For those of you still holding on to your C55 and didn't make the jump to the C63 (such as myself), the new rumored CLA (baby CLS version, based off the concept style coupe) is rumored to have an AMG version coming out. This would include a rumored 330+ hp out of a turbo 4 cylinder, and AWD to go with it.

I personally have always loved the CLS's, especially the AMG versions, but slightly out of my price range. Now with this smaller version (and I personally don't like large boat vehicles) coming out with a lot of power and AWD, who thinks that this may be the one that they trade their C55 for?

 

Idle conjuncture at this point. To go from concept to production is a few years out. AMG version few years out from few years out. Whether the US gets the car is another question.

I will be able to answer your question in 2015, maybe.

 

Few years out? They say they've secretly been tooling up and that the CLA should be out at the beginning of 2013, with AMG probably coming later (my wild guess is second model year)

 

I'm just counting my pennies until I can digest the cost of a C63, I don't think I'd get rid of the C55 for anything but a C63. I suppose I could afford one now, but I don't like car payments and depreciation. And I'm cheap!

That said, I'm always curious to see what new offerings there are from Mercedes, and especially AMG. For me, just knowing that some cars are made makes me smile. Like E55 and E63 wagons, those are cool. Maybe they will do an AMG version of the CLS Shooting Brake at some point? AMG is supposed to be introducing several new models within the next five years - to coincide with their 50th anniversary - so they probably will make a CLA AMG.

 

That would be really cool! I hope it has at least 450 hp and as modifiable as c63. I never really liked c63's body style for some reason. My ideal car would be sl65 without the abc suspension and all of the electronic gizmos.

 

Turbo 4cyl and awd? That personally doesn't excite me all that much. I like AMG's for supercharged V6's and all sorts of V8's, ie heaps of torque and easily accessible power where you don't need to rev the nuts off it. A 4cyl turbo will feel like a bit lacking compared to the c63.

 

Correct, with all the automakers downsizing now, unfortunately it looks like V8's are going the way of the dodo bird, even in full size pickup trucks

 

agree, don't forget the sound personally I would like the c55 over the cla. due to sound torque overall feeling we will see when it comes out.

 

plus 4wd is boring unless you have loads and loads of power

 

Was getting excited over the prospect of A class AMG with AWD and 350+ horsepower as an ideal replacement for C55 in wintery Chicago. Doesn't seem like that's happening in the US though, so I wouldn't hold my breath for this one either.

 

awd turbo? Sign me up.

 

Bringing this thread back now 5 months after I originally posted.

Now that the CLA pictures are out as well as some general info, here are my thoughts:

- The C55 NA 5.5V8 will always be better than the new 350hp I4 turbo
- The AWD is FWD based; after working for Honda for a few years, it only reminds me of the "fake" AWD systems they used to make
- I'm not liking the new front end design direction they're doing with the front bumper; reminds me of Kia's tiger-face based bumpers and design style
- The "stick on" nav screen looks awful; looks awful in the G-class too
- I'm not sure the dimensions of the CLA work as well as the do on the full size CLS. I'm assuming it's going to look much better in person than it does in pictures
- The price point will probably be great for those looking for entry level MB (that includes us guys driving C's...)