Hey guys! Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the adrenaline-pumping world of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S. This isn't just a car; it's a statement. A bold declaration of speed, style, and sheer driving pleasure. This review will cover everything from its blistering performance to its luxurious interior, giving you the lowdown on why this compact sedan continues to turn heads and set hearts racing. So, grab your coffee (or your Red Bull!), and let's get started. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a high-performance variant of the CLA-Class, meticulously crafted by Mercedes-AMG, the company's performance division. The 'S' in its name signifies the top-tier version, packing even more power and features than the standard CLA 45. It's a car designed for those who crave exhilaration, offering a driving experience that’s both raw and refined. It competes with other high-performance compact sedans, like the Audi RS3 and BMW M2, but the CLA 45 S carves its own niche with its distinctive blend of style, technology, and performance. One of the most critical things in the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is the engine. It's a powerhouse, a masterpiece of engineering. Under the hood, you'll find a hand-built 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, turbocharged to deliver a staggering 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This is not just a fast car; it's a rocket. The acceleration is phenomenal, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds. The engine is paired with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission, which delivers lightning-fast gear changes and ensures that you're always in the sweet spot of the power band. The sound? Oh, the sound! The exhaust note is a glorious symphony of pops, crackles, and roars, a constant reminder of the beast lurking beneath the surface. It will surely give you goosebumps.

Driving the CLA 45 S is an experience like no other. The steering is precise, the handling is razor-sharp, and the car feels planted and confident, even when pushed to its limits. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system ensures that the power is delivered efficiently to all four wheels, maximizing grip and control. The suspension is firm, but not punishing, providing a good balance between comfort and performance. It's a car that inspires confidence and encourages you to explore its capabilities. The CLA 45 S is also packed with advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. There are multiple driving modes to choose from, each tailoring the car's performance characteristics to suit your preferences. Comfort mode offers a more relaxed driving experience, while Sport and Sport+ modes unleash the car's full potential, sharpening the throttle response, firming up the suspension, and enhancing the exhaust sound. The interior is a blend of luxury and sportiness. You'll find high-quality materials, such as Nappa leather and carbon fiber trim, throughout the cabin. The front seats are sport seats, designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even during spirited driving. The infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, with a large touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Overall, the driving experience is thrilling. This car makes you feel special.

Exterior Design: A Symphony of Curves and Aggression

Alright, let's talk about the look. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a head-turner, no doubt. The exterior design is all about sleek lines, aggressive curves, and a sporty stance. It's a car that demands attention, and it gets it, trust me. From the front, the CLA 45 S boasts an assertive presence. The signature AMG Panamericana grille, with its vertical slats, is a clear indication of the car's performance pedigree. The LED headlights are sharp and stylish, and the front bumper features large air intakes, which not only look cool but also help to cool the engine. The side profile is where the CLA 45 S truly shines. The sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like silhouette, and the frameless doors add a touch of elegance. The AMG-specific side skirts and sporty wheels further enhance the car's aggressive stance. You will love it! The rear of the car is equally striking. The LED taillights are sleek and modern, and the rear bumper features a diffuser and quad exhaust tips, which announce the car's performance credentials. The overall design is cohesive and well-executed, creating a car that is both beautiful and functional. The exterior design of the CLA 45 S is a perfect example of form and function working in harmony. The design is not just about aesthetics; it's also about aerodynamics and performance. The car's sleek shape helps it cut through the air, while the various aerodynamic elements, such as the rear diffuser and the rear spoiler, help to generate downforce, improving stability at high speeds. The choice of materials and the quality of the finish are also top-notch. The CLA 45 S is available in a variety of colors, including several AMG-exclusive options, allowing you to personalize your car to your liking. The wheels are also available in various designs and sizes, further enhancing the car's visual appeal. The car's exterior design is a testament to Mercedes-AMG's commitment to creating cars that are both beautiful and high-performing. It's a car that will turn heads wherever you go. You will surely feel that you are something else. The CLA 45 S is not just a car; it's a work of art. The design is all about making the vehicle look incredible.

