2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG

The First High Performance Compact AMG

Welcome to the latest evolution of the Mercedes-Benz: the 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG hatchback. This souped-up, sporty Benz boasts five doors and an ultra-compact frame, with 360 horsepower cranking inside a 2-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and 332 lb-ft of torque. Want to get up to 60 mph in 4.5? Yeah, it can do that. In fact the A45 can go head to head with the Porsche 911 Carrera. That’s a lot of power from a little 4-banger, which is why Mercedes decided to go all-wheel drive with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission for this non-traditional compact Benz. The A45 AMG has a little, no a lot, of something for everyone; for the eco-friendly car buyers it offers 40 mpg and for the speedster it tops out at 155 mph.

The A45 AMG was built to handle speed with a sophisticated four-wheel drive system. Under normal driving conditions, the electronically activated multiplate clutch (EAMC), which handles the power distribution between the front and rear axles, keeps the power at the front axle. Step on the gas and the EAMC will equally distribute the power to both axles automatically. The one two punch from the all-wheel drive train and the EAMC keeps the car running smooth by having both axles handle the power when needed.

With the A45 AMG, Mercedes-Benz now offers a direct competitor to the BMW M135i and the Audi RS3 Hatch. Watch out guys: this AMG is hot, more affordable, and its performance leaves your tired rides in the dust. Audi and BMW are going to have to step up their game big time because the A45 marketers are targeting their drivers, drivers who know a fine German automobile when they see one. It’s a gamble, but they think the A45′s style and power is a winner over the Audi RS3 and BMW M135i that are leading the compact sport class. Like the M135i and the RS3, the A45 is built by hand, and the fierce competition ensures consistent quality made vehicles in the class.

Not short on perks, one of the many nice things about the new AMG is the noise. At lower speeds, the A45’s noise output is meek for its power, but as you accelerate, you’ll hear that powerful sports car rumble come to life. The exhaust’s variable flap alters how much engine noise is produced depending on how the car is driven, and at increased speeds, there is no mistaking that the A45 AMG is a high performing sports car.

Even the stopping power has been upgraded from previous models with larger 13.8” front and 13.0” rear brake discs that are proportionate the car’s increased power. Wide 18” AMG light alloy wheels painted titanium grey allow for awesome 235/40R18 tires that offer a better grip needed by this bad boy (235mm across from the outer sidewall to the inner sidewall, 40mm sidewall height, and 18inch tire and wheel diameter). And bigger keeps getting better with larger anti-roll bars. The steering knuckles and wheel bearings are stronger, while the suspension springs and dampers are stiffer. Every detail of the A45 AMG has been addressed to ensure that the handling matches the performance.

This hot hatch back has been in production for about two years, so anticipation has been high. Mercedes Benz teased fans with photos of an all black prototype in 2012, with a rumored 330 horsepower (30 less than actual), and torque above 295 lb-ft (which it is at 332 lb-ft). It finally made its debut at the 2013 Geneva International Motor Show in March in Switzerland. Just two months later, R&B star Usher had to get his hands on one for a joyride, and joyride he certainly did.

AMG Transmission

The AMG transmission is versatile by offering the driver three separate driving system options:

1. Normal
2. Sport
3. Sport Plus

When driving in the Normal option, you’ll notice that the gearshifts are typical. The Sport option will give you faster gear shifting with nice downshifts for better turns and stopping power, while Sports Plus is for pure joyriding. Don’t worry about the little blip noises in the sport plus option; these let you know the car is maintaining composure with the increased performance. It can handle tight corners and has amazing throttle reaction time, all with sharp steering. Go ahead and brake hard, turn, and downshift all at once. It’s what this Benz and its Sport Plus mode was built for.

Exterior

The A45 AMG body has a modern, aerodynamic design, and damn it looks good. Custom AMG wheels make this hot hatch back stand out, especially with the red brake calipers peeking through the black rims even when it’s being driven. A bigger roof spoiler adds to the sportiness and aerodynamics of the car and a twin-chrome blade grille glistens with the A45′s badass body kit and chrome, rectangular exhaust tips. Large air intakes keep the engine cool. Overall, the exterior is functional but more importantly, it’s sexy.

Interior

Style doesn’t end with the exterior. The interior upholstery is sporty-black with red trim-and red accents flow throughout the inside of the car, highlighting the seat belts and air vents. The dash is decked out with carbon-fiber trim and the leather bucket seats are luxurious while offering solid support during performance driving. It’s comfortable, smooth and gorgeous with the color contrasts and mix of edgy and comfort. The interior design really punctuates the magnificence of the Benz A45 AMG.

 

Edition 1 Version

Hard to imagine it’s possible, but want an even sportier looking AMG model? Here it is. Mercedes will also be presenting an Edition 1 version with bigger 19″ wheels, a warm white paint color (called cirrus), and matte graphite stripes on the lower sides and across the hood. If you’re looking for the sportiest, sleekest Benz, hands down this has to be it. The red trims will be brought to the exterior on the Edition 1 version with a red accented rear spoiler, mirrors, and grille. The interior will have Edition 1 badges, an AMG steering wheel, and a leather dash. Of course, the Mercedes logo adorns the grille and wheels. Last, but certainly not least, the top speed of the Edition 1 is a smoking 167mph instead of the 155mph the standard version is limited to. It’s on fire!

Purchasing the Car

Here’s for the bad news. While the 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG won’t be coming to the States just yet, there will be a similar version made available to drivers in the US: the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Sedan.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG will become available in September/August in Germany and the UK with $64,000 base price tag. The AMG Aerodynamics Package can be added for an extra $2,400, and the AMG Performance Exhaust with four tail pipes can also be added for an additional $800.

