It has an insanely powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, and a sophisticated dual-clutch transmission. You may think I'm talking about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, but I'm not. I'm talking about the Mercedes CLA45 AMG.
Sure, the Mercedes is quite a bit more expensive than the Evo, and with 355 horsepower and 332-lb-ft of torque — making it the most powerful four-cylinder engine currently in production — it has quite a bit more grunt. But the AMG reminds Motor Trend's Carlos Lago of the Evo, especially in terms of its high-strung nature.
While it's powerful, and gorgeous, Lago finds that the car does understeer on power and lacks the kind of sophisticated all-wheel drive of some of its rivals. But in this test at the Hyundai Proving Grounds, he comes away thinking it's a legit AMG sedan.
Will it keep people away from the Audi S4 or even attract Evo buyers looking for something more upscale? Find out in the video.
Is The Mercedes CLA45 Like A Fancy German Mitsubishi Evo?