With a torquey 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG is more than fitting of the famed AMG badge.

Alongside its hatchback twin, the A45 AMG, it is capable of outpacing or matching some much more expensive performance machines, thanks not only to the engine but also its potent all-wheel drive system.

While for most, 376PS and 333 lb-ft is enough for a sedan of the CLA45’s size, German tuning company Loewenstein recently took it upon itself to turn the insanity dial up to 11 with its modified CLA. Created to not only make the car faster, Loewenstein’s selection of upgrades also make it significantly more menacing.

Two performance packages are offered for the CLA45 AMG. The first consists solely of a plug and play module which connects to the factory ECU. It sees power rise to 410 hp and 391 lb-ft. For customers looking for extra performance, custom downpipes with a sport cat can also be installed alongside a new air intake system with sports filters. That results in 425 hp and 399 lb-ft.

Elsewhere, Loewenstein has created a bespoke bodykit for the CLA45 AMG including flared wheel arches, 20 mm wider than the factory fenders at the front and 40 mm wider at the rear. A new splitter has also been installed at the front as has a carbon fibre bonnet. There is also a new bootlid lip spoiler, custom diffuser and milled aluminium exhaust tips finished in gold. To complete the gold tailpipes, there are 20-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres that are 245/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear.

Completing the modifications are a host of new carbon fibre elements throughout the interior including on the steering wheel. Plush velour is now also used for the floor mats and baggage compartment.

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