I was not a fan of the first-generation CLA. It made Mercedes-Benz look like a mass-market product. The interior did not help, and the venture with the now-defunct Car2Go didn't help with the premium image either. When they announced that the A-Class would be on the chopping board for North America, I was convinced that the CLA would follow soon after. That was before I got to drive it and realized its astonishing driving dynamics, interior, and overall performance. 

Fun Factor: 10

Boy, was I wrong, especially in this AMG 45 S 4Matic+ Coupe version. Yes, the CLA has become a baby CLS better suited to the Benz portfolio. It also comes with a handcrafted 2.0L inline-4 Turbo engine that makes 416 hp; yes, you read that right, a 2L engine produces more than 400hp. In what world are we? The torque is a respectable 369 lb-ft of torque. With all this power, the acceleration is a whopping 4.1 seconds to 100km/h; it would outperform a Ferrari F40 and would probably beat a Corvette C6, all that with four fewer cylinders. The CLA is mighty quick on its feet. However, the CLA is not a one-trick pony. It shifts through gears blazingly fast and is nimble around corners. You feel connected to the tarmac, maybe too much, if your roads are less than stellar. Overall, this has restored faith in the AMG brand after testing the massive GLS 63, making cars that are fun and feel that they're not just cars with tuned engines and a slapped-on badge. Yes, I'm talking to you about GLA 45, which we were a little disappointed when we tested it. (GLA 45 review here) Even though the CLA 45 S is a 4-Banger, it has as many exhausts as the other models, and that exhaust doesn't disappoint.

Can it Family: 7 

Despite being a performance-oriented vehicle, the CLA 45 S can technically fit the bill for small families, but it comes with limitations. Rear-seat legroom is tight, especially for taller passengers, and the sloping coupe roofline eats into headroom. While it has enough space for a weekend getaway or daily errands, the trunk space (11.6 cubic feet/460 Liters) isn't massive, so don't expect to pack many bulky items. It's certainly not a dedicated family hauler, but it could work if you value performance and need a semi-practical vehicle.

Fuel-Friendly: 5

As thrilling as the AMG CLA 45 S is, it doesn't win any awards for fuel efficiency. We clocked in at 13.6L/100km, which is higher than Mercedes-AMG's estimates. However, you should expect that if you're using the car for what it was built for: spirited driving. If you manage to keep your footlight on the throttle, you might get closer to the official figures of 11.9L/100km in the city and 8.3L/100km on the highway, but let's be honest—why buy an AMG if you're going to drive it conservatively?

HWY-warrior: 10

This car truly shines on the highway. The combination of power, responsive gear shifts, and solid stability at speed makes the CLA 45 S a joy to drive on long stretches of road. Overtaking is effortless, and the vehicle feels grounded even at high speeds.

Karaoke Friendly: 8

The remarkable Burmester sound system delivers clear and powerful audio with ample bass for those who love cranking up the volume and singing along. The cabin effectively blocks road noise, allowing you to enjoy your favourite music. The infotainment system boasts the latest MBUX interface with a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch cluster display, although switching songs could be more straightforward. The infotainment system may require some learning due to its numerous sub-menus. The integrated navigation from Mercedes activates the front camera in complex intersections, providing helpful guidance. Additionally, the vehicle offers wireless charging and smartphone connectivity.

Baby friendly: 5

While the CLA 45 S can technically accommodate a baby seat, it's not the most convenient vehicle for parents with infants. The low roofline and narrow rear doors mean you'll have to do some maneuvering to get a car seat in and out. There are ISOFIX points in the rear, but the tight backseat limits the ease of installation. If your primary concern is practicality for a baby, there are better options in the Mercedes lineup, but it'll do the job for the occasional family outing.

City Cruising: 5

While the CLA 45 S is fantastic on highways and open roads, it could be a breeze in the city. The ride is firm, so potholes and uneven roads become more noticeable. Its compact size does make parking a little easier. Still, the performance suspension feels too harsh for comfortable city driving, and the powerful engine can feel underutilized in stop-and-go traffic. If you're primarily city-bound, this might not be your ideal companion, but it'll handle urban jungles when necessary.

Mercedes-AMG has lent us this vehicle for one week as a press vehicle. We have no affiliation with Mercedes-AMG Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the car referred to above.