The new CLA 45 AMG four-door coupé at the NBK Automobiles pavilion at the Qatar Motor Show
yesterday. PICTURE: Nasar T K

The new CLA 45 AMG four-door coupé, described as “the most dynamic, most powerful and also the most efficient four-cylinder series-production car,” has marked its Qatar and Middle East debut at the 4th annual Qatar Motor Show (QMS), which opened yesterday evening.
The event, being held at the Qatar National Convention Centre for the first time, will conclude on February 25. The show will be open to the public from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and 1pm to 10pm during the weekend. Entry is free.
The new CLA 45 AMG is one of the star attractions at the pavilion of Nasser Bin Khaled Automobiles (NBK Automobiles). Unveiling the coupe, Khaled Shaaban, general manager of NBK Automobiles said: “With the CLA 45 AMG, we are showing that even four cylinders can provide immense driving pleasure. This high-performance model has hallmark AMG DNA. The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive allows driving dynamics at the highest level.”
With the turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission – the CLA 45 AMG features a drive system that delivers highly dynamic and efficient performance.
The CLA 45 AMG incorporates the AMG 2.0-litre 360hp turbo engine - the most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production anywhere in the world. The combination of high performance and torque, together with the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, gives the CLA 45 AMG driving characteristics almost on a par with those of a sports car.
The performance coupé accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG 2.0-litre turbo engine is impressive also with regard to its efficiency and environmental compatibility. The CLA 45 AMG achieves a fuel consumption level of 6.9 litres per 100km according to New European Driving Cycle combined figures.
Mercedes-AMG addresses the challenges of small-displacement turbo engines through a twin-scroll turbocharger, maximum de-restriction of the exhaust system and an innovative injection strategy.
The new AMG four cylinder turbo engine is hand-built according to the traditional AMG philosophy of “one man, one engine.” An exclusive assembly line has been set up for the new AMG engine at the Mercedes-Benz engine production plant in Kölleda, Germany – where all BlueDIRECT four-cylinder engines are built. A characteristic feature of the “one man, one engine” production process is the AMG engine plate bearing the signature of the responsible engine fitter.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed sports transmission is directly flange-mounted on the engine. The dual clutch transmission of the CLA 45 AMG features seven gears, three driving programmes, a double-declutching function and RACE START for optimum acceleration. The strengths of the AMG DCT sports transmission include spontaneous gear shifting without any interruption in tractive power, a tailor-made control strategy, extremely smooth and easy gear shifting and a high level of efficiency.
The CLA 45 AMG comes with the AMG 4MATIC all wheel drive as standard. The power flux to the rear powertrain is provided by a compact power take-off unit (PTU) which is fully integrated in the 7-speed sports transmission. A two-part propeller shaft transfers the power from the AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine to the rear axle.
In the interests of favourable weight distribution, an electro-hydraulically controlled multiple-disc clutch is integrated with the rear axle differential. The multiple-disc clutch immediately detects slip at the front axle. A hydraulic pump instantaneously presses the discs together and channels the engine torque to the rear wheels as necessary. In normal driving, the CLA 45 AMG uses front-wheel drive in the interest of optimum efficiency.
An exclusive feature is the interaction of the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive with the 3-stage ESP and the ESP Curve Dynamic Assist.
The new CLA 45 AMG also incorporates sophisticated axle technology. The three-link front suspension is provided with stiffer steering knuckles and totally new elastokinematics. Newly developed, more rigid bearings employed in the lower link plane, provide for more agile cornering properties and more precise and direct feedback from the road surface.
The four-link rear axle of the CLA 45 AMG is also a totally new development. In the course of optimising the elastokinematics, the strut bearings were duly adapted for maximum driving dynamics and control. The rear axle carrier is provided with more rigid bearings for increased driving stability; the subframe is rigidly connected to the body. The AMG sports suspension with specifically tuned spring/damper units and larger stabilisers provides for high lateral acceleration and a reduced rolling tendency in fast double bends. The CLA 45 AMG comes as standard with AMG light-alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 R 18 tyres.
The electromechanical Dual Pinion AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with AMG-specific, speed-dependent power assistance and a constant steering ratio (14.5:1) enables high steering precision and agility. The AMG high-performance braking system with ventilated and perforated brake discs all round in size 350 x 32mm at the front and 330 x 22mm at the rear provides for spontaneous and reliable deceleration.