A completely uncamouflaged Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG has been spotted in Mumbai. The car was unveiled earlier this year at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo and is speculated to be launched here in July. While the ‘regular’ CLA will be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Pune, the CLA45 AMG will be imported directly as a completely-built-unit (CBU).
Like the CLA, the CLA45 AMG is based on the same Modular Front Architecture (MFA) platform as the A-Class and B-Class hatchbacks. Developed by AMG, the CLA45 is a pumped up version of the CLA saloon, powered by the company’s most powerful four-pot engine. The 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged motor produces 360bhp and 450Nm of torque which is good for an electronically limited top speed of 250kmph. The engine is mated to a SpeedShift DCT seven-speed gearbox and powers all four wheels through a 4MATIC system.
Being a CBU, the CLA45 AMG will attract hefty taxes and is expected to be priced around Rs 60-65 lakh. Despite this, it will still be the most affordable AMG car in India, undercutting the next cheapest AMG, the C63, by around Rs 30 lakh. With the C63, E63, SLK55, G63 and SLS already being sold in here, the CLA45 is a part of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to eventually bring all its AMG cars to India.
Mercedes-Benz is no longer the best-selling luxury car brand, thanks to Audi and BMW. The German manufacturer has set the target to get back on top by 2016 with its new range of MFA platform-based cars. Owing to its size, price and performance figures, the CLA45 AMG will go up against a host of sports cars like the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster and the Audi TT. The CLA45 AMG is the most powerful car among the lot and will be priced lower than the BMW and the Porsche. Also the four seats and the boot also make it the most practical option compared to the others.
