Would You Buy an $82,345 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S?

[AVANTI R5]

Four-cylinder power has become the standard for Mercedes-AMG as of late, even if a few V-8 powerplants are hanging on. But that doesn't mean all the fun is gone, with the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 as a case in point. Boasting 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque out of AMG's 2.0-liter turbocharged, inline-four M139 engine, the CLA platform is as grippy as it is quick, with 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive.

AMG-tuned versions of the CLA series are a proper riot, even amongst strong competition from BMW and Audi. Priced to compete with premium trims of BMW's M340i and Audi's S4, the AMG CLA45 S starts at $66,550 for 2024. At $66,550, the performance afforded by the CLA45 S seems steep, but would you pay $82,345 for a few extras?

That's right, the folks in Affalterbach are launching a limited production of models known as the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 for the low cost of $82,345 (including a $1150 destination fee). And it's not a mechanically upgraded package, either. For an extra $15,000, Mercedes-AMG is making the Edition 1 a solely visual package.

Specifically, Mountain Grey Magno paint and a series of red highlighted AMG logos will adorn the compact sedan. Touches of orange are found on additional trim pieces and the AMG Night Package Plus as well as the AMG Aerodynamics Package come standard. These packages include a larger front splitter, rear spoiler, and a set of matte black, 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels. Red brake calipers are also mandatory, of course.

The exclusivity continues inside, as the AMG Performance seats come wrapped in black microfiber upholstery and special orange stitching. Interior lighting will also be model-specific for the Edition 1, featuring red illuminated AMG door sill panels and red instrument lighting. As cool as this all sounds, getting your hands on a 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 won't be easy.

That's because Mercedes is only building 25 units for the U.S. market. Given the lack of mechanical changes, Mercedes' says these special edition models should hit dealerships soon, not too far behind its standard siblings.

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[torquemada]

[SCRAPPYDO]

does not matter, somebody will. We have reached peak stupidity, where people buy things BECAUSE they are ludicrously priced.

example. I was at Cabellas and saw a bass crank bait for 60 dollars. For one damn crank bait, but somebody will buy it.

[godfather2112]

So many AMG cars are sitting on lots due to 4 banger turbo and I think I read an article saying Mercedes plans to ditch that engine and bring back the v8.

But agree, people will spend more because of the perceived value or luxury associated with the cost. Perfect example, Payless Shoes rented a space on the strip of NYC. The removed anything that had Payless symbol and have their shoes stupid fancy names and people were coughing up hundreds to thousand of dollars for shoes that don't go above $50-$75 at Payless. Those morons were not impressed when it was revealed they're Payless shoes.

[SCRAPPYDO]

HAHA

I recall that. Fashion is a breeding ground for idiotic levels of vanity.

[Kostamojen]

I still like the GLA45 with all the aero bits, but its 30% too expensive for what it is too.

Mercedes has never had anything I would seriously consider, bunch of overweight, unreliable, squeaky interior, automatic transmission garbage for decades.

[Stanley]

416hp out of 2.0 liters is gonzo, and I appreciate what the engineers have done...but I am not a buyer.