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2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA is fully redesigned, marking the start of its second generation. The biggest change is a ground-up overhaul that brings a new body and structure, a modern touchscreen cabin, and comprehensively reworked performance models.
About the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA
2nd generation (C118), first model year
The AMG CLA is a compact four-door coupe for drivers who want dramatic styling, everyday seating for five, and genuine sports-car pace in one vehicle. Mercedes-AMG positions it as a smaller, more accessible expression of its performance range, combining turbocharged power, AWD traction, firm handling, and a highly digital cabin. Its main distinction is the blend of a sleek coupe-like profile with four-door practicality and two clearly separated performance levels.
The AMG CLA lineup now has two levels: the 302-hp CLA 35 is the more everyday-friendly performance model, while the 382-hp CLA 45 adds a handcrafted engine and sharper all-wheel-drive hardware. Both have four doors, dual 10.25-inch displays, a panoramic glass roof, 64-color ambient lighting, sport suspension, and upgraded brakes.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The new 302-hp CLA 35 joins the lineup with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and variable all-wheel drive. The redesigned CLA 45 gets a new 382-hp handcrafted turbo four-cylinder, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, and fully variable all-wheel drive with a rear differential that shifts power between the rear wheels.
Styling
A new second-generation body gives the AMG CLA a fresh exterior design and more interior room. A panoramic glass roof becomes standard across the lineup.
Tech
The redesigned cabin brings the MBUX touchscreen system and dual 10.25-inch displays as standard equipment. Satellite radio changes from standard to optional.
Structural
The second-generation body and chassis are stiffer than before, supporting the redesigned AMG suspension and performance hardware.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT Dual-Clutch | Automatic, 8-Spd w/AMG SPEEDSHIFT Dual-Clutch |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 20 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 302 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic High Beams | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| 360 Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA redesigned?
Yes. The 2020 AMG CLA begins the model’s second generation with a new body, a stiffer structure, more interior room, a redesigned digital cabin, and reworked performance hardware.
What is the difference between the 2020 AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45?
The CLA 35 is the more daily-friendly version, with 302 horsepower, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and variable all-wheel drive. The CLA 45 is the stronger performance model, with a handcrafted 382-hp engine, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, and a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that can shift power between the rear wheels.
What changed on the 2020 AMG CLA 45?
The 2020 AMG CLA 45 was comprehensively redesigned. Its new handcrafted turbo four-cylinder makes 382 horsepower instead of 375, and it gains an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, fully variable all-wheel drive, a torque-vectoring rear differential, a stiffer structure, and the new touchscreen-based cabin.
What technology is new in the 2020 AMG CLA?
The major technology change is the new MBUX touchscreen system paired with two standard 10.25-inch displays. The cabin also has 64-color ambient lighting, while satellite radio changes from standard to optional.
Are heated seats standard in the 2020 AMG CLA?
No. Heated front seats are optional for 2020 rather than standard, while the panoramic glass roof becomes standard across the AMG CLA lineup.
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA.
4.1
2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA
(31 reviews)
“I love the car but wish I could add features that it does not have, navigation, headlight brights, or heads up.”
“Strong engine, steering feel, user interface. 4 dr Coupe design does somewhat limit rear seat headroom.”