“Well balanced sport sedan. Excellent overall performance (i.e. acceleration, steering, braking)”
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA is a compact four-door performance sedan with a coupe-like roofline. It is known for strong turbocharged power, standard all-wheel drive, quick-shifting transmissions, and a modern luxury cabin.
Across both generations, the AMG CLA has paired small-car agility with serious performance and a low, sweeping shape. The first generation focused on the more specialized CLA 45, while the second generation added the CLA 35 as a more approachable daily performance model. Newer versions also lean heavily into wide digital displays and touchscreen controls without abandoning the model’s core mix of speed, all-weather grip, and everyday comfort.
Strengths
- Standard all-wheel drive helps put the turbocharged power down and adds useful grip in poor weather.
- Every AMG CLA uses a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission that reinforces its responsive, performance-focused feel.
- The four-door layout provides everyday seating for five despite the car’s low, coupe-like roofline.
- Second-generation models have a wide digital dashboard, and the 2024 refresh added dual 10.25-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- The CLA 35 balances brisk daily driving with luxury comfort, while the CLA 45 and CLA 45 S deliver a more specialized performance experience.
Who it's for
It fits someone who wants a small luxury car for commuting and spirited drives, but prefers a sleek four-door shape to a larger vehicle. It is less suited to shoppers who put back-seat space first, since the 2026 model has 33.9 inches of rear legroom.
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA lineup
The first-generation lineup centered on the CLA 45, the model’s more focused high-performance version. Since the 2020 redesign, the CLA 35 has served as the fast daily-driver choice, while the CLA 45 has added more specialized powertrain and all-wheel-drive hardware. The top model became the CLA 45 S for 2024, when output rose to 416 horsepower. A limited CLA 45 S Final Edition marked the gasoline-powered second generation’s end for 2026, but it was a special derivative rather than a new core trim level.
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA generations
From 2016 to 2026, the AMG CLA spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — C118 arrived for 2020, following the 1st Generation — C117 (2014–2019).
2nd Generation — C118 (2020–2026)
A larger body, stiffer structure, and wide digital dashboard defined the second-generation AMG CLA. The lineup added the CLA 35, while the CLA 45 received a new engine, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and fully variable AWD.
5 In Stock
2026New generation
A limited-production CLA 45 S Final Edition joins for the final U.S. model year of the gasoline-powered AMG CLA.
2025
The AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 S carry over without significant changes.
2024Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling and lights joined dual 10.25-inch displays, updated touchscreen software, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The CLA 35 gained an 8-speed transmission, and the CLA 45 S rose to 416 horsepower.
2023
The regular CLA 35 and CLA 45 carry over in the final year before the 2024 refresh.
2022
Powertrains, AWD systems, chassis hardware, safety equipment, and cabin technology carry over.
2021
Blind-spot monitoring with exit warning and 64-color ambient cabin lighting became standard.
2020New generation
The redesigned AMG CLA gained a larger body, stiffer structure, touchscreen system, and wide digital dashboard. The 302-hp CLA 35 joined the lineup, and the CLA 45 was fully reworked.
1st Generation — C117 (2014–2019)
The first-generation AMG CLA centered on the CLA 45, with a handcrafted turbo four-cylinder engine, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and performance-tuned AWD. It received a power boost for 2016 and a styling and cabin-technology refresh for 2017.
2 In Stock2019
Heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and start, LED headlights, upgraded audio, and other convenience features became standard.
2018
The CLA 45 carries over without significant changes.
2017Mid-cycle update
Revised front and rear styling joined LED lighting, an 8-inch center display, updated gauges, and a standard rearview camera.
2016
Output rose to 375 horsepower, revised transmission ratios improved acceleration, and selectable drive settings became standard. The exterior design remained largely unchanged.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-AMG CLA a coupe or a sedan?
It is a four-door sedan with a coupe-like roofline. Mercedes calls it a four-door coupe because of its low, sweeping shape, but it still has four doors and seating for five.
What is the AMG CLA known for?
It is known for putting serious turbocharged performance into a compact luxury car. Standard all-wheel drive, quick dual-clutch shifting and a digital cabin give it speed and everyday usability in a small package.
Is the AMG CLA practical enough for everyday driving?
Yes, if a compact cabin works for you. It has four doors, seating for five and a trunk, while heated power front seats and digital displays support daily use. The low roof and modest rear space make it less roomy than a conventional sedan.
Does the AMG CLA come as a hybrid?
No. The AMG CLA covered here uses a gasoline-powered 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder. The newer CLA 35 and CLA 45 S are both gasoline models.
Is every AMG CLA all-wheel drive?
Yes. The AMG CLA models covered here use all-wheel drive. The CLA 45 and newer CLA 45 S have a more performance-focused system, while the CLA 35 uses a less specialized setup aimed at fast daily driving.
How many generations of the AMG CLA are there?
There are two in this history. The first-generation AMG CLA 45 ran through 2019. The larger, stiffer second generation arrived for 2020 with a redesigned digital cabin and the addition of the CLA 35.
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA.
4.2
Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA
(226 reviews)
“A five-passenger machine that will lap Hockenheim faster than a Cayman S. Surprisingly refined around town. Totally looks the business. Probably the last little bad-ass combustion Benz.”
“The CLA45 is a pleasure to drive - it's styling stands out and the performance is robust and sure to put a smile on your face. The MBUX system is top notch and offers plenty of information and personal customization. The interior styling is outstanding and the ride is comfortable. Build quality and the fit and finish are in keeping with Mercedes reputation for refined automobiles.”
“Buy it. Audi overbuilt it with the modified A-8 chassis, heavily protected battery, and it weighs nearly 3 tons. Audi cannot afford to produce a dud as their first electric car so this one is a loss leader. In the future they will cheapen it up in the name of profits as all car manufacturers do to one degree or another.”
“Phenomenal driving experience, great balance of luxury, styling, performance and value.”
“Love the AMG, color and sleekness of the car although I didn't realize some features were missing That my E Class has. Sensors all around and automatic truck closure with the push of a button.”