MSRP: $56,600
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Overview
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class subcompact luxury performance sedan bows out this year to make way for the third generation, which will arrive as a 2027 model. You can see the brand-new CLA in the electric 2026 CLA-Class EV, which has already arrived on local shores, and which we review separately.
The current range is available in two trims powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT dual-clutch automatic and AWD. The AMG CLA 35 4Matic has 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, while the AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ has a hand-built engine with 416 hp/369 lb-ft, and sprints to 60 in four seconds. The AMG CLA is the cheapest AMG product you can buy in the U.S.
What’s New for 2026
The 2026 AMG CLA-Class continues into its last model year mostly unchanged. There is a last-hurrah, limited-run AMG CLA 45 S Final Edition, though, with exclusive design elements inside and out, Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paintwork, with eye-catching graphics and accents, and an extensively equipped interior and exterior. It’s essentially an appearance package to mark the end of the second generation.
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class’s price starts at $56,600 for the AMG 35.
Exterior
Mercedes calls the CLA a coupe because of its dramatically sloping roofline and fastback silhouette. Both trims have a Panamaricana-style grille with vertical chrome slats, AMG body styling with sill extensions, a rear lip spoiler, and a panorama roof, but the 35 comes with 18-inch alloys and dual exhausts, while the 45 S runs on 19s and has a more aggressive front fascia and quad exhausts. All-LED exterior lighting is standard on both. At 184.8 inches long, the CLA is seven inches longer than an S3 and five inches longer than an M235 Gran Coupe.
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Interior
The MBUX system comes with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen, complete with AMG-specific displays (g-force readings, boost, power output, and more), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Burmester audio, but navigation and Wi-Fi cost extra.
The seats are covered in MB-Tex leatherette and microfiber, but leather is optional. You get standard heated power front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, and 64-color adjustable ambient lighting, but AMG Performance seats and ventilated front seats cost extra. Trunk volume is a reasonable 11.6 cu-ft – bigger than the S3/RS3 and similar to the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
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Price Range and Best Value Trim
| Trim Level | Trim Name | Price |
| Mid trim | AMG CLA 35 Coupe (AWD) | $56,600 |
| Top trim | AMG CLA 45 S Coupe (AWD) | $67,550 |
| Best value | AMG CLA 35 Coupe (AWD) | $56,600 |
Key Specs
Powertrain
| Model | HP | Torque | Drive | 0-60 | Transmission |
| AMG CLA 35 | 302 hp | 295 lb-ft | AMG 4Matic AWD | 4.8 sec | 8-speed DCT |
| AMG CLA 45 S | 416 hp | 369 lb-ft | AMG 4Matic+ AWD | 4.0 sec | 8-speed DCT |
Fuel Economy (MPG)
| Config | City | Highway | Combined | Range |
| AMG CLA 35 4Matic | 22 | 29 | 25 | 338 mi |
| AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic | 20 | 28 | 23 | 310 mi |
Fuel: Premium unleaded
Cargo: 11.6 cu-ft
Seating: 5
Warranty
| Coverage | Term |
| Basic Vehicle | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | Not included |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- CLA 45 S delivers 416 hp from 2.0 liters, the most powerful production four-cylinder
- Standard AMG 4Matic with variable torque distribution and available Drift mode (45 S)
- Coupe-like styling stands out in the compact sedan segment
- CLA 35 offers strong performance at a more accessible $56,600 entry point
- 8-speed dual-clutch delivers rapid, seamless gear changes
Cons:
- Rear headroom is tight due to the sloping coupe roofline
- 11.6-cu-ft trunk with high liftover limits practicality
- Adaptive cruise control is not standard
- Ride is firm on both AMG models, especially with larger wheels
- CLA 45 S at $67,550 approaches AMG C 43 territory with less interior space
Verdict
The AMG CLA-Class provides compact performance in two distinct flavors, but the CLA AMG 35 makes the most sense, providing plenty of punch at an approachable price; the 45 S is getting expensive and too close to other AMG models. The 45 S is the emotional choice, and its max-attack engine pulls with a will; if you can get a great deal on a run-out model before the new one comes in, it may be a massive performance bargain.
Both share similar limitations, though, with a rather cramped rear seat due to that dramatically receding roofline and a lack of features that you’d expect to be standard at this price, like leather upholstery and adaptive cruise control. Still, for buyers who want maximum AMG performance in a compact package, the AMG CLA, and especially the 45 S, is one of the most thrilling 4-cylinder cars you can buy.
Competitors
About the author
Cobus F. Potgieter
Reviews and Features Editor