This. I drive an STI, so it's comparable. I love the performance, but frankly, I'm getting tired of the stiff ride, the lack of amenities, the rather subpar interior, the loud exhaust (I have the quietest aftermarket exhaust you can get), and yes, the boy racer appearance/reputation.

The CLA45 AMG has Mercedes prestige, with near Evo/STI performance. Hell, supposedly a tune will get you to 450 HP in the CLA. The only things I dislike are the transmission and the stupid center console screen. You also get to be part of the AMG club that holds a track event every year.

 

We got a CLA45 AMG today. First impressions, first thing I noticed how quiet that thing idled. My evo with the HKS sport and oem cat is much louder actually. Interior is nothing special over the regular CLA. I like the special suede you see in the AMG cars, it was not in the CLA. No surprise though, Mercedes wont do that because they are trying to keep the price as low as possible. It did have a nice carbon fiber engine cover. It had the larger AMG calipers in the front, but regular calipers in the back. Retail on this one was $57K. No thanks, there are much better cars for the money that I would rather have. Acceleration was ok, but nothing really to write home about, imo.

 

I don't think it's surprising that your Japanese sedan with an aftermarket exhaust is louder than a stock luxury brand car.

 

Ya I here what your saying but I guess I was trying to say is that I had imagined this car to be louder than what it was. In fairness a 6.3L will be louder than a turbo 4.
The CLA AMG does have a pretty good size turbo which is cool. For the price I was more impressed with the E250 bluetec with the 2.1L bi turbo diesel engine. 2015 there supposed to put that engine in a C class, If they decide to put one in a C class coupe I may consider one.