The new CLA45s AMG Exhaust button. Good or Bad?

We test AMGs new piped in engine and exhaust sound in the 2022 Mercedes CLA45s AMG and I give you my personal thoughts after owning the car over a year.
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This video features the CLA45s AMG which is one of the AMG performance versions of the Mercedes CLA. My car is the 2022 CLA45s AMG Coupe but you can also get the CLA45s AMG Shooting brake or even the A45s Hatch back.
The CLA45s gives you that great AMG sound from the AMG performance and also the luxury of a Mercedes Benz
This is the w118 Mercedes CLA. The 2022 CLA45s AMG
If you like this car also check out some of the other great Mercedes AMG models:
A35 AMG
CLA45 AMG
C43 AMG
C63 AMG
E63S AMG
Make sure to always spec the AMG performance exhaust!
#Mercedes #CLA45 #AMG #Cars #C43

[@cmseabra]

Hi Adam, CLA45s (Shooting Brake) owner here. The footage you present to us is absolutely dope every time, I really enjoy your videos. I was already following up before I got the car back in last March (7 long months waiting) and learned a lot in the meantime, just felt much more "prepared" to handle the beast when I finally put my hands on it. Please keep up with your gorgeous content, and looking forward to see all your future videos. Cheers from Portugal and all the best.

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks for such a nice comment Carlos! Love the shooting brakes too! The first CLA45s I ever drove was the shooting brake! :)

[@Famu85]

Nice hat Adam! Thanks for the video! Love your enthusiasm!

[@kennethhall1489]

I finally received my Cla45s last week…the sounds are amazing 😊

[@leejarvis3024]

Sounds really good mate I love that button in my C 43 i’ve done a resonator delete and it makes it sound amazing

[@STEVEBHPDEVON]

Does sound good if o ly it had the cracks on the up shift like the old ones, but that what we have to deal with now, upgrade exhaust will be really good, for my c63 they are so expensive, looking forward to a new exhaust video 👍😀

[@unstopp]

Some more info I found on mbworld forum regarding the exhaust valve, hopefully it's useful for some: The exhaust button on the CLA 45S does two things: 1. Opens the exhaust valve on the backbox 2. Activates AMG Real Sound which pipes sound taken from the exhaust into the cabin through the speakers The exhaust button allows you select this function at any time, regardless of drive mode. The confusing thing is that the valve isn't just open or closed. It varies based on speed, throttle position and drive mode. This is mainly due to EU Regs but also protects the valve from damage. A few scenarios: 1. If you press the button to open the valve with the car stationary on idle you will hear it open. As soon as you rev the car it will close and only reopen when the revs drop back to idle. This allows the car to pass EU noise tests. 2. If you apply full throttle, even in comfort with the exhaust button off, the valve will open a small amount to prevent excess pressure build up which could damage it. 3. Whilst driving with the exhaust button turned on the valve will vary to what degree it is open constantly to prevent resonance etc. AMG Real Sound can also remain on even while the valve is shut, in scenario 1 for example.

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks for sharing that's all great info. My C43 was also the same. The values don't open 100% until you reach the higher RPMs. I actually had something called an ASR module on my C43 which made the values 100% open at all times. If you google C43 ASR module I made a few vids on it. You can get a similar module for the CLA45s but I haven't tested it myself yet.

[@Loppy6086]

Question does that exhaust button exist whether you have the speaker sound option speced on the car or not (like can you open/close the valve with a button)? I have already ordered the car and did not add the option. Now im contemplating whether I should contact the dealer or not to see whether I can put it on😂

[@alexwithanx]

There is no Valve.@@Loppy6086

[@anth4002]

Thank you for explaining this! I’ve been looking for an explanation on how the valves work online but couldn’t find anything specifically for the A45s.

[@paulstorm4007]

Always a banger video

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks Paul!

[@GizmoGTI]

with emotion start, you can extend the pops and bangs and throaty sounds by a few more seconds by giving it a few more revs just after the first pops sound out.

