Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250 4MATIC vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA CLA 250 4MATIC starts at $44,750 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $67,550. That $22,800 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 CLA 250 4MATIC 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 $402/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $24,120 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 CLA 250 4MATIC 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 $22,800 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,560 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 | CLA 250 4MATIC | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,750 | $67,550 |
| 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 | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 20 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 23 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,530 lbs | 3,791 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.4" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.8" |
| Width | 72.0" | 73.1" |
| Height | 56.7" | 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 CLA 250 4MATIC 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 CLA 250 4MATIC?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $67,550 compared to $44,750 for the CLA 250 4MATIC. That is a $22,800 difference, or approximately $402/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250 4MATIC and AMG CLA 45 S have the same engine?
No. The CLA 250 4MATIC 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.
Do the 2026 CLA CLA 250 4MATIC 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 CLA 250 4MATIC 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 $22,800 more than the CLA 250 4MATIC?
The $22,800 buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the CLA 250 4MATIC does the same job for less.
Which 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim gets better fuel economy, the CLA 250 4MATIC or the AMG CLA 45 S?
The CLA 250 4MATIC is the more efficient of the two at 29 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 $22,800 Gap
The CLA AMG CLA 45 S costs $22,800 more than the CLA 250 4MATIC. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+195 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
How the CLA 250 4MATIC and AMG CLA 45 S Feel Different
Moving from the CLA 250 4MATIC to the AMG CLA 45 S means a different engine entirely. 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 6 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CLA CLA 250 4MATIC gets 6 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $378 per year or $1,890 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$22,800 more for the CLA AMG CLA 45 S gets you 5 real differences. At $402/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 CLA 250 4MATIC
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 250 4MATIC 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.