A45 AMG
in our hatch triple test, been on the
GLA45
CLA
we had recently, I'm in the rare (and privileged) position of having driven every Mercedes '45 AMG. Which is my favourite? Tricky one.
Whichever body it's in the AMG four is a cracker
There can be no denying the outright ability of the A45. At maximum commitment across
a moorland road
, the A-Class just feels epic; it copes with whatever you or the surface can throw at it, agile, composed and so flippin' fast.
And though it really isn't relevant, the A45 was possibly my favourite AMG on a frozenlake. Being able to leave it one gear alleviated the transmission gripes, the 4WD shuffled around power near perfectly and the absence of grip revealed a really enjoyable balance. The brakes were always stunning.
But there's the problem. For me the A45 has only been truly rewarding in extreme circumstances that would very seldom be encountered. I'm loath to say it but I just found the M135i more involving and enjoyable (steering aside) more of the time. It felt ragged just as the Merc was at its best in Yorkshire, but that was for a very small percentage of the time.
CLA45 has the toughest test; is least convincing
The CLA will always be hamstrung by the other four-door AMG products available. As has already been discussed, it is very similar to the A45 which seems like a slight missed opportunity. A hardcore hot hatch can be unique and exceptional in the range but a saloon surely sits in a different place? Customers wanting a rally rep four-door won't want a Mercedes and I'm not convinced a Merc customer who wants a saloon will find something so similar to the A- very appealing .
Whisper it, but the GLA is my favourite '45 AMG. I know, embarrassing. It trades a sliver of the competence found in the other two (it's only three seconds slower round the 'ring than an A-, remember) for some additional compliance and a more endearing character. Perhaps it's the confusing remit and incongruity of such a car, a hatch-based 4x4 that can't actually go off-road because of its performance focus. Maybe it was just having a great drive in it. But it's the one I'd have.
And the PH choice is ... the crossover? Matt!
However, there's an issue with all three. I know Mercedes has to target new areas and meet more stringent targets, but there's some fundamental AMGness lacking. The easygoing nature of the V8 cars, be that a C- or SLK- or E-, is notable by its absence. In my opinion, that's a shame. But then what do I know? A45s are flying out the door optioned-up to the hilt. I'd be fascinated to hear how A/CLA45 owners are getting on.