Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology vs AMG CLA 45 S
The CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology starts at $49,800 while the AMG CLA 45 S is $67,550. That $17,750 gap buys 5 meaningful differences.
$17,750 more is ~$313/month. The question is whether 67 more hp will matter to you every week.
If you would notice the 2.0L I4 Turbo every week, the AMG CLA 45 S makes sense. If not, the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 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 $313/month more over 60 months, or roughly $18,780 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
Same platform and drivetrain options on both trims.
The upgrade math
You are paying $17,750 for 4 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,438 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. 5 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 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology | AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $49,800 | $67,550 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | electric | 2.0L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 416 hp |
| Torque | 380 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 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 350 4MATIC 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 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology?
The AMG CLA 45 S starts at $67,550 compared to $49,800 for the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology. That is a $17,750 difference, or approximately $313/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology and AMG CLA 45 S have the same engine?
No. The CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology uses a electric (349 hp, 380 lb-ft), while the AMG CLA 45 S has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (416 hp, 369 lb-ft). That is 67 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 2-speed automatic.
Do the 2026 CLA CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology 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 350 4MATIC 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 $17,750 more than the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology?
The $17,750 buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology does the same job for less.
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 $17,750 More?
Same drivetrain, $17,750 more. The CLA AMG CLA 45 S adds minor equipment upgrades over the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology, but the core driving experience is identical.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The AMG CLA 45 S uses a different powertrain configuration than the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology. That means 67 more horsepower and -11 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed.
Bottom Line
The CLA AMG CLA 45 S costs $17,750 more than the CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology (about $313/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 4 meaningful changes at $4,438 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 CLA 350 4MATIC w/EQ Technology
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 350 4MATIC 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.