CLA 35, CLA 45 AMG (C117, C118) 2013 to Present, Two generations

Why does this car get so much crap from people

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Old Mar 19, 2018 | 07:28 PM
  #1  
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Why does this car get so much crap from people

Test drove a c400 and a cla45 and while the c400 is much more comfortable and luxurious , the cla45 is much more fun because of its power and aggressiveness. But when I look online for people's opinions it gets so much ****. "A mb for people who can't afford one etc". I understand the negativity towards the cla250 but I dont understand the negativity towards the cla45. What exactly am I missing here?
Old Mar 19, 2018 | 08:57 PM
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It's not up to the same level most people with higher trim cars expect from MB. The 45 is a neat car, but the CLA base it's on is cheap and unrefined. I would still take one over a C 400, but the C class has a higher trim to offer so the 400/450/43 is a halfway model, the 63 is the top dog.

The problem is that "aggressiveness" in the CLA45 is because it's harsh. People expect better refinement from a $50k+ MB product, regardless of it's underpinnings.
Old Mar 26, 2018 | 12:55 AM
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Because people love to hate. Optioned Correctly and the CLA45 is more luxurious than some C classes I've seen.
Old Mar 26, 2018 | 03:48 AM
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Originally Posted by mr inkredibul
Because people love to hate. Optioned Correctly and the CLA45 is more luxurious than some C classes I've seen.
Optioned correctly is NOT a option on CLA45.

the reason i chose C450 over CLA45 when i ordered the car, C class got more safety features, just look at the driver assistance package.
C class have 360 degree camera which my c450 has.
C class have ILS (intelligent lighting system), on a DARK road, it automatically turn on high beam when there' no incoming traffic, it automatically turn off high beam when it sees incoming traffic.
C class also have perfume disposer which i regret i didnt get.

Last edited by netboy; Mar 26, 2018 at 04:00 AM.
Old Apr 11, 2018 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by netboy
Optioned correctly is NOT a option on CLA45.

the reason i chose C450 over CLA45 when i ordered the car, C class got more safety features, just look at the driver assistance package.
C class have 360 degree camera which my c450 has.
C class have ILS (intelligent lighting system), on a DARK road, it automatically turn on high beam when there' no incoming traffic, it automatically turn off high beam when it sees incoming traffic.
C class also have perfume disposer which i regret i didnt get.
If a perfume dispenser is on your list of car priorities you shouldn't even be thinking of a CLA45 its made for a totally different genre
Old Apr 12, 2018 | 03:15 AM
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yeah. CLA45 is so special that every other Mercedes class have the option to get perfume dispenser if you want it.
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 10:25 AM
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2011 E550 Coupe, 1992 Corvette ZR-1, 1991 368ci ZR-1, 1990 ZR-1, 1987 Callaway TT, 05 SL600, CLA45
The CLA45 is a go fast car, little insulation or extras that aren't related to going fast......reminds me a little of Porsche
RS America from the 90s.....at 3400-3500lbs its 400lbs lighters than a C63

Last edited by LGAFF; Apr 17, 2018 at 12:07 PM.
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 04:17 PM
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I love the cla45 .. the engine is highly boosted and manic...reminds me of specB rally car the way it sounds and goes..
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Old Apr 17, 2018 | 08:25 PM
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They're a rental car.
Gocar.
Tapcar. Etc.
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 10:43 PM
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2011 E550 Coupe, 1992 Corvette ZR-1, 1991 368ci ZR-1, 1990 ZR-1, 1987 Callaway TT, 05 SL600, CLA45
Originally Posted by Ariesfamous
They're a rental car.
Gocar.
Tapcar. Etc.
Yet it out performs TT V8s in Acceleration and per motor trend...On the skidpad, the CLA45 bests the C63 sedan with a 0.96 g (versus 0.94 g) lateral acceleration, and amazingly, matches its figure-eight lap time (24.9 seconds) with a higher average g load (0.79 g versus 0.78 g). The CLA can definitely dance and has a playfulness to
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 10:46 PM
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Originally Posted by LGAFF
Yet it out performs TT V8s in Acceleration and per motor trend...On the skidpad, the CLA45 bests the C63 sedan with a 0.96 g (versus 0.94 g) lateral acceleration, and amazingly, matches its figure-eight lap time (24.9 seconds) with a higher average g load (0.79 g versus 0.78 g). The CLA can definitely dance and has a playfulness to
LOL.
Sorry..
Im not driving around in a rental.
Don't take it personally.
​​​​​​Go carts are playful too..
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 11:07 PM
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2011 E550 Coupe, 1992 Corvette ZR-1, 1991 368ci ZR-1, 1990 ZR-1, 1987 Callaway TT, 05 SL600, CLA45
Originally Posted by Ariesfamous
LOL.
Sorry..
Im not driving around in a rental.
Don't take it personally.
​​​​​​Go carts are playful too..
Yet here you are wandering the CLA45 forum.......
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by LGAFF
Yet here you are wandering the CLA45 forum.......
Yet here you are crying..

