2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45

Price Range: $57,800 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 Sedan Exterior

+70

The CLA stands out with its sleek styling and impressive performance from the AMG versions. It's fun to drive quickly yet also comfortable enough to drive on long road trips. Modern tech is everywhere you look on the inside too. It suffers from a lack of utility, but overall it's a smart pick for an entry-level performance luxury sedan.Read full review

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$49,651

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.}

Pros

Generous list of standard features
Luxury badging without the premium price
Enjoyable performance from AMG CLA 35 and 45 models

Cons

Less rear seat space than many rivals

What's new

Limited-edition CLA 45 Edition 55
Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020

Overview

With the discontinuation of the A-Class for the 2023 model year, the CLA is now Mercedes' entry-level sedan. In other words, the luxury brand's most affordable car. But if you're also considering an SUV, the GLA is a bit cheaper. Some might be disappointed they missed out on the A-Class' lower price tag, but the CLA packs more power and offers more option packages and features. Its rear sloping roofline adds more style, and the CLA has two AMG models to choose from.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$201/mo

$156/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

And it's hard to argue against the CLA's attainable price, especially when considering a fully loaded midsize sedan from a non-luxury brand costs about as much. Not only that, but Mercedes didn't skimp out on the CLA: The sedan has an elegant and high-tech-looking interior, provides plenty of comfort, and offers many of the same features found on larger, more expensive Mercedes models. It's also fun to drive and boasts one of the best infotainment systems in its class. The CLA aces most categories, but it's not perfect. Its rear seats are cramped and its reasonable price can quickly climb with options.

If you're hard set on purchasing the CLA you might want to wait a little longer for the 2024 model because Mercedes updated its design, engines and added more standard tech. And if you aren't sold on the CLA, consider some of its rivals, including the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. There's also the all-electric alternative: the Tesla Model 3. If you do decide to go with the current CLA, you'll likely be very happy with this well-built, tech-forward luxury sedan.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

9/10

How does the AMG CLA 45 drive? We tested the AMG CLA 45. At the Edmunds test track, it ripped from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds and rocketed through the quarter mile in 12.3 seconds at 112 mph. Braking performance was also impressive, with a stopping distance from 60 mph of just 111 feet (with the optional high-performance AMG brakes).

The CLA 45's handling limits are seriously impressive. Cornering is exceedingly flat, even on high-speed sweeping turns. The steering is appropriately weighted but a bit vague for a car with so much performance potential. Most impressive about all this is that the CLA 45 doesn't feel high-strung or aggressive. It's both sharp and easy to drive no matter how fast you're going.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the AMG CLA 45? This is a comfortable car when you take into account its high-performance nature. Our test vehicle came with a number of options including an adjustable suspension and performance front seats. The suspension is appropriately stiff but not excessively so. Those performance front seats are well bolstered and offer adjustable thigh support. The rear seats are a bit flatter but acceptable for most trips.

The climate control system expertly cools and heats the cabin to your needs, and the heated and ventilated front seats operate quickly and effectively. Road noise from the high-performance tires is noticeable, however, and the exhaust gets quite loud in the CLA's Sport and Sport+ drive modes.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? Front seat space is adequate, and the driver's seat has lots of adjustability. In back, the sloping rear roof and limited legroom mean that taller adults will be cramped on long trips, and they'll have to duck considerably to get in and out.

Predictably, visibility is hampered by the stylish coupe-like design. As you'd probably expect just from looking at the CLA, the slim rear windows and big rear roof pillars mean you'll be relying on the driver aids such as a blind-spot warning system and rear cameras quite a bit.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $9,299 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,299 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG CLA 45 trim.}

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? Mercedes-Benz User Experience (or MBUX for short) is the system at the helm in the CLA. It provides class-leading voice controls, a crisp infotainment display, and easy connectivity for smartphones. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though neither can be connected wirelessly and only one of the CLA's USB ports supports those systems.

The optional Burmester sound system has impressive quality, but it doesn't get quite loud enough for our tastes. Mercedes' augmented reality navigation provides directions laid over a forward camera view for easier application of directions. And a number of optional and standard driver aids assist along the way. Most of the driver aids, including blind-spot warning and lane keeping assistance, work well, but the adaptive cruise control and speed-limit assist are a bit too aggressive.

Storage

7/10

How’s the storage? Storage space in both the trunk and cabin are average for a small luxury sedan. The CLA's trunk offers 11.6 cubic feet of space, and the opening is sufficiently wide. Up front you'll find narrow door pockets and a slim center console bin. The front cupholder design isn't that great and failed to securely hold water bottles in our testing when we were going around turns.

Got kids? The child safety seat anchors are clearly marked and covered by plastic lids that don't affect seat comfort. Larger rear-facing child seats might be a tight fit

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

7/10

How economical is the AMG CLA 45? The AMG CLA 45, which is what we tested, gets an EPA estimate of 23 mpg combined (20 city/28 highway), which is average for a high-performance small luxury sedan. On our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, the CLA 45 returned 23.6 mpg. As with most cars in the class, it requires 91 octane fuel or higher.

