said. I can't, and probably won't be able to afford one of these, but for that money, I'd buy a C or E63 AMG.

[@StephenButlerOne]

AMG is now a spec, with an option of a powerful engine. So AMG as we knew it is dead. Brabaus is the new AMG. Or closer to what AMG was.

[@04dram04]

There is one thing that every modern car has, that drives me fucking crazy. Its the flimsy, chunky exterior plastic door handles. Even high end cars have them. What the hell happened? I remember when luxury cars had beautiful strong metal handles that felt like cocking a precision gun, when you pulled them.

[@quwers]

18:20 😂

[@Toarcade]

That impression was surprisingly accurate lol.

[@805NAVE]

I leased a 2014 bmw 435i Coupe. The Harmon kardon sound system was fantastic, but when the lease was up I decided to by a 2008 Lexus LS460. The top of the line LS. The mark levinson premium audio system is phenomenal. Best I’ve ever heard

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Lexus do good sound systems

[@silestanix]

Have to agree with the sound problem, Golf R, new Focus ST, A45 AMG etc all 4 pot turbos, all sound annoying and flat.

[@matteightytwo]

all about perception.. it's a perceived high quality, people think a Mercedes are a higher class car. The reality does not align with the perception, but most people are so far removed from reality and what to actually expect from cars, that it becomes acceptable

[@TheEthalon]

But what a fantastic man, thanks for this review. You're a born petrolhead

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Ethan Masih Cheers Ethan

[@TheEthalon]

+JayEmm on Cars , You're totally welcome, earned another subscriber

[@ooohuooo7137]

Great review. I can understand all your statements. I've been a Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake driver for three years. First a CLA 200 with front wheel drive, now a CLA 220 with four wheel drive (as a model year change). First one had a horrible manual transmission, second one has a poor dual clutch transmission. In cold state, it switches like a beginner driver with guaranty for a whiplash. Cause of visibility you have to stop at least three meters before a traffic light. But what Mercedes really screwed up is the removing of the Intelligent Light System. Some marketing idiots thought LED is much cooler than Xenon. And other financial idiots thought it was a great chance to save 5 Euro for adaptive headlights function. Et voila, now you cannot see any pedestrian at a turn at night, but when you overrun him he is damn bright. You will now ask why I drive the car. Well, it's a company car and you don't look a gift horse in the mouth, right? Furthermore, the car is so expensive that there are only a few people who know how shitty it really is. 😂

[@willsull22]

i dont get this review... i own a 2018 and every person thats been in my car has been breathless about how nice it is lol. even the big "screen" issue that i see everyone comlains about. everyones entitled to their opinions, i love my cla45!

[@seigma5340]

I think all the appeal this car has is toward the exterior... The CLS has always been a pleasure to look at, and this CLA looks very much like its smaller brother

[@carsonking5549]

'The devil processed by Brian Blessed', that was excellent, better than a Clarkson anolagy, ha ha ha. My friend had one and I had to say it was nice inside, in case he thought I was jealous, I even ignored the crappy screen, that is proper pants. I did ask him where it folds away too and was amazed to find out it's there all the time. Why have the Germans got to cover all basis, Audi and BMW are as bad, BMW are the worst, 46 vehicles 372 different models, it's ridiculous. Audi just change the dimensions and give it a different number up to 8 again,, why, they all look the same.

[@iSOBigD]

The interiors and features are the difference, same with all manufacturers. You can't get reclining rear seats in a CLA, you can in an S class, for example. Almost no small car has a high end interior with rear leather, wood, a great sound system and a very quiet interior.

[@TheHDQuality]

I have to be the first guy who's gonna say that the screen placement looks very neat, loving the design of it (having it floating on the dash). Sad it's not touchscreen tho

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+TheHDQuality If you go through the comments you might find a couple of others who agree with you. If it was actually a touchscreen I probably wouldn't have been so hard on it. You make something look like an iPad, people will expect an iPad

[@NubletPie278]

Totally agree on the screen, it's one of the most idiotic things I've ever seen in a car. It's even worse in the C-Class because the rest of the interior is easily the best in class imo but ruined by the ugly square glued to the top of it. Didn't think turbos lagged like that nowadays but given 355bhp from a 2.0 maybe it's too much to avoid even for a new Mercedes.