[@nikolalefterov7472]

Yea, I think exhaust upgrade is a must here, I love also how mine cla 45s sounds but.. it needs a little bit more, already have a friend with akrapovic and it sound amazing, however there is no much videoes of Milltek thats the one you have in UK… I would like to hear how Milltek sounds with OPF. Also price difference is huge akrapovic is almost 7k EUr while milltek I think its about 2k. Good look with the upgrade and keep us informed :)

[@Sympatiko85]

it wonderful. in my c250 i've found it too silent to properly pedal drive. AMG added a great feature.

[@christopheratkinson1690]

Driving back from shopping today 986 miles done engine oil over 80° so i thought cannot wait anymore hit it in sport then sport + wow could not believe my ears god knows what a v8 sounds like in the car but compared to my M2 it's a level above the piped in sound. Look forward to the cost of upgraded exhaust

[@christopheratkinson1690]

I am not really that concerned about what it sounds like outside its the emotion inside that counts for me. But hey ho the emotion start up sound has me buzzing maybe it's time to think out of the box or in this case the car. Look forward to your results Adam😊

[@K1RAN66]

Still love the roar from in the cabin! I did stand outside and let me mate drive past me and it sounded a lot better than on this video... maybe it doesnt translate as well through video? Also, do you find that emotion start only works when the car has fully warmed up?

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hey oKingK, it sounds epic in the cabin doesn’t it! Hard to really capture the full experience on video! Agreed with the exterior it does sound a bit better in person. They never sound as good on video. Yep on emotion start it’s a shame but there seems to be a lot of protection against the m139 engine when cold. The car won’t let you use full power till it’s warmed up too. There’s a little blue icon that disappears once the engine is warmed up. It’s quite a reduction in power. My car was much colder today due to the lower temps and it caught me off guard merging onto a road that I normally am up to temp by on my daily work journey. It’s good though that the car stops you from accidentally going full race mode on a cold engine 👍

[@minc5187]

Hi Adam, you will not regret to change exhaust system. I changed to Akraprovic Evolution Line, the 3rd mth into ownership of the car. It sounds so nice and fierce, with so much more loud pops. I believe your ECU is currently lock and you won’t be able to tune the car. But there shouldn’t be any CEL even with change of DP. Go for it. You will not regret.

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks Min C, looking forward to seeing how it goes!

[@GizmoGTI]

Hey I just found another "emotion start", option which is way better than the holding paddle down and start option (Way Better!!)

[@704amgluc]

Can’t wait for the next one. Please detail what you’ll be doing. I may be doing the same thing to my Cla45 if I like how it sounds 👀🔥. Thanks again. (It’s called soccer by the way 😉🇺🇸)

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks! Will do my best to cover as much details possible 👍

[@travelleravid6170]

Thanks mate for the external sound test. For me I think the internal sound matters more because i owns the car and for the driver to enjoy it before electric cars kicks in with fake sound😂

[@imlovedun]

Hey Adam! It’s me again, writing in to ask for an opinion kind of related to the exhaust… my brand new cla45s AMG in Hong Kong, after less than 3 months of driving and running in the proper way, died. There was an engine malfunction signal while I was in the car moving ; and after inspection from the factory they said it was a cylinder intake valve malfunction - none of my fault. They (Zung Fu/Mercedes) told me the best they can do is an engine replacement and a 1 year extra warranty which I feel is a little poor for a global brand on a mistake they did, but a consequence for me to bear…. Thoughts on this, and how to tackle? Thanks Adam

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hey, I'm so sorry to hear this has happened :( That's really unlucky. I'm glad that they are offering an engine replacement under warranty. Although It's a horrible situation I imagine there's not much more they can do since It's a problem directly from Mercedes and If the dealerships work like they do in the UK they are more of a third party. An extra year warranty is nice reassurance at least. You could try and see if they would be willing to give some free services for all the trouble but they may not be able to. Sorry again to hear this happen It's really unfortunate :(

[@osl77]

Do a comparison your old c43 vs cla 45 sound

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hey @osl77, I have compared these a bit in my big CLA45s vs C43 video but I'm happy to film a proper side by side too, Always fun to compare. I'm hoping to pick up a weekend C63 sometime this year so we can add that into the mix too! :)

[@rmermini7540]

After waiting for 1 year, I finally received my car 🤣

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Congrats! That’s a long wait! I hope it’s all gone well! Enjoy 🎉

[@nealc9230]

Adam becareful on changing your exhaust for both insurance,warranty and terms on finance... but would love to know what you are thinking of getting....

