![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 01]()
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced a trio of AMG models last week, one of them was the 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, a four-door coupe priced at RM 448,888. But there’s another AMG model with four doors, similar output levels, and in a similar price bracket (RM 421,888) – the Mercedes-AMG C43. So in this article, we'll be looking at the CLA 45 vs C43.
CLA45 vs C43
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 02]()
Both are priced rather closely to one another because the Mercedes-AMG C43 is locally assembled, while the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is fully imported.
Since we’ve yet to test the CLA 45 S, we won’t be getting into driving impressions. Instead, we’ll take a closer look at the spec sheets.
Powertrain
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Propelling the recently introduced CLA 45 S is a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, churning out 421 PS/500 Nm and is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. The 4Matic+ system channels power to all four wheels. 0-100 km/h is dealt with 4 seconds flat and charges to a top speed of 270 km/h.
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 02]()
The C43 is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine that pushes out 390 PS and 520 Nm of torque, all wheels are driven through a 9-speed automatic transmission. It completes the century sprint in 4.7 seconds and is limited to 250 km/h.
Exterior dimensions and weight
Dimensions and weight |
|
C43 |
CLA 45 S |
Length (mm) |
4,699 |
4,693 |
Width (mm) |
1,810 |
1,857 |
Height (mm) |
1,429 |
1,413 |
Wheelbase (mm) |
2,840 |
2,729 |
Weight (kg) |
1,630 |
1,600 |
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 03]()
Both cars are actually close in terms of overall dimensions, save for the wheelbase. As a car from one size above, the C43 has a longer wheelbase by 111 mm. This would theoretically trade agility for stability.
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 04]()
The four-door coupe CLA 45 S is wider and lower, giving it a sportier stance on the road whereas the C43 has a traditional sedan look.
Interior
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As standard inside the CLA 45 S, there are AMG Performance seats that hug your body in place and provides the necessary support when going around corners. The dual-widescreen setup, ambient lighting, and the intricately designed air vents add the wow factor.
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 06]()
In the C43, it’s a familiar sight of the W205 C-Class interior. It still looks good after all these years but next to the CLA 45 S, its age starts to show. The touchpad is from earlier generations of Mercedes-Benzes and the screens aren’t as well integrated to the dashboard.
Wheels and suspension
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 07]()
The C43 has a staggered setup in which the rear wheels are wider than the front, with tyres measuring 225/40 R19 at the front and 255/35 R19 at the rear. Staggered wheels, in general, provide a stable handling balance that favours understeer at the limits.
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 08]()
On the other hand, the CLA 45 S wears 255/35 R19 on all corners. This should in theory give a more neutral handling balance.
Both cars are equipped with AMG Ride Control suspension with adaptive damping.
Advanced Driver-Assistance System
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The Driving Assistance package in the CLA 45 S includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assistant with cross-traffic function. There’s also Active Parking Assist with Parktronic and Pre-Safe.
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The C43 has Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Active Parking Assist, Active Brake Assist, and Pre-Safe.
![AMG battle: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S vs C43, which AMG is for you? 11]()
So there you have it, a quick overview on the C43 and CLA 45 S. Would you pick a more traditional looking sedan or the sleek four-door coupe?