Im free to have any opinion I want..
The op asked why these cars get flack. I gave an opinion.

​​​​​​You took it personally.
So chill.

Last I checked I'm free to browse any forum I like.
Old Apr 17, 2018 | 11:34 PM
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2011 E550 Coupe, 1992 Corvette ZR-1, 1991 368ci ZR-1, 1990 ZR-1, 1987 Callaway TT, 05 SL600, CLA45
Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
It's not up to the same level most people with higher trim cars expect from MB. The 45 is a neat car, but the CLA base it's on is cheap and unrefined. I would still take one over a C 400, but the C class has a higher trim to offer so the 400/450/43 is a halfway model, the 63 is the top dog.

The problem is that "aggressiveness" in the CLA45 is because it's harsh. People expect better refinement from a $50k+ MB product, regardless of it's underpinnings.

I think this hits it on the head, its loud, quirky....yet the most powerful production engine per cubic inch, not a traditional mercedes(I am a fan of obscure engines).....our CLA45 is actually my wifes car....its tuned, downpiped, AMS intake, plumbed back BOV....fun car to drive. In comparison my SL600 makes over 600hp and 700ftlbs......and the CLA45 is just as fun if not more so....its more like my Corvette ZR-1s...louder, lightweight. The CLA45 has a completely different suspension and obviously the engine, no regrets with ours so far...as a side note did the pedal mod and what a huge difference, really corrects the lag...which was my only disappointment.
Old Apr 20, 2018 | 10:52 PM
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I think performance wise it is cool and fun little car and appeals to maybe younger buyers coming from say a WRX or other JDM go fast cars that are mod friendly especially with turbos. Amazing how much power they got out of that little engine. Leave it to the Germans.

It is just too small and not the most attractive looking car. Not very comfortable and interior quality is not good at all.
Old May 15, 2018 | 03:33 PM
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I think most people's "complaints" or bias came from it being the 1st real non V8 AMG in some time ..1st 4 cylinder ...

Im very much looking forward to the 400hp A45 AMG sedan (wish we got the hatch)
Old May 25, 2018 | 08:41 AM
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Looking to trade my 63 to a ‘17 cla45 (shooting brake as I find it really sexy). Though not a v8, it’s still a one man one engine unlike the 43. Not to mention the most powerful 4cyl engine in the world.

Its a a good (not so lil) fun car especially the shooting brake. I think comparing it to a c sedan would be wrong as they are obviously different classes. All comes down to how you would use the car. People will always hate and say cla is s*it compared to a c. But guess what, a c is s*it compared to an e and so on.

in the end, go for what you want and what others say they want for you. Then post pics!
Old May 25, 2018 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Ariesfamous
I also own a range rover. Several motorcycles. A boat . A silverado , 2 homes and a smoking hot gf.
But carry on crying..
You win the internet today

You always so sensitive?
this mutt anusfamous still acting like a tough Internet guy Buahahah. Too bad I canot invite him to FL, Italy or Argentina to our boxing/MMA gyms use him like a punching bag. He goes around picking fights on threads yet drives a p.o.s range rover (sorry sis she drives one) and lives in constant insecurity of his manhood.
Old May 25, 2018 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by TurboAMG
It's dudes like this that trolls and just talks ****. You have a car that's almost 4 years old and you're ragging on a CLA45 AMG? lol who are you bro?
he's a nobody, he us just pure amusement TurboAMG
Old May 25, 2018 | 10:19 AM
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The CLA45AMG is a little badass.
Old May 25, 2018 | 01:57 PM
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Former ‘15 CLA45 owner here. I traded it in towards a ‘18 c63 coupe.

