If all you've been hearing about lately has been quiet EVs in all shapes and sizes; then the facelifted (C118) 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S 4Matic+ should come as a breath of fresh air, bringing with it an updated design, improved standard equipment and most of all.. raucous hot-blooded sound!

Two variants of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45S have been introduced at the following prices:

• CLA 45S: RM 527,888
• CLA 45S Street Style Edition: RM 557,888

The new model comes with a substantial price increase over the 2020 pre-facelift model, which started off at RM 448,888. This is mainly due to the improved standard equipment and weaker Ringgit.

Also read: New 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ is now in Malaysia, from RM 527,888, order one online

Under the hood, the powertrain remains the same with (M139) 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 421 PS and 500 Nm of torque.

The CLA 45 is only offered in the more powerful 'S' engine trim which bumps power to 421 PS from (the non-S') 387 PS.

Also read: This is almost the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA, concept previews new look; MMA platform, 800V, 750 km

Power is sent to all four wheels through an AMG Speedshift DCT 8G 8-speed dual-clutch transmission equipped with AMG Torque Control.

The system allows for fully variable all-wheel drive meaning power can be distributed both to the front and rear axles but also between the left and right rear wheels through the rear-axle transmission which is equipped with two electronically controlled multi-plate clutches.

The CLA 45S accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and the top speed is limited to 270 km/h.

The CLA 45S' chassis is managed by adaptive suspension equipped with AMG Ride Control.

Aesthetically, the facelifted CLA 45S features a new AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, and a reshaped front apron.

On the hood, an AMG emblem now features instead of the three-pointed star emblem previously.

Also read: Used 1st-gen (C117) Mercedes-Benz CLA, the baby Merc that brought sexy back

The revisions also include redesigned Multibeam LED headlamps and LED taillights with a new light signature.

The new CLA45s is offered as standard with the 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light alloy wheels available in two finishes, or buyers can optionally upgrade to the 19-inch cross-spoke forged wheels for a premium (pictured above) for a premium of RM 11,000. 

Another big highlight is the new colours: Hyper Blue and Spectral Blue. Seen here is the Hyper Blue, which is only offered on the Mercedes-Benz SL, besides the facelifted CLA 45S.

The more expensive Street Style Edition is featured in Mountain Grey Magno from Mercedes' Manufaktur range.

Patagonia Red (Manufaktur) is another new metallic paint optionally offered for an additional RM 3,000. 

The CLA 45S also features AMG illuminated door sills with "AMG" lettering with exchangeable covers.

The CLA 45S also features the AMG Night package which finishes the front splitter, exterior mirror housing, as well as the belt and windowline trim strip in high gloss black.

Round the back, there are chrome-plated tailpipes.

The optional AMG Night Package II includes the AMG-specific radiator grille, darkened with vertical struts, model badge on the bootlid and wings, and Mercedes star at the rear all in black chrome.

The CLA 45S is also offered as standard now with the AMG Aerodynamics Package which includes front flics, rear boot spoiler and additional elements in the front splitter and rear diffuser for increased stability. The AMG fuel cap is optionally offered (at RM 1,000) as well.

A big addition to the new CLA 45S is the Driving Assistance Package which has Distronic Active Cruise Control, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Brake Assist and Active Parking Assist which features a 360-degree camera for greater ease in parking.

On the inside, the CLA 45S features the latest generation MBUX system and Burmester sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The new sound system additionally features Dolby Atmos for greater clarity, depth and an improved three-dimensional sound field. However, the system only works with Apple Music for now.

Elsewhere, the new CLA 45S also features new display themes which include AMG-specific displays that add to the driving experience.

And as we've seen on other AMG models, the new CLA 45S also features the AMG Track Pace app which helps the driver analyse driving inputs on closed racing circuits.

For an RM 30k premium, the CLA 45S Street Style Edition (SSE) adds further eye-catching styling accessories.

The SSE is equipped as standard with the aforementioned Mountain Grey Magno paint, AMG Night Package I and II, as well as colour accents and decals in fluorescent orange.

On the inside, the SSE includes orange contrast stitching in bright orange around the cabin, different floor mats, the CLA 45S label on the front seats and finally the AMG door-sill trims.

The new CLA 45S is available for order through the Mercedes-Benz online showroom.

Also read: First in ASEAN, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launches new agency model - one best price for any model