Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim comparison
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA-Class CLA 250 starts at $43,200 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $65,400. That $22,200 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The AMG CLA 45 S gets the 2.0L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $22,200 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the CLA 250 if the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the AMG CLA 45 S only when the 2.0L I4 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $391/month more over 60 months, or roughly $23,460 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 CLA 250 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 $22,200 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $3,700 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. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | CLA 250 | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $43,200 | $65,400 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 416 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 36 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,950/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,362 lbs | 3,660 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.4" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.8" |
| Width | 72.0" | 73.1" |
| Height | 56.3" | 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 CLA 250 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 CLA 250?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $65,400 compared to $43,200 for the CLA 250. That is a $22,200 difference, or approximately $391/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 and AMG CLA 45 S have the same engine?
No. The CLA 250 uses a 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo (221 hp, 258 lb-ft), while the AMG CLA 45 S has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 195 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed automated manual.
Does the 2024 CLA-Class CLA 250 come with AWD?
No. The CLA 250 comes standard with FWD while the AMG CLA 45 S has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class come with?
All 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trims, including both the CLA 250 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 $22,200 more than the CLA 250?
The AMG CLA 45 S changes both the engine and drivetrain for $22,200 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim gets better fuel economy, the CLA 250 or the AMG CLA 45 S?
The CLA 250 is the more efficient of the two at 30 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.
Is the CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S Worth $22,200 More?
The CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S costs $22,200 more than the CLA 250. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+195 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the CLA 250 has the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo, the AMG CLA 45 S the 2.0L I4 Turbo. That means 195 more horsepower and 111 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 7 fewer combined MPG. The AMG CLA 45 S has AWD while the CLA 250 has FWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CLA-Class CLA 250 gets 7 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $426 per year or $2,130 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
$22,200 more for the CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 S gets you 6 real differences. At $391/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 CLA 250
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 250 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.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
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.