2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class Review, Pricing, and Specs

Car and Driver

a day ago

Overview
The 2026 CLA35 sedan is Mercedes-AMG's most affordable performance special, undercutting its GLA35 platform-mate by several hundred dollars. In typical AMG fashion, this little car offers more power, sharper handling, and better stability than the more pedestrian CLA thanks to its retuned turbocharged engine, firmer suspension, and standard all-wheel-drive system.
The same is true of the CLA45 S, only that model makes 416 ponies to the CLA35's 302. Both cars are sleeker and swankier than rivals like the Audi S3 and Cadillac CT4-V, but the aggressively sloping roofline is a detriment to rear-seat and cargo space.
Expert Tip: If you're after a luxury sports sedan that's more sporty than luxurious, the manual-only Acura Integra Type R is a good time, and it will save you thousands over the comparable CLA35.
What's New for 2026?
Signaling a close to this sedan's second generation, a limited-production CLA45 S Final Edition model joins the lineup for 2026. It's essentially an appearance package, with sizable '45 S' decals adorning the sides of its gunmetal-colored body and yellow accents brightening the car's interior and side mirrors.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class is expected to start around $58,000 and go up to $76,000 depending on the trim and options.
CLA35
$58,000 (est)
CLA35 Exclusive
$60,000 (est)
CLA35 Pinnacle
$62,000 (est)
CLA45 S
$69,000 (est)
CLA45 S Exclusive
$70,000 (est)
CLA45 S Pinnacle
$72,000 (est)
CLA45 S Final Edition
$76,000 (est)
The CLA45 S is the most intense member of the CLA family, but its high base price pushes it into competition with larger, more refined sports sedans like the BMW M340i and Audi S5, so we'd stick with the CLA35 and go light on the options. We would suggest the mid-tier Exclusive trim, as it opens the door to the Driver Assistance package and adds an augmented-reality navigation system, a traffic-sign recognition system, active LED headlamps, and illuminated door-sill plates.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Engines: 302-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA35); 416-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA45 S)
302-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA35); 416-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (CLA45 S) Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
8-speed dual-clutch automatic Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
While both models boast the company's latest turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, the CLA35 makes 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque while the CLA45 S develops a rousing 416 ponies and 369 pound-feet. Both models come with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and the brand's 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which can send all of the engine's torque to the rear wheels. The CLA45 S also offers a tail-sliding Drift drive mode. Optional adaptive dampers allow drivers to adjust the ride for comfort or sporting behavior.
0–60-MPH Times
C/D 60-mph Tests: 4.4 seconds (CLA35); 3.7 seconds (CLA45)
In Comparison: At our test track, the 302-hp CLA35 managed a quick 4.4-second 60-mph time, and the CLA45—back when it made only 382 horsepower—blasted to 60 in just 3.7 seconds. We haven't put the 416-hp CLA45 S through its paces yet, but it should be slightly quicker than the old non-S variant.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA City Ratings: 20-22 mpg
20-22 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 28-29 mpg
The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class yet, but the 2025 CLA35 earned ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, while the CLA45 S returned 20 and 28 mpg, respectively. We expect the 2026 CLA-Class will post identical numbers.
For reference, compared to the much less powerful Mercedes-Benz CLA250 with all-wheel drive, the CLA35 incurs a 6-mpg penalty on the highway. Its 29-mpg rating, however, is similar to what competitors such as the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe see. For more information about the CLA-Class's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
First Row: Mercedes gives shoppers several seating options to make the CLA's cockpit-like cabin their own. You can spec bright red or sage green leather upholstery, aluminum or wood trim, and the brand's multicontour seats (with or without ventilation functions). No matter how you build it, the front seats are pleasantly spacious.
Second Row: There's limited headroom in the second row due to the car's sloping roofline. Legroom is also tight, and amenities aren't as generous in the rear seat, but at least there are dedicated rear-seat air vents on the back of the center console.
Cargo Capacity: The AMG CLAs provide 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, enough to house a couple of overnight bags or an average grocery haul. The rear seat also folds down in case you need to haul additional cargo.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Infotainment: 10.3-inch touchscreen
10.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio System: 12-speaker Burmester stereo
The CLA35 and CLA45 S are equipped with Mercedes-Benz's MBUX infotainment system, which the driver can control via finicky capacitive buttons on the steering wheel or with the console-mounted touchpad. The digital instrument-cluster screen and the standard 10.3-inch infotainment display live under one large horizontal piece of glass and take up much of the dash. Bluetooth connectivity and a 12-speaker Burmester sound system are provided, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The CLA-Class is available with driver-assistance features that can help keep you out of harm's way during your travels.
Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high-beam headlights
automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high-beam headlights Optional Safety Features: lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control
For information about the CLA's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Mercedes, unlike some of its luxury competitors, doesn't include complimentary maintenance, but it offers comparable warranty coverage on the CLA.
Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
four years or 50,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: None
C/D Test Results and Specs
Whenever a model debuts or sees significant revisions, we test it and publish the results. While the chart below may list data for an earlier model year, the numbers still apply to the current model, as it hasn't seen meaningful changes and doesn't warrant a new test.
Specifications
Specifications
2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
PRICE AS TESTED
$66,340 (base price: $47,895)
ENGINE TYPE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection
Displacement
122 in3, 1991 cm3
Power
302 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque
295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 107.4 in
Length: 184.8 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 55.3 in
Passenger volume: 89 ft3
Trunk volume: 12 ft3
Curb weight (C/D est): 3626 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4.6 sec
100 mph: 10.1 sec
¼-mile: 13.0 sec
Top speed: 155 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 25/23/29 mpg
More Features and Specs