Even before the power boost upgrade, I thought this car was fast. It was a fun car and I’ve had it for past 30,000 miles. Barely any issues, and decent gas mileage for the power and driving habits I put it through. Say what you will, but this car had no issues negotiating on the higher end of the trade range. I went to Audi, BMW, and merc when I was shopping around for the upgrade and I found that the cla45 is in high demand. Yes, the c class interior is a notch up, but the cla interior (i had the upgraded leather) was no slouch. Got plenty of compliments during the life its ownership (both interior and exterior). It’s funny, the cla45 I get most attention from a young crowd while I get attention from both young and old crowd in the c63 lol .
I was surprised to see more negative comments online about the car but I figured internet anonymity fosters harsher criticism. It’s an overall great car, I wouldn’t try to race one off of a light. This car will surprise many if you sleep on it.

Still get excited to see one during a commute, they are more rare in my area. I have seen more c63s than I have seen cla45. I would see one once every 6-8 months.
Old May 28, 2018 | 02:30 AM
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Old May 28, 2018 | 05:01 AM
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'16 A45 AMG
Switched from a C63 (204) to an A45 (similar to CLA45).
Of cause the sound and handling is totally different, also the interior quality.
But in it's own way it's an amazing good and fast car.
Espacially on the track it's definetly an upgrade to the C63.
While the C63 have that heavy front end and the massive oil temp issues the A45 feels and drives like it's born on the track.

So to every hater out there, don't get mad when you get passed on the track
Old May 29, 2018 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by wildaces
Test drove a c400 and a cla45 and while the c400 is much more comfortable and luxurious , the cla45 is much more fun because of its power and aggressiveness. But when I look online for people's opinions it gets so much ****. "A mb for people who can't afford one etc". I understand the negativity towards the cla250 but I dont understand the negativity towards the cla45. What exactly am I missing here?
Thats why i drive gla45 and people still give me thumbs up or turn around when i drive by..
C
Old May 29, 2018 | 06:56 PM
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14 E63, 05 E55, 03 Evo 8, 08 F250, 06 R6R, 92 Talon TSI, and instability
I test drove both the CLA and GLA 45 (drove 2016 and 2018 ones of both vehicles) before I bought the 14 e63. Honestly, I hated the 45 for the price. I hate the 7 speed on a 4 cylinder. Had it been a 5, I would have pulled the trigger. It didn't feel as well refined as I thought a 60K car should. I spent 30K in 03 on my evo 8 (which I still have), and to me my evo felt and sounded better. I even sought out a more stock evo to drive again just to be sure it wasn't just me. Yes, the 45 was quick and handled ok. However, it was only quick in full sport mode. The exhaust was obnoxiously loud for a 60k car to the point of melodrama. A lot of road noise too in general. Disappointingly both 45's suffer the same 4 cylinder of feeling weaker when the ac is on (or shaking while at a stop), and both have terrible acceleration on a hill. Sure, I could see how it could be considered "cool", but I expected a little more from a car of MBs pedigree. If I was going to get a car like this, it would be either a focus rs or a golf r, both of which I've also driven and both of which are better value if sports is what you are after.
I did like the seats. They were met the standard I've become accustomed to from AMGs. Seating position and interior space wasn't too bad either. Button and control layout was pretty good too. I did like the steering feel as well as the feel of the steering wheel.The stereo/nav screen, while located well, really out to be able to either retract manually or electronically though, as it's visually unappealing.

What can I say? I expect more from a $60k car regardless of brand name. While I feel it is a cool car in general, I feel MB missed the mark a bit with this particular platform.


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