[@N4CR]

Earned a sub - great stuff. You have the mannerism for broadcast too unlike most car YT'rs.

[@6TWO1]

I'm on the same page as you with the Screen! SO Frustrating!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Adam Ivell Thanks for stopping by the channel Adam, yeah it is a weird design isnt it?

[@6TWO1]

been watching your videos for the last few days mate, really like the production quality & How well you explain the cars in the reviews!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Adam Ivell We'll have to get together some time

[@6TWO1]

Sounds good ! I am hoping my civic will be ready for April time (fingers crossed) so will be back out on track in that, be interested to see how your MG does!

[@ScepticFrog]

A star in the making, totally agree with you about the screen!

[@ovidiugheorghe2182]

😂😂😂 I clicked subscribe when I saw the camera on your head 😂😂😂

[@cmdcs]

YOU just spoke out my mind! :D I had the C class 2016 type a few weeks as my company vehicle after the 2015 model and I really was happy, when I got rid of it... I'd rather would have kept the previous model - which looked and feeled MUCH higher quality...

[@bwebmasta1]

Great and honest assessment James. I currently have CLS63, and couldn't agree with you more about the CLA45.

[@LarryKippings]

bwebmasta1 I too have a CLS63. What do you think about the build quality. I've had nothing but issues, and the car was new 12 months ago. The build quality is shocking.

[@matthewhutchison7123]

I've got a 2015 CLS63 and i actually think the quality is superb... however i've experienced some front plastic bits fading in the sun (replaced under warranty). What problems have you experienced?

[@bwebmasta1]

Hi Larry, sorry for the late reply. I have one of the last renditions of the NA CLS63, a 2009 Designo Edition. What I can say, is while a fun ride, great technology, there have been a few issues not expected from a supposedly higher quality car. I don't track it, no racing, and no rough handling it you will, but around 70K miles the differential went out. The rest have been mostly maintenance, not a huge ordeal. The leather seats are not as good as CLS500 which I had from 2007-2013, the 63 I have had 4 years. The cup holder had to be replaced, that chrome plastic cracking can and will cut you. I haven't heard stellar things about the 2012-present Biturbo line but we shall see...

[@yaMugs]

Fantastic honest review. Unlike some who just speed read the press release & add the words Bonkers , Insane & beast to the titles

[@AdamAus85]

Cool video. I have a 02 525i M sport. Hard to find reasons to get a newer car.

[@ironmantooltime]

Adam N i can think of one- you want to lose your license 😁 (04 325i)

[@stephan97]

Because it's German and it will fall apart in another two years and it'll be expensive to fix because it's German lmao

[@russcattell955i]

CLA is not a German car, it's Hungarian lmao

[@amgjens]

Have you visited any country in north africa? They drive 40 year old benzes.

[@russcattell955i]

I do not doubt that, there are likely to be lots of 40 year old Peugeot's too. Those old Benzes probably started life as taxi's in Spain.

[@DonsShed]

THANK YOU so much..... I was thinking about buying one of these, but now "reconsidering" :) Cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Happy to help

[@n8neiTen8n]

Downsizing is a shit. Fuels consumption is just an excuse for putting another element that can break easly (turbocharge), so the car manufacturers can milk customers much more often.

[@IR4epiclaggerAUT]

n8neiTen8n At fuel prices of about 1,50€/liter it's not.

[@nobodytonobodysbusiness]

Great channel and great review. You know what you are talking about and I actually like hearing you talk about the car! That is rare, especially now when there are so many people who should just not be doing this sort thing, but are. Thanks

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Michael Schultz Thanks for your kind words Michael

[@Fluterra]

Agreed. That's why I love my 6.2L C63! Let's not get into the FAKE AMG C43s!!

[@f0rg0rr]

Fluterra Yeah, I don't understand why Mercedes is doing that, each model already has enough ranges already.

