Not impressed with the CLA 45 AMG test drive
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
I drove one two weeks ago and I was actually pleasantly suprised at it's performance. Not sure how someone can compare a $50K CLA45 to a $75K C63 
, That is like me comparing my C63 BS to my SLS BS
Here are a couple other opinions and observations I made. CLA54 seats are better than the seats in ANY other AMG, including my SLS and most definetly any C63, or at least any North American C63(Euro sport seats are nice). The 4-matic AWD system works flawlessly, the car seems to have a slight rear power bias and you can actually get some slight oversteer out of it which is rare for an awd car. I own an Audi S6 and there is no oversteer out of that car. Brakes are awesome.
, That is like me comparing my C63 BS to my SLS BS Here are a couple other opinions and observations I made. CLA54 seats are better than the seats in ANY other AMG, including my SLS and most definetly any C63, or at least any North American C63(Euro sport seats are nice). The 4-matic AWD system works flawlessly, the car seems to have a slight rear power bias and you can actually get some slight oversteer out of it which is rare for an awd car. I own an Audi S6 and there is no oversteer out of that car. Brakes are awesome.
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Joined: Oct 2013
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2007 Lotus Exige S, 1995 Acura NSX, 2008 Cayman S
I test drove a CLA 45 AMG with the AMG performance suspension and loved it. i have driven a friends E63 AMG and the CLA is not as fast as that but has way better handling.
I have always bought M3's and Porsches in the past because I thought the AMG handling was terrible, it sounds like a muscle car (a good thing!!!) but also handles like one. I didnt like the auto trans in the AMG either.
The CLA 45 AMG (with performance suspension) is the first AMG I would consider owning, i ordered one. Nothing wrong with the rear drive AMG's they are a lot of fun. I love the sound and torque and crazy acceleration.
I have always bought M3's and Porsches in the past because I thought the AMG handling was terrible, it sounds like a muscle car (a good thing!!!) but also handles like one. I didnt like the auto trans in the AMG either.
The CLA 45 AMG (with performance suspension) is the first AMG I would consider owning, i ordered one. Nothing wrong with the rear drive AMG's they are a lot of fun. I love the sound and torque and crazy acceleration.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 151
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From: 07631
02 Audi (R)S4, 08 911TT, 07 S8, 06 V10 Touareg, 13' TTRS, 14' CLA45
"the CLA lacks quality on the inside"
Having owned several other AMG cars in the past, Im going to have to disagree with you. Perhaps the CLA does not possess the fit and finish of an S-class, but saying it lacks quality is pretty harsh and not accurate IMO.
"the size is useless making it nearly impossible for comfort"
Is this a serious comment?? Im 6foot2, 250lbs and I am very comfortable driving the car…even long distances. Is a small, 4 door, sports sedan. Thats like buying a 911 and saying its too small! I even loaded up my CLA45 the other day with my girl in the front seat and two buddies in the back…no complaints. Would I want to ride in the back for a long trip? No way! But thats not what this car is designed for.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: N.Y.
2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe' '99' Audi A4 Avant Quattro 2.8 DD
I drove one two weeks ago and I was actually pleasantly suprised at it's performance. Not sure how someone can compare a $50K CLA45 to a $75K C63 , That is like me comparing my C63 BS to my SLS BS
Here are a couple other opinions and observations I made. CLA54 seats are better than the seats in ANY other AMG, including my SLS and most definetly any C63, or at least any North American C63(Euro sport seats are nice). The 4-matic AWD system works flawlessly, the car seems to have a slight rear power bias and you can actually get some slight oversteer out of it which is rare for an awd car. I own an Audi S6 and there is no oversteer out of that car. Brakes are awesome.
, That is like me comparing my C63 BS to my SLS BS Here are a couple other opinions and observations I made. CLA54 seats are better than the seats in ANY other AMG, including my SLS and most definetly any C63, or at least any North American C63(Euro sport seats are nice). The 4-matic AWD system works flawlessly, the car seems to have a slight rear power bias and you can actually get some slight oversteer out of it which is rare for an awd car. I own an Audi S6 and there is no oversteer out of that car. Brakes are awesome.
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Do you own a CLA…or did you just sit in one on a show-room floor??
"the CLA lacks quality on the inside"
Having owned several other AMG cars in the past, Im going to have to disagree with you. Perhaps the CLA does not possess the fit and finish of an S-class, but saying it lacks quality is pretty harsh and not accurate IMO.
