[HermanE320]

2014 Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG First Drive - Motor Trend

I almost feel bad for any manufacturer that has a turbocharged four-cylinder-powered small car scheduled to be released within the next few years. Not only is the new 2014 Mercedes CLA45 AMG breaking new ground in small performance sedans, it will likely be the benchmark for the next generation. I say "almost" because with a base price of $48,350 and an expected transaction price closer to $55,000, other manufacturers might not see AMG's latest and greatest as direct competition.

 

[brianch]

The AMG genes really come out on the track. The little sedan's limits are easily approachable, even with the stability control completely defeated. If you aren't that confident about your own skills, AMG supplies a Sport mode that allows the car to slide around a bit before it pulls things back in with the brakes. Steering feel is some of the best I've experienced in a front/all-wheel-drive car, assistance is beautifully tuned, and turn-in is quick and linear. On-center resistance feels sure and positive—there is resistance immediately off center, and then it builds in the first few degrees. As you turn in a bit more, the resistance falls off some and the car starts to feel like it really wants to turn. At neutral throttle or with slight trail braking, the car rotates into corners around the center of the car. Turning in with the too much brake gives a decent amount of understeer. At the apex, the car keeps rotating until you pick up the throttle. If you are right at the limit, all four wheels drift out to the curb or, in off-camber or downhill turns, a little drift brings a stupid grin to your face.

Read more: 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG First Drive - Motor Trend
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quote about the driving dynamics on the track.

 

[BenzFan]

Love the intro of this article, it pretty much sums up what the CLA45 AMG means to the rest of the automotive industry, i bet BMW, Audi, and some other car makers are shitting bricks right now thinking how poor sales on their CLA competitors will be

 

[brianch]

not entirely true. The Audi A3 and BMW 2 series and 3 series are getting good interest as well.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

Can't wait to hopefully try one out (which might be pretty difficult I guess)

 

[brianch]

There might be some CLA 250s in lots. Or for demo.

I don't think you will be able to try the AMG though.

I'm not even sure if they have any AMG models for test drives unless you buy one.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

I don't think you will be able to try the AMG though.

I'm not even sure if they have any AMG models for test drives unless you buy one.

Yeah that's exactly how I mean...

 

[brianch]

Maybe I'll try walking in to a dealership and asking for a C63 AMG test drive. I'll probably never come back though.

 

[BenzFan]

Maybe I'll try walking in to a dealership and asking for a C63 AMG test drive. I'll probably never come back though.

LOL

Well if you have money and they know you do, then they'll let you. If you know the sales people...ever better!

 

[brianch]

thats the thing. how can you tell how much money someone has from looking at them? I've walked into dealers before to buy a car in sweat pants and a tshirt.

 

[SimpsonTide985]

thats the thing. how can you tell how much money someone has from looking at them? I've walked into dealers before to buy a car in sweat pants and a tshirt.

Are you over 40? I think a seasoned salesman will tend to give a lot of leniency and trust to males in their 40's and 50's.

I know I've been sorta "profiled" before for being a young Black guy looking to buy a luxury car. It's funny how quickly they change their tune once you start talking intelligently about what you're looking for.

 

[CLA45AMG]

There might be some CLA 250s in lots. Or for demo.

I don't think you will be able to try the AMG though.

I'm not even sure if they have any AMG models for test drives unless you buy one.

Good luck trying to get a test drive on an AMG model. Only way is if you know someone at a Mercedes Benz dealership

 

[BenzFan]

Are you over 40? I think a seasoned salesman will tend to give a lot of leniency and trust to males in their 40's and 50's.

I know I've been sorta "profiled" before for being a young Black guy looking to buy a luxury car. It's funny how quickly they change their tune once you start talking intelligently about what you're looking for.

i see it all the time, a lot of sales people profile others and is crazy the lengths some people have to go through just to get a test drive would be effortless to some.

the movie exit wounds didn't help at all LOL

 

[SimpsonTide985]

lol, it's been forever since I've seen that movie

 

[brianch]

hahahaha. man whatever happened to DMX.

 

[AMG4Matic]

It helps to set up an appointment with them prior to entering the dealership. They take you more seriously if you do so.