Interior: Where Luxury Meets Sporty Sophistication

Let's move inside the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, shall we? The interior is a true sanctuary of luxury and sportiness, offering a blend of high-quality materials, cutting-edge technology, and a driver-focused design. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with an atmosphere of refined elegance. The seats are wrapped in premium materials, such as Nappa leather or AMG-specific upholstery, providing excellent comfort and support. The front seats are sport seats, designed to hold you firmly in place during spirited driving. The dashboard is elegantly designed, with a flowing, modern aesthetic. The centerpiece is the MBUX infotainment system, which consists of two high-resolution displays: one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The displays are crisp, clear, and easy to read, and the system is intuitive and user-friendly. The MBUX system offers a wide range of features, including navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and smartphone integration. It also supports voice control, allowing you to control many of the car's functions with simple voice commands. The interior also features a variety of other high-tech features, such as a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, and a premium sound system, which delivers exceptional audio quality. The overall design of the interior is driver-focused, with all of the controls and displays positioned within easy reach. The materials and finishes are of the highest quality, creating an environment that feels both luxurious and sporty. The CLA 45 S's interior is more than just a place to sit; it's a carefully crafted environment that enhances the driving experience. The interior of the CLA 45 S is also very practical. There's plenty of space for both the driver and passengers, and the trunk offers a decent amount of cargo space. The car also features a variety of storage compartments, making it easy to keep your belongings organized. The attention to detail is evident throughout the interior, from the meticulously crafted stitching to the premium materials used throughout. The CLA 45 S also features AMG-specific design elements, such as the AMG Performance steering wheel, with its sporty flat-bottom design and integrated controls. The pedals are finished in stainless steel, and the interior trim is available in a variety of materials, including carbon fiber and aluminum. Overall, the interior of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a masterpiece of design and engineering. It's a place where luxury meets sportiness, creating an environment that is both comfortable and exhilarating. You will definitely love it.

Performance: Power and Precision Unleashed

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: performance. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a performance beast, engineered to deliver an exhilarating driving experience. It's all about power, precision, and pure driving fun. The engine, as we mentioned earlier, is a hand-built 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder, turbocharged to produce a massive 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. This is a lot of power for a car of this size, and it translates into blistering acceleration. The CLA 45 S can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission is another key element in the car's performance. This transmission offers lightning-fast gear changes, ensuring that the engine is always in the optimal power band. The transmission also features multiple driving modes, allowing you to tailor the car's performance to your preferences. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system is also critical. This system distributes power to all four wheels, maximizing grip and control, even in challenging driving conditions. The system can vary the power distribution between the front and rear axles, allowing the car to corner with incredible precision. The CLA 45 S also features an AMG-tuned suspension system, which provides a good balance between comfort and performance. The suspension is firm, but not punishing, and it helps to keep the car planted on the road. The car's brakes are also up to the task, with large, high-performance brakes providing excellent stopping power. The overall performance of the CLA 45 S is simply amazing. It's a car that is capable of incredible speed and agility, and it's also a car that is fun to drive. The car is also packed with advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system allows you to choose from multiple driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Each mode alters the car's performance characteristics, such as the throttle response, the suspension settings, and the exhaust sound. The car also features AMG RIDE CONTROL, which allows you to adjust the suspension damping for a more comfortable or sporty ride. The overall performance is one of the top features of the car, and it's a car that will put a smile on your face every time you drive it.

