Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG launched at Rs 68.5 lakh

Mercedes has launched the smallest AMG-powered model here in India, the CLA 45 AMG, priced at Rs 68.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The CLA 45 is different from other AMGs in that, under the hood, there’s a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine featuring direct injection and a twin-scroll turbo. It churns out 355bhp and 45.9kgm of torque, the ‘45’ in the badge derived from the torque figure. The other major difference over AMG stablemates is that the CLA 45 AMG uses Merc’s 4Matic four-wheel-drive system.

In terms of looks, the CLA 45 is the sedan version of the A-class hatchback, especially when viewed head-on though the headlights are slightly different. It gets four frameless doors but its arced roofline makes it look like a coupe. The AMG pedigree is evident from the meaty diffuser under the rear bumper, the big, 18-inch alloys and the large air intakes in the front bumper.

On the inside, the dashboard is similar to the one in the A-class hatchback. The steering is Alcantara-trimmed, there’s plenty of red stitching and red seatbelts too. The gear selector, a stubby lever on the centre console, is typically AMG. The front seats are heated and electrically adjustable.

While this is our introduction to the CLA-class of cars, a regular version of the CLA is bound for our showrooms within six months.