The Mercedes CLA->ke3130 has been officially unveiled at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show, and, as the spy shots revealed, the next logical step was a more powerful, AMG version. The model made its debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show and will be put on sale in September.

When compared to the standard CLA-Class, the new AMG version will add a more aggressive design language, with elements we have already seen on models like the CLS 63 AMG. These specific elements include an AMG "twin blade" radiator grille, an AMG front apron, large cooling air intakes and for the rear an AMG apron and of course the two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system.

Even if a tiny sedan, the new CLA 45 AMG is offering technologies used in the SLS AMG sports car, like the cooling system for the four-cylinder engine.

Updated 03/19/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specifications.

Updated 06/17/2013: Mercedes has just announced prices for the most powerful version in the new CLA-Class lineup. Click past the jump to learn more about how much you have to pay for a CLA 45AMG.

Updated 09/17/2013: Mercedes unveiled a new video featuring both the A45 AMG and the CLA45 AMG in action at the Bilster Berg race track. Enjoy!

Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG.

2014 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes CLA 45 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 360 @ 6000
  • Torque: 331 @ 2250
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new CLA 45 AMG is designed as an alternative to those who consider the CLS 63 AMG too large for them. So, as no surprise the model retains design elements from its bigger brother.

Up front, the new CLA 45 AMG receives an AMG "twin blade" radiator grille and cross strut in the AMG front apron, both painted in matte titanium grey. Efficient engine cooling is provided by large air intakes framed by black flics. On the side, AMG added sill panels with insertions in matte titanium grey and large "Turbo AMG" logo on the wing.

At the rear, the new sports sedan adds an AMG apron with an incorporated large diffuser insert and a trim section in matte titanium grey. The final element is the AMG sports exhaust system with its two chrome-plated twin tailpipes.

Interior

For the interior, Mercedes is also offering specific AMG elements, like sports seats in ARTICO manmade leather/DINAMICA microfiber with red contrasting top stitching, red seat belts, a multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles, an AMG DRIVE UNIT and AMG door sill panels.

The instrument panel and the five galvanized ventilation outlets received an aluminum trim, while the AMG instrument cluster gets a central color display, an AMG menu and a Race Timer.

Individualization options:

-AMG carbon-fiber exterior mirror housing

-AMG Exterior Carbon-Fiber package: front splitter, side sill panel inserts and trim on rear apron in genuine carbon fiber

-AMG carbon-fiber interior trim

-AMG Exclusive package

-AMG floor mats

-AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels in 8 x 19 fitted with 235/35 R 19 tires, in two variants: painted in titanium grey with high-sheen finish or in matte black with high-sheen rim flange

-AMG Night package: privacy glass, black anodized beltline trim strip, black tailpipe trims in chromed finish, radiator fins in silver chrome, high-gloss black painted finish for front splitter, exterior mirrors, side sill panel inserts and rear apron trim

-AMG Performance exhaust system

-AMG Performance suspension with tauter spring/damper tuning

-AMG Performance steering wheel and E-SELECT lever, electronic main key with AMG emblem

-AMG Performance seats

-AMG wheel bolt covers in black with hub caps in central-locking look (for standard AMG light-alloy wheels only)

-Intelligent Light System

-Red-painted calipers

Drivetrain

Under the hood, Mercedes has placed the same engine as in the A45 AMG. This AMG-built 2.0-liter turbo engine that delivers a total of 360 horsepower and a peak torque of 331 pound-feet. The engine is combined with the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This drivetrain sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

The new turbo engine features a highly effective cooling system that is inspired by the SLS AMG, and mates to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission, with software modules also inspired by the SLS AMG. This transmission offers seven gears, three driving programs, a double-declutching function and RACE START for optimum acceleration.

For an even more impressive driving experience, the new CLA 45 AMG will also be equipped with a performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all‑wheel drive system combined with the 3-stage ESP and the ESP Curve Dynamic Assist systems.

Displacement

1,991 cc

Bore x stroke

83.0 x 92.0 mm

Compression ratio

8.6 : 1

Output

265 kW (360 hp) at 6,000 rpm

Max. torque

450 Nm (331 pound-feet) at 2,250-5,000 rpm

Engine weight (dry)

148 kg

Maximum engine speed

6,700 rpm

Power density

133 kW (181 hp)

Peak pressure

up to 140 bar

Maximum charge pressure

1.8 bar

Fuel consumption NEDC combined

6.9 – 7.1 l/100 km

CO2 emissions

161 - 165 g/km

Efficiency class

C - D

Emissions standard

EU6

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)

4.6 s

Top speed

155 mph


Suspensions and brakes

For enhanced driving dynamics, the new CLA 45 AMG has a three-link front suspension with stiffer steering knuckles and totally new elasto-kinematics. With this new system, the strut bearings were duly adapted for maximum driving dynamics and control. The suspension system is also equipped with specifically tuned spring-an-damper units and larger stabilizers.

The model is offered with standard AMG light-alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R18 tires. Bringing the CLA 45 AMG to a halt is a high-performance braking system with ventilated and perforated brake discs all round, sized 350 x 32 mm (13.77 x 1.25 inches) at the front and 330 x 22 mm (12.99 x 0.86 inches) at the rear.

Prices

The new Mercedes CLA 45 AMG will be put on sale in September 2013. On the U.S. market the model will be priced from $48,375 - or about $18k more than a standard CLA-Class, which is priced at a little over #30k.

Competition

With the new CLA 45 AMG, Mercedes is establishing a completely new segment – as it did previously with the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake in 2012 and the CLS 55 AMG in 2004. Still, there are a few models out there that can be considered as competitors for it, even if not direct competition.

Audi S3 sedan

The new CLA 45 AMG will meet one of its competitors in New York: the new Audi S3 sedan. Unlike the AMG model, the new S3 will deliver a little less power: it will be offered with a 2.0 TFSI producing a total of 300 horsepower. Still, the S3 has the advantage of being offered with a choice of two transmissions, both manual and automatic.

Conclusion

The new Mercedes CLA 45 AMG is a model that has a huge advantage at this point: there are no other alternative to it on the market. And, if Mercedes will find a way to keep it cheap (we mean in the U.S. market) we are pretty sure lots of customers will turn their attention to it.