Technology and Features: Cutting-Edge Innovation

Let's talk tech, guys! The 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is packed with cutting-edge technology, ensuring a seamless and connected driving experience. Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of automotive technology, and the CLA 45 S is no exception. The centerpiece of the car's technology suite is the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. This system consists of two high-resolution displays: a digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment display. The displays are crisp, clear, and easy to read, and the system is intuitive and user-friendly. The MBUX system offers a wide range of features, including navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and smartphone integration. It also features voice control, allowing you to control many of the car's functions with simple voice commands. The system is incredibly responsive and easy to use. The CLA 45 S also features a head-up display, which projects important information, such as speed, navigation instructions, and driver assistance alerts, onto the windshield. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road while staying informed. The car is also equipped with a variety of driver assistance systems, designed to enhance safety and convenience. These systems include: Active Brake Assist, which can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision; Active Lane Keeping Assist, which helps to keep the car in its lane; and Adaptive Cruise Control, which maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle in front. The car also features a premium sound system, which delivers exceptional audio quality. You can enjoy your favorite music with crystal-clear clarity. The CLA 45 S also offers a variety of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. The car also supports over-the-air software updates, ensuring that the system is always up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. The technology in the CLA 45 S is designed to make the driving experience more enjoyable, safer, and more connected. It's a car that embraces innovation and provides a glimpse into the future of automotive technology.

Driving Experience: Thrilling Performance

The driving experience in the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is nothing short of thrilling. From the moment you start the engine, you're enveloped in a sense of excitement and anticipation. The engine roars to life, and the exhaust note provides an immediate reminder of the car's performance capabilities. The car's acceleration is phenomenal, rocketing from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.0 seconds. The power delivery is linear and responsive, and the car feels incredibly agile and dynamic. The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission delivers lightning-fast gear changes, ensuring that you're always in the sweet spot of the power band. The steering is precise and responsive, and the car feels planted and confident, even when pushed to its limits. The AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip and control, allowing you to corner with confidence and precision. The suspension is firm, but not punishing, providing a good balance between comfort and performance. The car's brakes are also up to the task, providing excellent stopping power. The CLA 45 S also offers a variety of driving modes, allowing you to tailor the car's performance characteristics to your preferences. In Comfort mode, the car is smooth and refined, while in Sport and Sport+ modes, the car's performance is sharpened, and the exhaust sound is enhanced. The car's interior is designed to enhance the driving experience. The sport seats provide excellent support and comfort, and the AMG Performance steering wheel provides a sporty and tactile feel. The car's infotainment system is intuitive and user-friendly, providing easy access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Overall, the driving experience in the CLA 45 S is unforgettable. It's a car that is capable of incredible speed and agility, and it's also a car that is fun to drive. It's a car that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. The car makes you feel like you are the king of the road.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Like any car, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S has its strengths and weaknesses. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Blistering Performance: The engine's power and acceleration are exceptional, making for an exhilarating driving experience.
• Stylish Design: The CLA 45 S boasts a sleek and aggressive design that turns heads.
• Luxurious Interior: The interior is well-appointed, with high-quality materials and a driver-focused design.
• Advanced Technology: The car is packed with cutting-edge technology, including the MBUX infotainment system and a variety of driver assistance systems.
• Precise Handling: The car handles like a dream, with precise steering and excellent grip.

Cons:

• Firm Ride: The suspension is firm, which may not be ideal for everyone, particularly on rough roads.
• Rear Passenger Space: The rear passenger space can be a bit tight, especially for taller adults.
• Price: The CLA 45 S is a premium vehicle, and the price tag reflects that.
• Fuel Economy: Fuel economy is not the best for everyday driving.

Conclusion: A Champion in its Class

Alright, folks, in conclusion, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a phenomenal car. It combines blistering performance, a stylish design, a luxurious interior, and cutting-edge technology to create a driving experience that is both exhilarating and refined. Yes, it comes with a premium price, and the ride can be a bit firm, but the sheer joy of driving this car is worth it for many enthusiasts. If you're looking for a high-performance compact sedan that delivers on all fronts, the CLA 45 S is definitely worth considering. It's a champion in its class, and it's a car that will leave you grinning from ear to ear every time you get behind the wheel. It's an investment in pure driving pleasure. So, if you have the means and the desire for a thrilling driving experience, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S should be at the top of your list. Happy driving!