2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Cost Starting at $48,375

Mercedes-Benz has revealed cost for the newest addition to its AMG sport-performance family, the CLA45 AMG, which arrives with a starting MSRP of $48,375, featuring delivery.

The CLA45 AMG is the smallest car in Mercedes’ AMG stable, and is enhanced by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor that provides 355 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, making it the strongest 4-cylinder motor in the world. All that power is routed via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and on to all 4 wheels thanks to Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive setting. Sprinting from 0 to 60 mph takes only 4.5 sec, while the vehicle is limited to a 155 mph top speed.

There are a couple of options that can be had on the CLA45, featuring carbon fiber interior trim for $950, a panoramic sunroof for $1,480, metallic paint for an extra $720, and enhanced infotainment setting which costs $2,300.

Direct competition is scarce for Mercedes’ fresh little performance model. The Audi S3 sedan will stack up closest, but it is not on the sale yet. Other, non-luxury competition features the VW Golf R, Subaru WRX STI, and maybe even the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, though all 3 are considerably less mighty and cheaper, in comparison to the CLA45 AMG.

Cost for the regular CLA starts at $30,825 (also featuring delivery), meaning the AMG variant carries about $18,000 premium over the base variant of the vehicle.