The New Mercedes-AMG Might Be the Last Gas-Powered CLA Ever
The German will bid 'auf wiedersehen' to the CLA 45 S with a 'Final Edition' variant early next year. The last version of the second-generation sedan gets a special appearance package and will only be available in limited numbers.
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The CLA, which launched in 2013, is set to go through some major changes this fall. That's when the model's third generation will finally go on sale as part of the company's 2026 model year lineup. Not only has the car received a full makeover, but it's also the first of the company's cars built on the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. Thanks to this, the vehicle will launch with an all-electric powertrain, though a hybrid unit is expected to be available later on.
The last of the purely gas-powered CLAs will also launch as part of the 2026 lineup. The AMG CLA 45 S Final Edition comes clad in the sub-brand's Aerodynamics Package Plus body kit and is available in one color and one color only: Mountain Grey Magno. The matte hue, which is a perfect match for the AMG Night package, is broken up by yellow accents on the side-view mirrors and a black and yellow '45 S Final Edition' graphic on the front set of doors. Rounding out the exterior details is a set of 19-inch matte black wheels with a yellow accent around the center hub.
The striking color scheme carries over to the variant's interior. The seats are covered with black microsuede and MB-Tex synthetic leather with yellow contrast details. Accents of the same color appear throughout the cabin, including on the illuminated door sills. The center console and door mats also feature the same '45 S Final Edition' found on the front doors.
The variant's powertrain has been left untouched, but few AMG CLA fans will take issue with that. The model may only be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot and eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, but the setup is capable of producing a more than respectable 421 hp and 369 ft lbs of torque. Mercedes says the car can hit 60 mph in four seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
Deliveries of the AMG CLA 45 S Final Edition are expected to begin early next year. Mercedes has yet to say how many examples will be available or how much the exclusive model will cost, but something north of the standard CLA 45 S's $67,050 starting price seems likely.Best of Robb Report
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