Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim comparison
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 starts at $54,950 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $65,400. That $10,450 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo to 2.0L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the AMG CLA 35 if the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the AMG CLA 45 S only when the 2.0L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The AMG CLA 45 S adds about $184/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $11,040 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S share the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $10,450 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,090 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | AMG CLA 35 | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $54,950 | $65,400 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 416 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 22 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 29 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 25 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,505 lbs | 3,660 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.4" |
| Length | 184.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 73.1" | 73.1" |
| Height | 55.3" | 55.4" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 vs AMG CLA 45 S Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S cost than the AMG CLA 35?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $65,400 compared to $54,950 for the AMG CLA 35. That is a $10,450 difference, or approximately $184/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S have the same engine?
No. The AMG CLA 35 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (302 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the AMG CLA 45 S has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 114 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Do the 2024 CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class come with?
All 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trims, including both the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S worth $10,450 more than the AMG CLA 35?
The $10,450 buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the AMG CLA 35 does the same job for less.
Which 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim gets better fuel economy, the AMG CLA 35 or the AMG CLA 45 S?
The AMG CLA 35 is the more efficient of the two at 25 combined MPG, versus 23 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $10,450 Gap
The AMG CLA 45 S earns its premium. For $10,450 more, you get the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+114 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the CLA-Class lineup.
How the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S Feel Different
Moving from the AMG CLA 35 to the AMG CLA 45 S means a different engine entirely. That means 114 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $146 per year or $730 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$10,450 more for the CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S gets you 5 real differences. At $184/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the AMG CLA 35 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the AMG CLA 45 S when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.