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks Neal, I’ve checked and It’s all ok. The big exhaust mods with a ECU tune are a no go but for what I’m planning to do it will all be ok :)

[@huseyinakyol48]

If I want to hear real exhaust and engine sounds, should I buy the fake interior engine sound package? Doesn't it make sense to choose a real miltekk exhaust instead?

[@jenniferbarron9060]

How the hell do mustangs get away with such a gorgeous sound straight from the factory 😂

[@bgd0113]

Hello, I have a question. I was looking to buy an a45s but it doesn't have an exhaust button. What is the difference? does that mean it sounds different? or I just can't turn off the sound because it always sounds the same? Please help i need it emergency

[@00kayem]

What year model is it?

[@vincentt8764]

Hey ABAuto just got my CLA45. Still breaking it in. Do you know if the AMG engine sound that's pumped into the speakers are turned on at Sport+ mode or is it only race mode?

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hey Vincent, congrats on your new car! The run in is hard but well worth it! The piped in sound comes through great in sport+ it sounds the same as race mode, perhaps a few more pops in race but sport+ is great fun and sounds just as good.

[@vincentt8764]

@@ABAUTOAMG Thanks AB! Appreciate it, couldn't find that info anywhere on google haha.

[@vincentt8764]

@@ABAUTOAMG Hey AB, hoping you'll see this, but do you know if the 2022 CLA45 (non-S version) has an exhaust button? I can't find it and not sure if it's a software update related thing? Thank you!

[@ABAUTOAMG]

@@vincentt8764 Hi Vincent, is yours the American model? We get the exhaust standard in the UK but I’m not sure If it’s an option in the US. Mercedes make it so confusing!

[@nicohxris2686]

Hi As u are a owner of a c43 Do u experience tyre grabbing If so how have u rectified this please

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hi Nico, Yep! It happens with the C43 in the winter when temps get low. I did fix it on mine. I have a few videos on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap2yfIKjdsemm5Y and kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqPYmIh3pNh8l8U

[@nicohxris2686]

@@ABAUTOAMG hi mate In the snow weather is it ok to use slippy mode in c43 or is that mode for something else

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Hey, Slippy mode is designed for rain and ice and snow so I’d use it. It limits power a little and keeps the gears for highest traction 👍

[@miloo5318]

does the Emotion-start work always? no matter the engine is warm or cold?

[@ABAUTOAMG]

In the 45s the engine has to be warmed up which is such a shame but It’s a safety feature, similar to the reduced power when first driving till it warms up.

[@miloo5318]

@@ABAUTOAMG I owned one, my does the Emotion-start only when it's hot.. even a 30 miles driven warm engine doesn't start in emotion after only 5 minutes fueling on gas station..

[@casateki]

I can’t hear as your previous C43 machine gun 😢

[@ABAUTOAMG]

The C43 does sound awesome! Don't worry we should be able to get a V8 second car on the channel next year fingers crossed!

[@metalstorm45]

It's a shame that external noise is gone. Look forward to see what you'll do to it. I find external exhaust noise is useful as an audio cue in peak hour traffic. If some incompetent motorists failed to see you before changing lanes, the sound of a louder exhaust might be enough to warn them of your cars presence before they do something stupid.

[@ABAUTOAMG]

Thanks Metalstorm looking forward to seeing what we can do. Completely agree on the external noise warning other drivers. I find it quite scary sometimes in the silent fast electric cars when you pass someone in another lane since they really can’t hear you coming at all.

[@andretheG]

Point is, its fake.

[@unstopp]

Did anyone around here change any parts of the exhaust? From my experience so far, having the exhaust valve on/off does not make a huge difference in Comfort or on a normal daily drive. However I noticed if the exhaust is a bit hotter, the difference is more noticeable. Also, the AMG Emotion Start only works if the engine/oil is warm - when the car does not require a cold start procedure. Given the fact that this car does a cold start after only 5-10 minutes usually (depending on the engine warmth), it's a lottery to catch that Emotion Start 🥲 at least here in EU

[@unstopp]

It's all about the angle of the valve. Makes sense when daily driving in comfort, might not have a big angle. In a more sportier scenario, it opens more (maybe fully). Depends on driving mode, throttle position and speed