Mercedes-Benz has announced a second AMG performance version of the redesigned 2020 CLA-Class — and the CLA45 marks the debut of what Mercedes touts as the world’s most powerful production-model four-cylinder engine, its M139 turbocharged 2.0-liter four-banger that will put out 382 horsepower.
Related: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Still Small but Bigger on Tech, Safety
There is an even higher-output version that passes 200 hp per liter at 416 hp, but Mercedes is not promising that European CLA45 S for U.S. buyers. The swoopy CLA sedan, what Europeans like to call a “four-door coupe,” has been fully redesigned for 2020 and follows the introduction of the 2019 A-Class, a properly upright sedan that slides in under the CLA as the new entry-level Benz.
The CLA45 also will put out 354 pounds-feet of torque and will be mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. It gets a standard AMG all-wheel-drive system that can send full power to the rear axle and shift it side-to-side via an electronic rear differential with separate clutches for each wheel. Mercedes estimates zero-to-62 mph in 4.0 seconds. Among the CLA45 AWD system’s tricks will be a Drift mode.
If you want to get down into the weeds about how AMG engineers pump that much power from the small engine, as well as handle the stresses, you can read more details here.
The CLA45 compares to the already-announced AMG CLA35 with a 302-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 295 pounds-feet of torque and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with standard all-wheel drive. Zero-to-60 mph is estimated at 4.6 seconds. Otherwise, the CLA45 is similarly more aggressive in AMG exterior aero add-ons, and inside gets the 2020 tech and trim design updates.
The civilian CLA, meanwhile, has a standard 221-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 258 pounds-feet of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and front- or all-wheel drive. Mercedes says all versions of the 2020 CLA will be on sale by the end of 2019; pricing has not been announced.
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