[@bwebmasta1]

They keep adding models too! What in the hell wrong with those idiots at Mercedes? Too many models, quality has gone down, and reliability. Reduce models, get back to brass tacks, and solidify the main models.

[@Fluterra]

Mercedes reliability is actually PERFECT. We have two. They are 2014 and 2015, with 100,000 miles. Better reliability than the Infiniti and Lexus we had before.

[@bwebmasta1]

I wouldn't say Mercedes reliability is perfect. Quite a few customers would not agree with you, it's good but has been better. Mercedes has put more money into R&D and QC because they were being bombarded with issues over the 1999-2005 models especially. I had an R500 for six years, and that damn thing had a horrendous amount of issues for example.

[@Fluterra]

You're right, it's not "perfect". No car is. I just meant that reliability on my 2 MBs has been no worse than my Lexus and Infiniti. The days in which Japanese cars were more reliable is over. This is easy to understand: all the car makers are using parts from the same supply base.

[@kertamo6721]

That was an honest review. Great job!

[@chrisgregson3626]

Video title should be: Everything wrong with premium German cars. I mean, to quote, nearly 50 grand? Who in their right mind would spend that much money on something as unresolved as this car? It's a shameful example of brand, badge and marketing succeding over (as a performance car) driver enjoyment. And all of the German big three are guilty of it. Performance cars have lost their way. Horsepower and torque have, ironically, started to undermine truly pure driving experiences. And for such a huge financial outlay. Give me an Integra Type R any day! Btw, if you want to film one for your channel let me know.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I would love to. I have been offered a few but none of them ever seem to be roadworthy!

[@chrisgregson3626]

If you're prepared to wait until a bit later in the year I'd be happy to sort someting out. It's a fresh import from Torque GT (DC5, champ white, grade 4). I'm collecting it in late May, around 21st. Could fit nicely with your JDM series. In Surrey, let me know if that all works for you and I'll pm you after collection.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Sounds ace, keep me posted. I don't normally like white cars but Hondas get a free pass

[@chrisgregson3626]

Type R's have to be white, maybe red or black at a stretch. I'm stoked about it, and from your video's I think you'd dig it i too. We've had an S2 in the family for a while, but the Teg has the added JDM mystique to go with it. Keep up the good work, I particularly enjoyed the train (locomotive) video.

[@markusuebel2624]

i absolutely understand your point. i have a w201 2.5 16v and it is this nice riding older merc. in which you love to be in. and the throutle response is abolutely direct. drove a new s5 yesterday (around 370 horses) and felt exaclty the same as you disribe it in your video, altough beeing the cla45 amg not the s5 from audi

[@geoffreycarter3020]

Finally a cynical person re new cars. thank you

[@lukecamfield2130]

I had an a45 after coming from an slk 55 and couldn't agree more. Everything you said that was bad about it is completely on point, doesn't matter how much you get used to it, all of those things still annoy you!

[@DJaquithFL]

Nowadays MB slaps *_'AMG'_* on a turd and charges a $10,000 premium not to mention all their damn cars look a like .. it's getting annoying and I've owned multiple Mercedes since 1987!

[@golbs7542]

Bmw, vw and audi has also been doing for years.

[@dannoi]

Excellent review ! has to be one the most honest Ive ever watched, thank you for that !

[@kellypaws]

The A Class and CLA are my least favourite MBs, everything’s a size too small.

[@SeanyMacks]

These cars are supposed to be small... that's the whole point.

[@kellypaws]

@@SeanyMacks The cars - yes. But the decision to scale down the buttons and knobs to cram in most of the same functions, is what I detested about them. The logical route is to cram in less and have multi-function controls. In the A and CLA, what I just couldn't stand was the ergonomics. Others have met the challenge better, by not just trying to scale the whole thing down. Possibly, manufacturers that make smaller cars as their main product see that problem with more clarity. If your main product is an E Class, then you think everything is either a bigger, or a smaller, E Class. Sadly, that works really badly.

[@andrewmakinson874]

I had an E46 some years ago. And I got an iPad mini and stuck it on the dash and it looked better and had more functions than that thing in the merc.

