I was lucky enough to have earned a seat at the AMG Driving Academy held this week at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin’s Road America. Look for a full article about and review of the AMG Driving Academy in the upcoming print issue of the SL Market Letter.
Parked in front of the ‘chalet’ as the Academy instructors called what was probably the nicest temporary shelters I’ve ever seen, was a row of AMG cars, the only cars at the event that we didn’t drive. There was a 2014 E63 AMG S model wagon, this is the first 2014 E class wagon I’ve personally ever seen. There was an SLS GT coupe, an SLS roadster a GL63 AMG SUV as well as an AMG version of the G wagen, the G63… at the very end of the row was a real example of the highly anticipated 2014 CLA45 AMG.
The car on display was a European market car, from what I saw, and was told, the U.S. market cars will be essentially the same.
This car looked good in white, and contrary to popular belief… it wasn’t ‘too small’. At 6? tall I was perfectly comfortable in the front seat. Head and leg room was ample, much like my daily driver C300.
The inside looked familiar, unmistakably Mercedes-Benz. The one piece front seats looked and felt great. The dash flowed beautifully, trimmed in carbon fiber. The steering wheel is the same as what I had been gripping in the C63 AMG coupes we were hustling around the Road America track all day. The big navigation / infotainment screen perched on top of the center stack was easy to see and not too intrusive. The round air vents mirror what we’ve seen in the SLS cars as well as the new SLK and SL models.
I was curious to check out the back seats as well, not that I would plan to spend much time there as an owner, but it is something that everyone has been speculating about. The back seats had adequate leg room, although I wouldn’t want to drive to California sitting in the back. It was the headroom that lacked more than anything. I had to really be aware not to hit my head while getting into the back seat and had to take special care getting out as well. You just can’t have everything… but these back seats are legitimate enough so you can justify them to a significant other.
If you need more room, get an E63.
If it handles anything like the C63 coupe or sedan I don’t think anyone will be disappointed with this, the newest offering from the fellas in Grossaspach. CLA45 AMG models should be available in dealer showrooms during the first quarter of 2014. If you want one of the first AMG examples I’d suggest calling your dealer now to place a deposit, you should get a call during the fourth quarter of 2013 to spec out your car for a specific build date. (see more photos below)
This car was equipped with carbon fiber trimmed side skirts. Sensors across the back bumper show this one has PARKTRONIC.
LED headlamps, carbon fiber trimmed air intakes and front air dam.
Big, red brakes up front, 4 cylinder turbo under the hood.
More or less a baby CLS.