New 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Cranks It Up With Over 400 Horsepower

After seeing multiple CLA prototypes undergoing tests in public recently, it was about time the range-topping AMG version stuck its head out – and, naturally, get sniped by our spy photographers.

Compared to the regular model, the AMG-powered version is clearly more aggressive in the way it looks, from the Panamericana grille, to the beefy front and rear spoilers, quad-exhaust tips, boot lid spoiler, massive diffuser and lowered ride height.

From a front, three-quarter angle, the car looks like what we expected it to ever since we saw this rendering back in February. What the render got wrong is the A-Class Sedan-like taillight design, which in reality is clearly a lot less thick around the outer edges as far as the all-new CLA is concerned.

The all-new CLA will share the A-Class Sedan’s dual screen layout, yet we might still see a few changes that could help differentiate their interiors, especially since the CLA is supposed to be a more stylish and pricier alternative to the A-Class Sedan.

It could actually be called the CLA 50

According to the latest reports, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 (or 50, as some suggest it will be named) will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot, pushing down more than 400 PS (394 HP) to all four corners via Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

Since the old CLA 45 could hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds from a standstill, we expect the new, more powerful version to get that down to 4 seconds flat, or possibly even less.

There have been reports about Mercedes adding an even more focused and powerful ‘S’ variant with a 20hp or so boost, as well.

Mercedes hasn’t yet announced a launch date, but this should happen either towards the end of 2018 or, more likely, in the first half of 2019.

Article has been updated with new spy shots and information