2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has graced the domestic luxury market with plenty of sporty cosmetic and interior modifications accompanied by a special Aero Edition
Mercedes-Benz introduced the facelifted versions of the GLA 45 and CLA 45 for the Indian market less than a week ago. The AMG prepared models are the sixth and seventh products from the performance arm out of 12 vehicles from the German brand this year – showcasing the growing potential of AMG and the company’s commitment to the domestic customers.
With us covering the whole landscape of the launch event in Chennai, we have had a comprehensive look at the changes the facelifted model brought in. The regular CLA 45 4MATIC was accompanied by its ‘Aero Edition’ with sporty cosmetic changes under the ‘Designo’ personalisation division.
Also Read: Facelifted Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 and GLA 45 Launched In India
The standard 2018 CLA 45 4MATIC comprises of revised front splitter, AMG front apron with new A-wing design and louvers in the outer air inlets, newly designed AMG rear apron with diffuser insert, aggressive four vertical diffuser design and AMG radiator grille with twin louvre finished in silver chrome.
Other highlighting elements are sharper LED headlamps, master key with AMG emblem as standard, AMG E-SELECT selector lever, rear contrast top stitching on the inside, dashboard and beltlines in ARTICO leather, redesigned rear spoiler lip, a brand new spoiler lip just below the front spoiler for added stability in high speeds.
The exterior changes and aerodynamic enhancements have ensured the reduction of Cd (Co-efficient of Drag) by 0.02 points to 0.30. Powering the 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC is the award-winning 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 375 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 475 Nm from 2,250 to 5,000 rpm.
The improved aero and the “most powerful four cylinder series production engine in the world” enables it to sprint from zero to 100 kmph in just 4.2 seconds. The performance-based sedan can accelerate to a maximum top speed of 250 kmph courtesy of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels through the 4MATIC system.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 comes with a price tag of Rs. 75.20 lakh while the CLA 45 Aero Edition is priced at Rs. 77.69 lakh (ex-showroom prices, pan India). For the additional money in the Aero Edition, Mercedes is providing yellow decals and AMG sports stripes in matt graphite grey combined with AMG Night Package in select exterior colour schemes for creating dynamic effect.
The yellow accents can be seen on the diffuser, rear bumper, mirror housing as well as the sill panels. The new CLA 45 has a striking visual appeal and is menacing to look at giving a sports car vibe. The AMG treatments on the exterior and interior are well crafted to deliver a drooling road presence with the signature handling characteristics.