The AMG badge on Mercedes models of old used to invariably mean a big V8 powerplant and raucous performance with a soundtrack to match. But downsizing, and pressure from the marketing department have resulted in the badge been used to denote nothing more than a sporty exterior package, and even the ‘proper’ AMG models have engines that, on paper at least, look several cylinders short of what customers expect.
However, technology moves at a rapid pace, and what separates an authentic Mercedes-AMG from a standard Mercedes-Benz model still goes far beyond the badge.
We take a closer look at the most affordable AMG model in Mercedes’ lineup to see whether it is able to deliver what customers expect in terms of driving thrills, luxury, and prestige, or if it’s just a marketing exercise with no real substance.
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35
The most affordable Mercedes-AMG currently available is the CLA 35 Coupe. Serving as the entry point into the AMG fold, the CLA 35 features the same four-door coupe silhouette and frameless doors of the non-AMG models but comes with several upgrades to differentiate it from its stablemates.
Every true AMG model should receive substantial mechanical upgrades, including performance-enhanced engines, quicker transmissions, stiffer sport-tuned suspensions, and upgraded brakes, and the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is heavily reworked with structural stiffening, including a sport suspension, and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
| Model | Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe |
| Engine | 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 with Hybrid |
| Power | 302 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.8 seconds |
| Fuel economy | 22/29/25 City/Hwy/Comb MPG |
| Base MSRP (excl. taxes) | $56,600 |
It also gets an AMG-enhanced 302-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four which sends its power to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The hybrid component comprises a 48-volt electrical system which smooths out start-stop operation and helps boost power under acceleration.
The standard 221-hp CLA 250 4Matic costs a significant $11,850 less than the AMG model, but it is clear to see where the extra cost has gone. Aside from the engine, chassis, transmission and suspension upgrades, the CLA 35 also gets AMG-specific drive modes, upgraded brakes and an interior that is packed with sporty touches as well as sports front seats, and AMG trim accents and finishes.
Thanks to the strong torque delivery, even at low revs, and the surefooted grip of the AWD system, the CLA 35 definitely performs like a Mercedes-AMG product should. And even though it doesn’t have a guttural V8 under its hood, the compact four-cylinder engine still sounds exciting and delivers plenty of driving thrills.
Mercedes-Benz
The 416-hp AMG CLA 45 S is the range-topper for those who want even more performance, however, it costs $10,950 more than the CLA 35. If you are happy with the already impressive performance of the CLA 35 AMG, the GLA 35 and GLB 35 SUVs share the same 302-hp AMG powertrain and deliver more practicality with a minor performance penalty.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Rivals
BMW, Fabian Kirchbauer Photography
Audi
| Make and Model | M235 xDrive Gran Coupe | Audi S3 Sedan |
| Engine | 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 | 2.0-liter Turbocharged Inline-4 |
| Power | 312 hp | 328 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph | 4.7 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Base MSRP (excl. taxes) | $50,000 | $52,500 |
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe is certainly no watered-down AMG product, but its rivals from BMW and Audi are built to a similar formula.
The BMW M235 xDrive Gran Coupe may have a painfully long name, but there’s not much else wrong with it. It also uses a BMW Motorsport fettled variant of the marque’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which now produces 312 hp. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard xDrive all-wheel drive, it can sprint to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Rated at 27 mpg combined, and starting at $50,000 before taxes, the BMW shades the CLA 35 in price, performance, and fuel economy.
The Audi S3 Sedan doesn’t share the four-door coupe body style of the other two, but it is similarly practical, and its 328-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is the most powerful here. Like the BMW, it also gets a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Audi claims a 0–60 mph time of 4.4 seconds, which is the quickest here, and its 26 mpg combined is right in-between the Mercedes and BMW. Starting at $52,000, the Audi is $4,600 cheaper than the CLA 35, but slightly pricier than the BMW.
All three models deliver the kind of performance customers expect from these brands, and while the AMG CLA 35 doesn’t offer the best performance or the best value, the differences are small enough that brand loyalty will be the decider for most shoppers.
There may plenty ‘AMG Line’ Mercedes models out there with only AMG body kits, AMG wheels and heavily bolstered front seats to their name, but the good news is that even the cheapest proper Mercedes-AMG models are capable of delivering the driving experience that every AMG product should.
About the author
John Tallodi
Senior Editor