Mercedes-AMG CLA 35/45

 

The CLA 35 and 45 are the sportier, more performance-focused versions of Mercedes-Benz's entry-level four-door coupe. The 35 is the mid-level CLA trim, while the 45 is the top-of-the-line CLA model. Both AMG CLA models were released shortly after the current standard CLA, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in the 35 and 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque in the 45. The launch from zero to 60 mph occurs in 4.4 seconds for the 35 and 3.7 seconds for the 45. Both AMG CLA models come standard with 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive. The CLA 35 comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the CLA 45 has an eight-speed automatic. Compared to the CLA 35, the CLA 45's main aesthetic differences are a more showy grille, wider front fenders, and additional aerodynamic bits and pieces. On the other hand, the CLA 35 and 45's interiors are practically the same. They both come with Mercedes-Benz's latest version of its MBUX infotainment system housed in a 14-inch display that stretches across much of the dashboard, which also contains the digital gauge cluster. In addition, the AMG CLA is available with black faux-suede accents, red seat belts, contrast stitching, and custom ambient interior lighting with illuminated circular air vents on the dashboard. 

Other notable features on the AMG CLA include carbon fiber trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and an available Drift mode exclusive to the CLA 45. Pricing for the current Mercedes-AMG CLA starts at $48,950 for the 35 and $56,950 for the 45. Overall, the current AMG CLA is a solid performance vehicle and a significant improvement over its predecessor. It may not be the best Mercedes-AMG model, but the current CLA looks beautiful, is well-crafted, and has some impressive technology.

BMW M5 (E39)

 

The E39-gen BMW M5 is the third generation of BMW's iconic super sedan. It was produced from 1999 to 2003 and is powered by a 4.9-liter S62 V8 with 394 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque paired to a six-speed manual. The E39 M5 can launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and can reach a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. It is also the first M5 to offer a V8 and feature aluminum parts in its front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. The E39 M5's interior has been designed and constructed very well, containing a few oddball aspects here and there. Roughly 20,000 E39 M5s were built during its production run. It has appreciated in value more recently, with the first example featured in this post (in gray) currently for sale at almost $70,000 and the second example (in silver) also currently for sale at around $37,000. Overall, the E39-gen BMW M5 is a rather subtle yet stunning and impressive performance sedan. In addition, the late 90s to early 2000s M5 is cooler and better than at least 80 percent of all other BMW models.

Ferrari 575M Maranello

 The 575M Maranello is Ferrari's front-engine V12 grand touring two-seater from the early to mid 2000s and technically a mid-cycle refresh of the 550 Maranello. '575' refers to its V12's displacement in centiliters, while the 'M' stands for modified. It was produced from 2002 to 2006 and is powered by a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V12 with 508 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. The 575M makes the dash to 60 mph in about four seconds and carries a top speed of 202 mph. It was offered with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission, most of which came with the latter gearbox. The main noticeable difference between the 550 and the 575M physically is their front-end styling, specifically the grille. A total of just over 2,000 575Ms were built, in addition to a more limited drop-top version known as the 575M Superamerica toward the end of its production run. The 575M is currently valued at anywhere in the high $100,000s up to around half a million dollars. It may not be my absolute favorite Ferrari, but the 575M is a beautiful and amazing supercar that makes my jaw drop every time I see one up close. 

BMW M3/M4 (2021-)

 

Two of BMW's most popular and well-known models received complete redesigns for the 2021 model year. Many folks in the car community can agree that the latest M3 and M4 are the most polarizing ones yet. I'll explain why this is a bit later. Powering the new M3 and M4 are a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six producing 473 to 503 horsepower and 406 to 479 lb-ft of torque, with the former figures applying to the base M3/M4 and the latter figures applying to the M3/M4 Competition. Both models launch from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds for the base M3/M4, 3.8 seconds for the M3/M4 Competition, and 3.4 seconds for the M3/M4 Competition xDrive. The new M3 and M4 are capable of a top speed of 180 mph. The base M3 and M4 are offered only with a 6-speed manual, while the M3 and M4 Competition are only offered with an 8-speed automatic. 

Notable standard features include adaptive dampers, adjustable brake-pedal feel, increased use of carbon fiber over the regular 3 Series and 4 Series, a 12.3-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled via a rotary knob and/or buttons in the center console, additional sportier M driving modes, an electronically-controlled exhaust system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harmon/Kardon audio system. Optional features include the M Drift Analyzer, gesture controls, a subscription-based WiFi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad. It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the M3 has a roomier backseat than the M4. 

Pricing for the current BMW M3 and M4 starts in the low $70,000s and can quickly approach $90,000 with options. They are great vehicles, but the biggest issue I have with the new M3 and M4 is their front-end styling. More specifically, the kidney grille is too big, looks out of place, and ruins the entire design, despite the current M3 and M4 looking pretty good from the rear and side angles. In addition, the M3 and M4 have other flaws that make me see them as inferior to other performance cars and its competitors, especially the Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS5, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifolgio. I haven't seen too many examples of the current M3 and M4 up close and in person so far, but I expect to see more of them on the street and at car meets like I have with the previous M3 and M4 as time goes by and more of them are produced.