The first Mercedes-Benz A-Class first came to market in 1997 and offered quite a controversial hatchback design for the time. The second-generation A-Class followed a similar design, however, saw many of the styling elements getting a sharper look. Both the first and second-generation A-Class models were only offered in hatchback form and didn't have any Mercedes-AMG variants on offer.
It is in the third generation of the A-Class model where Mercedes-Benz developed both the CLA and GLA models on the same platform. It didn't end there as Mercedes-AMG took hold of the CLA and created the CLA45 AMG in 2017. With the increased performance and aggressive styling elements, the CLA45 AMG quickly became a popular model and as such Mercedes-AMG continued this methodology on the fourth and latest generation of the CLA, except there are now two variants, the CLA35 and CLA45.
1. Styling
Comparing the exterior of a used Mercedes-AMG CLA45 with the latest iteration, one quickly notices the changes in design. While the silhouette remains somewhat similar, upfront the new model offer sharper contoured headlamps and a Panamericana grille. The front bumper also sees revisions in the air dams and front splitter. Next to the air dams feature the aerodynamic blades like with the earlier model.
The new CLA35 shares the headlamp design of the CLA45, however, the grille comes with the familiar twin louvres while the blades on the front bumper are omitted. The lower bumper design also sees a new design. While both the new and used Mercedes-AMG CLA45 models come standard with the same 18-inch 10-spoke wheel design, the CLA35 offers customers a unique aerodynamically optimised wheel design in an 18-inch size.
At the rear, a similar theme emerges with the used Mercedes-AMG CLA45 offer larger curved taillights whereas the new CLA45 and CLA35 models come with a more linear design. Lower down the new CLA45 and CLA35 share the same rear diffuser design, however, where the CLA45 has twin exhaust outlets in each corner, the CLA35 only had one on each side.
The used CLA45 also offer twin exhaust outlets but unlike the rounded design on the newer model, the used model offers rectangular designs. Other notable styling updates include the new side skirts and the vent on the rear bumper of the used model being taller than the iterations on the newer offerings.
2. Interior
While the cabins of all three models convey the sporty nature of the vehicle, the newer CLA45 and CLA35 offers a host of new technological improvements. First noticeable in front of the driver is the updated multifunction steering wheel design. The newly styled unit also incorporates touchpads to control the instrument cluster and infotainments system.
Furthermore, the new steering wheels offer drivers a quick access rotary dial to change the driving modes as well as a button system to change the exhaust and traction control settings. Behind the steering wheel of the earlier CLA45 model comes two analogue dials for the instrument cluster as well as a small screen for vehicle information.
The new models offer a fully digitalized instrument cluster that can be customized and will change themes based on the driving mode selected. The screen shares a bezel with the central touchscreen infotainment display to create a wide-cockpit environment. The earlier CLA incorporated a smaller floating infotainment display centrally.
New trim elements also find their way into the cabin of the new models as well as an updated design which is complemented by the riffled air vents and ambient lighting.
3. Performance
Mercedes-AMG not only focussed its attention on the styling of the new CLA 35 and CLA45 models but also spent some time under the bonnet. In the table below we compare the performance figures of the new model with the earlier iteration.
| 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG | 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 | 2020 Mercedes AMG-CLA 45 S | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre, twin-scroll turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol | 2.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed automatic | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Power | 280 kW | 225 kW | 310 kW |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 450 Nm | 500 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.2s | 4.9s | 4.0s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h | 270 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 6.9 L / 100 km | 7.2 L / 100 km | 8.1 L / 100 km |
*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.diskdrive.co.za
