Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, CLA 45 AMG & More

The CLA 250 is the regular gas model and the straightforward entry point to the familiar CLA range. In recent years, it pairs a 221-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive and focuses more on style, comfort, and cabin technology than high performance.

The main difference is traction. The CLA 250 uses front-wheel drive, while the CLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive. Within the same model year, their core gas engine, coupe-like body, luxury features, and cabin technology are otherwise closely aligned.

Pick the CLA 250 for the simpler gas setup, or the CLA 250 4MATIC if all-wheel-drive traction matters more. The 4MATIC model keeps the regular CLA 250’s basic character rather than moving into the more aggressive AMG category.

Refreshed gas CLA 250 models from 2024 through 2026 include dual 10.25-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic roof, automatic emergency braking, and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

It identifies the new-generation fully electric CLA sedan. The CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology use an 85-kWh battery, 800-volt electrical hardware, and Mercedes-Benz’s newer touchscreen software instead of the gas CLA’s turbo engine.

The CLA 250+ has one rear motor, rear-wheel drive, and 268 hp. The CLA 350 4MATIC has two motors, all-wheel drive, and 349 hp. Both use the same 85-kWh battery and support DC fast charging at up to 320 kW.

Pick the CLA 250+ if efficiency and maximum driving range are the priorities. Pick the CLA 350 4MATIC if you value stronger acceleration and all-wheel-drive traction more. Their main cabin technology and fast-charging hardware are similar.

No. The CLA 250+ uses a single rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive. Shoppers wanting an electric CLA with all-wheel drive should look at the dual-motor CLA 350 4MATIC.

Both new-generation electric trims have an 85-kWh battery, 800-volt charging hardware, a fixed panoramic glass roof, heated power front seats with memory, and a 14-inch center touchscreen running Mercedes-Benz’s newer software.

No charging advantage is specified for the CLA 350 4MATIC. Both electric trims use 800-volt hardware and support DC fast charging at up to 320 kW. The CLA 350’s step up is its second motor, all-wheel drive, and greater power.

They belong to different CLA generations and use completely different powertrains. The CLA 250 is a front-wheel-drive gas model with a turbo four-cylinder engine. The CLA 250+ is a newer rear-wheel-drive EV with an 85-kWh battery and a more advanced digital cockpit.

The early CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC is the high-performance version of the first-generation CLA. It uses a handcrafted 355-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive, a 7-speed automatic with shift paddles, sport suspension, and more heavily bolstered sport seats.

The early CLA 45 AMG is much more performance-focused than the regular CLA 250. It adds a handcrafted 355-hp engine, performance-oriented all-wheel drive, sport suspension, shift paddles, and AMG-specific seats for a sharper, more intense driving experience.

For a gas car, the CLA 250 4MATIC is the direct fit because it adds all-wheel drive while keeping the regular CLA’s comfort and equipment focus. For the new electric generation, the CLA 350 4MATIC is the all-wheel-drive choice.

Look at a refreshed 2024–2026 gas CLA for standard dual 10.25-inch displays and wireless smartphone integration, or a new-generation electric CLA for the 14-inch touchscreen and newer MB.OS-based system. The EVs represent the larger technology change.