Review: Mercedes Benz debuts CLA45 AMG powerhouse [Photos]

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The new CLA sedan is the cheapest model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the CLA45 AMG is the most affordable model from Mercedes’ performance division. With a starting price under $30-grand, the CLA works best with less – adding extra power and tons of options only blunts the bargain side of this equation.

While the 355-horsepower CLA45 AMG has more grunt, its $48,375 entry-level price pits it against very potent luxury sedans from the likes of BMW, Lexus, Cadillac and, believe it or not, even Mercedes’ own stable of vehicles.

Mercedes likes to point out the CLA45 is the least expensive AMG product currently available. That’s fine, we get that the AMG badge carries a lot of weight with car enthusiasts. Then again, the larger and, arguably, more upscale 2014 Mercedes C350 sport sedan carries a base price of $42,100.

The standard CLA250, on the other hand, is heavily promoted by Mercedes as being the least expensive model in the German automaker’s U.S. range. Keep in mind, the $29,900 price-tag is a little misleading, since it doesn’t include destination charge.


	The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 proves that extra power doesn't always make for a better car.

The CLA is definitely an attention-grabbing small sedan. You do sacrifice some space in the rear seat for those sporty coupe-like lines, however.

We like the overall look of the dash, even if there are some cheap-feeling plastics here and there. The large center screen is handy, though we're guessing a lot of people are going to mistake it for a removable tablet computer.

 

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