Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG CLA 35 vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA AMG CLA 35 starts at $56,600 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $67,550. That $10,950 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.
If you would notice the 2.0L I4 Turbo every week, the AMG CLA 45 S makes sense. If not, the AMG CLA 35 is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $193/month more over 60 months, or roughly $11,580 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $10,950 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $2,190 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 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | AMG CLA 35 | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $56,600 | $67,550 |
| 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 | 3,703 lbs | 3,791 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.4" |
| Length | 184.8" | 184.8" |
| Width | 73.1" | 73.1" |
| Height | 55.3" | 55.4" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| 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.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 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 2026 CLA AMG CLA 45 S cost than the AMG CLA 35?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $67,550 compared to $56,600 for the AMG CLA 35. That is a $10,950 difference, or approximately $193/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 2026 CLA 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA come with?
All 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG CLA 45 S worth $10,950 more than the AMG CLA 35?
The $10,950 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 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 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.
Is the CLA AMG CLA 45 S Worth $10,950 More?
Spending $10,950 more on the CLA AMG CLA 45 S buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+114 hp). These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the AMG CLA 35 has the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo, the AMG CLA 45 S the 2.0L I4 Turbo. That means 114 more horsepower and 74 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 2 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CLA 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.
Bottom Line
The CLA AMG CLA 45 S costs $10,950 more than the AMG CLA 35 (about $193/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $2,190 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 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 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 2026 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.