Latest news with #CLA45

The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Check Out the Active Spoiler on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Wagon Prototype
The latest car news, reviews, and features. The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has taken MB's computer-mouse body design language and kid's-toy interior aesthetic to another level. But a wagon with an active-aero spoiler is still pretty darn cool. Take a look at some photos our contact in Germany got of this longroof AMG CLA 45 prototype with a little deployable wing. In the US, the next CLA is being pitched with both gasoline and electric powertrains. An AMG version of the new-for-'26 body style is yet to be unveiled, though it's certainly in the works. The photographer who sent us these images called the car a 'shooting brake,' but really, it's more like a four-door hatchback. Or, at least, a small station wagon. Typically, a shooting brake only has two side doors. Then again, Mercedes calls some of its sedans 'coupes,' so who really knows what words mean anymore. There are two variants of the current/outgoing (2025) AMG CLA on the US market: A 302 horsepower CLA 35 (about $56,000) and a 416 hp CLA 45 S (about $67,000). Both run a two-liter turbocharged engine (speaking of things losing their meaning … AMG used to stand for something unique). The wagon in the photos, based on the flat grille, lack of exhaust, and 'High Voltage' decal on the rear window, I'm going to go ahead and guess that it's electric. It'd make sense to make the performance flagship of Mercedes' entry-level line an EV; it will be easier to squeeze impressive acceleration numbers with electric motor. Scroll through these images to see the car from pretty much every angle. You can fill in the blanks of what it'll look like under the camo by checking out these images of the already-released 2026 CLA 350. I don't hate soap-bar body and actually love the new CLA's front and rear lights. But can we get away from this trend of making every car cockpit look like something you'd plop a three-year-old in to shut them up? Mercedes-Benz We haven't heard about this miniature wagon coming stateside, but I'm not so quick to dismiss it as I would have been in the past. Between the BMW M5 Touring being touted as a sales success and the Mercedes E53 wagon already slated for the American market, I feel like there's a decent chance MB could decide to give us this little thing. That is, unless tariffs completely torpedo its viability. Got a tip? Send us a note at tips@
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition Bids Farewell to the 416-HP Sedan
The 2026 marks the end of the line for the second-generation CLA and its sporty AMG-tuned variant. The Final Edition pairs Mountain Grey Magno paint with yellow accents and loud "45 S" graphics on the front doors. The Final Edition will be offered in limited numbers starting in early 2026; pricing hasn't yet been announced. Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch the new third-generation 2026 CLA-class, starting this fall with the fully electric CLA EV before adding a new hybrid CLA-class sedan in early 2026. But Mercedes's performance division, AMG, has yet to work its magic on the new CLA, and before it does, it has revealed a send-off for the current CLA45 S in the form of a new Final Edition. The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition will be available in limited numbers—although the automaker didn't specify just how many—when it reaches dealerships early next year. The Final Edition wears Mountain Grey Magno paint from the brand's Manufaktur personalization program and is further distinguished by a black-and-yellow "45 S" graphic on the front doors. Yellow accents are also found on the sideview mirrors. The 19-inch wheels are painted matte black with yellow accents surrounding the center caps. The black brake calipers have AMG logos. The Final Edition also has the AMG Night package, bringing gloss-black and black-chrome exterior trim. The AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus is also fitted, bringing a beefier front splitter, small dive planes on the front bumper, a sizable rear wing, and a gloss-black rear diffuser. There is also a special silver chrome fuel cap adorned with AMG lettering. The yellow touches continue inside, where the Final Edition features black AMG Performance seats upholstered in microsuede and Mercedes's MB-Tex synthetic leather. There is yellow stitching throughout the cabin, and the front headrests sport an embroidered "45 S" logo. There is also a "45 S Final Edition" on the center console, an illuminated AMG badge on the door sills, "45 S" branding on the floor mats, and more yellow accents on the nappa leather and microfiber steering wheel. The powertrain remains unchanged, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes claims the CLA45 S can rip from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds en route to a 155-mph top speed. But we bet it's even quicker. When we tested a 2020 CLA45, back when it had only 382 hp, it did the dash in just 3.7 seconds. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the CLA45's standard all-wheel-drive system can send all of the power to the rear wheels for tail-happy antics. While the 2026 CLA45 S Final Edition marks the end of the line for the second-generation sporty sedan, Mercedes is surely cooking up a hotter version of the new third-generation model. Spy photos have captured a new CLA wearing an active rear wing, redesigned bumpers, and camouflage on the front fenders where an AMG badge typically goes. We expect AMG to fiddle with both the hybrid and electric CLA-class sedans, and we shouldn't have to wait too much longer for a full reveal. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!