The CLA45 is a sedan, so no hot hatchback here in America. While it’s a step down from the awesome performance of the A45, it still provides a taste of the new AMG. The car above was shown off at the New York Auto Show in March. The car is available to order and specify options now, but you’ll have to wait until September to drive it.

Mercedes-Benz’s US website lists a CLA starting at $29,999, but there are a plethora of options and upgrades. The standard package at $29,999 comes with cirrus white paint, 17″ 5-spoke wheels, and ash color interior with anthracite trim. *Yawn*. But no snoozing yet! There are plenty of add-ons, options, and packages to capture your attention:

$2,000 Sports Package

A $2,000 sports package will get you sport body styling, some sweet 18″ AMG wheels, a chrome diamond-block grille, painted brake calipers, and perforated front brakes.

Other Options/Add-ons

• Panorama roof ($1,480)
• Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED taillights ($850)
• Four different wheels to choose from (go with the AMG wheels for $3,600)
• Rear spoiler ($300)
• Tire valve stem caps with Mercedes logo ($18)
• Hub wheel inserts with Mercedes logo ($17)
• Mercedes-Benz license plate frame ($60)

$1,500 Interior Package

The Interior Package gives you a few additional upgrades for the inside of the CLA45:

• Leather upholstery (black, brown or ash)
• Top-stitching
• Interior trim
• AMG door pins (for an additional $40)

$2,500 Driver Assistance Package

This package ensures safe driving with blind spot assistance and helps you stay in your lane on the highway.

There’s even an upgrade for parents! You can get your budding Benz connoisseur a new Mercedes car seat: have your baby riding in style with a BabySafe Plus infant seat, a DUO Plus toddler seat, or a KidFix child safety seat.

And lastly, keep those new wheels from getting stolen with wheel locks and a coded key for an extra $95.

$970 PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assistant

You’ve seen the commercials of a car parking itself, right? The AMG has its own version available as an upgrade. A parking assistant will help you maneuver properly for just under a grand.

$2,200 Premium Package

The Premium Package offers some nice upgrades for a little extra luxury on your CLA.

• Media interface
• Heated front seats
• LOGIC7 sound system with SiriusXM radio (6-month all access trial included)
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Garage door opener

$2,370 Multimedia Package

If you choose this package, the Premium Package will be automatically added, along with the Premium Package price.

• Enhanced voice control
• Rear view camera
• 10GB music register
• 80GB hard drive navigation and 7″ display
• SiriusXM traffic and weather

One essential add on is GPS. With the CLA250 Coupe you can get a Becker MAP PILOT pre-wiring for $200. That’s a good deal considering the average cost of a new GPS system is $250, and that’s uninstalled.

Entertainment Accessories

If you have an iPhone, you will probably want these upgrades:

• SD memory card ($59)
• Drive Kit plus for the iPhone ($599)

There are also a variety of service and care packages to choose from. Whew! Buying a car is not as simple as it used to be. There are a lot of decisions to make. You’re going to have to make a list of the packages and extra options you want before you even drive to the dealership to pick your car. It’s a good thing you have this guide!

Now, let’s see what the technical specifications tell us about the differences between the A45 and the CLA45. What will be the main differences in the hot hatch back A45 in Germany and the Sedan CLA here in the States? Let’s take a look:

2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG Specs vs. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Specs

Comparison

MODEL A45 CLA45

TYPE	All Wheel DriveHothatch	All Wheel Drive4-DoorSedan/Coupe
ENGINE	16 Valve4-CylinderDOHCTurbochargedIntercooledAluminum Head and Block	16 Valve4-CylinderDOHCTurbochargedIntercooledAluminum Head and Block
TRANNY	7-Speed DC Automatic w/Manual Shifting Option	7-Speed DC Automatic w/Manual Shifting Option
PERFORMANCE	0mph-60 mph in 4.5 SecondsTop Speed of 155 mphStanding 1/4 Mile of 13.3 Seconds	0mph-60 mph in 4.4 SecondsTop Speed of 155 mphStanding 1/4 Mile of 13.3 Seconds
MEASUREMENTS	106.3″ Wheelbase169″ Length70.1″ Width52.2″ Height3100 Pound Curb Weight	106.3″ Wheelbase184.7″ Length70″ Width55.7″ Height3500 Pound Curb Weight
DISPLACEMENT	121 Cubic Inches1991 CC	122 Cubic Inches1991 CC
POWER	353 hp at 5800 rpm	355 hp at 6000 rpm
TORQUE	332 lb-ft at 1200 rpm	332 lb-ft at 2250 rpm
FUEL ECONOMY	17 mpg city and 25 mpg Highway	19 mpg city and 25 mpg Highway
PRICE	$64,000 Estimated Base Price	$29,999 Estimated Base Price

American drivers are at a slight disadvantage and will have to go without some of the speed and fuel economy, but if you love an AMG, you won’t feel slighted by the otherwise loaded CLA45 AMG. It is, after all, about $30,000 cheaper (at base price) than the A45 AMG to be sold in Germany.

Mercedes has really outdone itself with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG. While their target customers are in the 30-40 year age range (which is younger than the usual AMG market), they will definitely find sales from people of all ages. It’s a beautifully made piece of machinery inside and out, and the power is nothing to mess around with. Even the CLA45 is a nice sedan with some serious speed in it, although it’s still a letdown that Americans won’t be able to have first grabs at the A45 hot hatchback. Maybe a vacation in Germany is in the near future?

 

Nicky LaMarco, Automotive Blogger