[@morganbagert]

Well your dad isn't going to sell this in a hurry then. Good review, confirms my belief in this thing from other reviews. I agree Mercedes really missed the mark. I think they were trying to appeal to a younger audience hence the ride and hard seats. Glad I am not the only one to think that the E46 interiors almost perfect design and has agree so well, especially if you compare it to a 2000 c class or audi A4.

[@diarmuidmarsden7752]

Morgan Bagert As a young guy myself, this thing is just bland. I like the exterior, and the interior (except the screen, plus I'd have to actually sit in one to really make my mind up), but that engine sounds like it's just dreadful, and pretty much kills the appeal for me. I like the idea of a cheaper amg with a four cylinder, but I'd hope for a quicker, high revving with character, not artificial with annoying farting out the back. But at this sort of price point, it really should have a straight six, which would put it right in line with the bmw 2 series, (which I think is a better car, despite my bias to mercedes). It really makes me feel like Mercedes got a bit confused with this one. It's an expensive brand trying to make a cheap car into a premium one. And it really shows. Just thought this would be some insight, as perhaps I'm closer to the demographic (maybe I'm a bit young) and I still think this car is average at best.

[@JCJW101]

Totally agree with you about the stupid stick on screens in cars now. It looks like a tablet has been bolted on at the last minute but I see that the new 5 series has also gone backwards so now doubt this will be a trend on all cars :-(

[@jimihendrix1575]

AMG vehicles should NEVER have a 4-banger in them no matter how much HP or torque they make available. Mercedes-Benz is ruining their AMG name all in the name of trying to attract the "entry-level" buyer. IMO, that is not what AMG is suppose to be about. FAIL. Great review, by the way.

[@jondoe1310]

David Hill so the 1.6 liter project one AMG which is the fastest Mercedes car is not a true AMG??

[@AnarchistMetalhead]

the project one is not a four cylinder

[@GMak81]

Fantastic review that puts you as the viewer in the driver's seat. I feel like I know what this car is really like in all aspects after watching this.

[@Matyaz84]

The exact opposite of what AMG car should have been. What a joke of 2.0 litre engine, with turbo as it's life support.

[@sufyan5884]

Matyaz84 his? Did you just assume the engine's gender?

[@Matyaz84]

Sufyan fixed :-D

[@Windrammer]

Matyaz84 It has one liter for each gender

[@FirearmTutorials]

Great review. I considered one of these before buying my C63 because they were a lot cheaper. Glad I didn't entertain that idea for more than a few minutes.

[@rogere1400]

Great review. That car is so cynically conceived with a run of the mill fwd platform hiding underneath the ferocious window sticker.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Roger E Yup...

[@darkyd5658]

his comments are hilarious 😁! W204 owner

[@prabhjitdhatt3670]

noice m8

[@minhhoale8289]

liked and subbed! Always love these kind of honest reviews! :)

[@hansefredchen]

You are comparing a 2l 4 cylinder engine to a 6.2l v8?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+hansefredchen I'm using it as an example of a proper AMG

[@davep5829]

I test drove an A45 AMG a couple of years ago, and while it had many faults (gearbox, ride, that screen, silly boot entrance etc) it was a lot of fun to loon around in for an hour. I wouldn't buy one though.

[@B4R0N.]

It's a bit far fetched to compare a 45 with a 63.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

A used C63 can be had for very sensible money, not massively different to a used A45

[@B4R0N.]

JayEmm on Cars Mmh. Yeah, I guess that makes sense.

[@martinlang9615]

Thank you VERY much for your honest review. I expect MUCH better from Mercedes.

[@bluedream9668]

I like my 2014 CLA 45 so much I will drive over you.

[@douglash7585]

😂😂

[@KannX]

I like this review. Also You've become more relaxed when doing reviews. I like when someone makes good criticism. I like when You said that visibility is worse than in Your Evora :D

[@TheGabe92]

18:18 Best impression of recent turbo double clutch cars ever!

[@Bseic]

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Look forward to more in the future.

[@70.81.]

Much complains about nothing IMO..

[@Shuai807]

Great review! Very in depth with a good humour.