"the size is useless making it nearly impossible for comfort"
Is this a serious comment?? Im 6foot2, 250lbs and I am very comfortable driving the car…even long distances. Is a small, 4 door, sports sedan. Thats like buying a 911 and saying its too small! I even loaded up my CLA45 the other day with my girl in the front seat and two buddies in the back…no complaints. Would I want to ride in the back for a long trip? No way! But thats not what this car is designed for.
"the CLA lacks quality on the inside"
Having owned several other AMG cars in the past, Im going to have to disagree with you. Perhaps the CLA does not possess the fit and finish of an S-class, but saying it lacks quality is pretty harsh and not accurate IMO.
"the size is useless making it nearly impossible for comfort"
Is this a serious comment?? Im 6foot2, 250lbs and I am very comfortable driving the car…even long distances. Is a small, 4 door, sports sedan. Thats like buying a 911 and saying its too small! I even loaded up my CLA45 the other day with my girl in the front seat and two buddies in the back…no complaints. Would I want to ride in the back for a long trip? No way! But thats not what this car is designed for.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 151
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From: 07631
02 Audi (R)S4, 08 911TT, 07 S8, 06 V10 Touareg, 13' TTRS, 14' CLA45
Yes I sat inside and drove it and that was enough for me. While I find it too small I feel the quality of the interior was not up to par for a car of the price tag. I feel like the days of say the C55 you got more of what you paid for and came with better materials. As for the 911 I found mine to be more then fine. I am around your size(6'1 and 245) and found the CLA too small inside.
I own a 997 turbo and a CLA45 and, while I fit in both/am comfortable in both, the CLA is more roomy for sure.
What is your specific gripe when you say "I feel the quality of the interior was not up to par"?? The lack of wood trim or something like that?? The interior of my CLA has beautifully wrapped/leather trimmed door panels and full dash with double red stitching…way nicer than my buddy's new C63 interior…and his way 80K! Other than that they're very similar in build quality. I guess you'd REALLY hate the C63's interior as thats way more pricy!
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Well I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
I own a 997 turbo and a CLA45 and, while I fit in both/am comfortable in both, the CLA is more roomy for sure.
What is your specific gripe when you say "I feel the quality of the interior was not up to par"?? The lack of wood trim or something like that?? The interior of my CLA has beautifully wrapped/leather trimmed door panels and full dash with double red stitching…way nicer than my buddy's new C63 interior…and his way 80K! Other than that they're very similar in build quality. I guess you'd REALLY hate the C63's interior as thats way more pricy!
I own a 997 turbo and a CLA45 and, while I fit in both/am comfortable in both, the CLA is more roomy for sure.
What is your specific gripe when you say "I feel the quality of the interior was not up to par"?? The lack of wood trim or something like that?? The interior of my CLA has beautifully wrapped/leather trimmed door panels and full dash with double red stitching…way nicer than my buddy's new C63 interior…and his way 80K! Other than that they're very similar in build quality. I guess you'd REALLY hate the C63's interior as thats way more pricy!
My last annoyance was the carpeting.
Yea the C63 inside does not do anything for me at all and you are correct I really do hate the inside of it lol. I cannot justify the MRSP of one brand new.
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
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2007 Lotus Exige S, 1995 Acura NSX, 2008 Cayman S
I love the look of the CLA 45, the engine is very impressive. For a 4banger with a turbo the acceleration is crazy and it is very fun to drive. The engine holds a world record for the most powerful production 4 Cylinder in the world and that is very impressive!
However the CLA lacks quality on the inside, the size is useless making it nearly impossible for comfort or transporting passangers, It makes the W203 C32/C55 feel like a full size car. The price tag is way too much for what you are getting I feel.
However the CLA lacks quality on the inside, the size is useless making it nearly impossible for comfort or transporting passangers, It makes the W203 C32/C55 feel like a full size car. The price tag is way too much for what you are getting I feel.
I think a buy price of mid $50's is fine, I would not load it up with options. A loaded up C-Class is about $49k. A CLA AMG blows away a C350.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Vancouver, BC
W212 E63
CLA is suppose to place under C class, and it was based on the A class; therefore, it's not luxury to begin with. The price tag you pay is really for the extra performance over the 29.9k base CLA250.
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but it handles so much better than a C-Class or other Mercedes. This is the first Mercedes that might be considered nimble and the only Mercedes i would consider buying. I put handling over all else, but that's just me.
I think a buy price of mid $50's is fine, I would not load it up with options. A loaded up C-Class is about $49k. A CLA AMG blows away a C350.
I think a buy price of mid $50's is fine, I would not load it up with options. A loaded up C-Class is about $49k. A CLA AMG blows away a C350.
I can tell you value handling
We had a Cayman. What a cool little car
