The hot sedan market in India has got a refreshed competitor in the form of the updated Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG which is now available in India at Rs 75.20 lakhs. Its main rival is the Audi S5 which was launched here a few months ago. These are aspirational cars as they are faster versions of their standard counterparts and even look the part too. So how do they stack up against each other? Read on to find out.
On the face of it, there are two approaches to the concept. The CLA45 AMG has the traditional sedan lines but still manages to look the part thanks to the rear roofline which flows into the boot. On the other hand, the S5 is a Sportback and this is its signature element in its design and it is understated compared to the CLA45. Both cars are noticeable from the design of their grilles, head lamps as well as tail lamps.
Given their positioning in the market, both cars are offered with the same level of features. They get infotainment system with floating displays, multi-zone climate control, leather upholstery and electrically adjustable front seats. In terms of numbers, the S5 is longer and wider than the CLA45, but thanks to the sloping roofline of the Sportback design, it has a little bit less useable space as compared to the Mercedes.
However, where the AMG Merc manages to stand out from the S5 is the way branding has been splashed around in the cabin. You get AMG badges all around with an AMG spec wheel, instrument cluster and even some options in the infotainment system. Adding to this of course are the red colour seats belts. Things are a bit subtle in the S5 as you get alacantera upholstery and even some S5 badges, but on a smaller scale compared to what is seen in the CLA45 AMG.
The CLA45 AMG is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor producing 375bhp/475Nm with power going to all four wheels via an AMG speed-shift transmission and 4MATIC AWD system. The S5 comes with a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 349bhp/500Nm with power going to all four wheels via an eight-speed AT and quattro AWD system. The engine capacities might be vastly different, but the AMGs mill is a newer system with technology that has nearly put it on par with the Audi’s mill.
Two cars with the same purpose- to GO fast, be good looking but also be useable for everyday things - that’s our fight today. The CLA45 AMG has more show and go than the S5, but if you really want a car that stands out then the latter with its Sportback roof is a unique offering.
