Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology starts at $47,250 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $67,550. That $20,300 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
$20,300 more is ~$358/month. The question is whether 148 more hp, 122 more lb-ft torque will matter to you every week.
Choose the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology if the electric with RWD 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 $358/month more over 60 months, or roughly $21,480 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
Same platform and drivetrain options on both trims.
The upgrade math
You are paying $20,300 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,060 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, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $47,250 | $67,550 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 416 hp |
| Torque | 247 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG / MPGe | No published data | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG / MPGe | No published data | 28 MPG |
| Combined MPG / MPGe | No published data | 23 MPG |
| Fuel Tank | No published data | 13.5 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 4,530 lbs | 3,791 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 109.8" | 107.4" |
| Length | 185.9" | 184.8" |
| Width | 73.0" | 73.1" |
| Height | 57.8" | 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+ w/EQ Technology 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+ w/EQ Technology?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $67,550 compared to $47,250 for the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology. That is a $20,300 difference, or approximately $358/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology and AMG CLA 45 S have the same engine?
No. The CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology uses a electric (268 hp, 247 lb-ft), while the AMG CLA 45 S has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 148 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 2-speed automatic.
Does the 2026 CLA CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology come with AWD?
No. The CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology comes standard with RWD while the AMG CLA 45 S has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA come with?
All 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA trims, including both the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 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 $20,300 more than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology?
The AMG CLA 45 S changes both the engine and drivetrain for $20,300 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
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 $20,300 More?
The CLA AMG CLA 45 S costs $20,300 more than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+148 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The AMG CLA 45 S uses a different powertrain configuration than the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology. That means 148 more horsepower and 122 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 AMG CLA 45 S has AWD while the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Bottom Line
$20,300 more for the CLA AMG CLA 45 S gets you 5 real differences. At $358/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+ w/EQ Technology
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 250+ w/EQ Technology 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.