Value

7/10

Is the AMG CLA 45 a good value? The CLA's starting price is perfectly agreeable considering the car's performance potential. Our CLA 45 test vehicle, however, was optioned way up with performance and cosmetic options as well as additional driver aids to crest $77,000. Equip a CLA 45 a bit less extravagantly and you could save a significant amount and still have a lot of fun. Build quality is very good, but some of the CLA 45's economy roots show through in areas of hard, scratchy plastic.

The standard Mercedes warranty coverage is four years/50,000 miles for both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage, the norm among its mostly German competition. Roadside assistance is also provided for the warranty period. There's also the option to prepay for scheduled maintenance years in advance at a discounted rate.

Wildcard

8.5/10

Docile and civilized around town, the AMG CLA 45 is an absolute blast when you drop the hammer. And make no mistake, if you get the right options, this thing is track-ready. The sleek coupe-like styling gives it some extra personality points. It looks a bit like its bigger brother, the AMG GT.

Which CLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?

The AMG models are a blast to drive, but most people don't need their 300-plus horsepower and they aren't as budget-friendly as the CLA 250, the trim we recommend. Thanks to a multitude of option packages and stand-alone options, the CLA 250 is highly customizable. You can add many of the features found in the AMG models. We suggest adding the Premium package, which brings larger screens and keyless entry. The Driver Assistance package is another worthy upgrade, adding many advanced driver aids that help make driving safer and easier.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available as the CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The CLA 250 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic), while the more powerful and performance-tuned AMG versions come standard with all-wheel drive. Standard equipment highlights include:

CLA 250
The CLA 250 comes equipped with these standard features:

Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
LED headlights
18-inch wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
Heated side mirrors
Panoramic sunroof
Push-button ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Customizable ambient cabin lighting
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power-adjustable sport front seats with memory function

Standard technology features and advanced driver aids on the CLA 250 include:

Remote engine start via smartphone app
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system display
7-inch digital instrument panel
Voice assistant
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Four USB-C ports
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Safe exit assist (can prevent passengers from opening a door into traffic, cyclists or pedestrians approaching from behind)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

AMG CLA 35
Equipped for sporty driving, the AMG CLA 35 adds:

More powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft)
All-wheel drive
Sport exhaust system
18-inch wheels
Upgraded brakes
10.25-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment displays
Sport-tuned suspension and transmission
Sportier body styling
Sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters

AMG CLA 45
Builds on the AMG CLA 35 with:

Even more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (382 hp, 354 lb-ft)
Performance-tuned eight-speed transmission
19-inch wheels
Heated front sport seats
Keyless entry
Hands-free opening trunk
Power-folding sideview mirrors
Auto-dimming rearview and driver's sideview mirrors

Numerous option packages are available for the CLA. For the CLA 250, they include:

AMG Line package

AMG body styling
18-inch wheels
Lowered suspension
Diamond-pattern grille
Sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters
Upgraded interior trim

AMG Night package

AMG Line package
18-inch wheels with black accents
Gloss black exterior trim

Exterior Lighting package

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic high-beam assist

Premium package

10.25-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment displays
Auto-dimming rearview and driver's sideview mirrors
Power-folding sideview mirrors
Keyless entry
Hands-free opening trunk

Multimedia package

Navigation system with augmented video overlay
Speed limit alert (displays speed limit signs on the instrument panel)

Driver Assistance package

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CLA and the car in front, can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
Lane change assistance (when cruise control is on, can automatically change lanes after driver activates turn signal for several seconds)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

Parking Assistance package

Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CLA and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

The CLA is available with stand-alone options, such as:

Gloss black rear spoiler
Leather upholstery
Wood interior trim
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
AMG sport steering wheel (AMG models only)
Wireless charging pad
12-speaker Burmester sound system
Dashcam (AMG models only)
Gesture control for the infotainment system
Head-up display (AMG models only)
Increased top speed (AMG 45 only)

The CLA 35 is available with the above packages (minus the AMG Line) and stand-alone options and also offers the following exclusives:

AMG-tuned electronically adjustable sport suspension
AMG Night Package Plus

AMG Night package plus black badges and dark-tinted grille

AMG Aerodynamics package

Black performance-oriented body kit

AMG Performance Seat package

AMG multi-contour heated front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support

Premium leather and synthetic suede steering wheel trim selections

The CLA 45 can also be equipped with the above packages and options, plus:

AMG Exterior Chrome package

Silver chrome exterior trim

AMG Dynamic Plus package

Electronically adjustable sport suspension
High-performance brakes
Increased top speed
Race and Drift drive modes
Premium leather and synthetic suede-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel
Steering wheel controls for drive mode, suspension and transmission settings

The new and limited-production AMG CLA 45 Edition 55 includes:

19-inch wheels
Black exterior paint
Edition 55 exterior badging
AMG Night Package Plus
AMG Aerodynamics package
AMG indoor car cover
AMG multi-contour front seats wrapped in red and black leather
Synthetic suede-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel
Dark aluminum interior trim
Edition 55 interior badging

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

21 reviews

5(57%)

4(9%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(24%)

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Features & Specs

Type:

AMG CLA 45

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$57,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	23 MPG
Cost to Drive	$201/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Audi A3

The A3 is Audi's fun-to-drive pint-sized sport sedan. It's a little smaller than the CLA and more affordable, although it surprisingly has larger rear seats and comes with superior standard features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and a larger center touchscreen. The A3, however, packs less power but makes up for that with better fuel economy. Both small luxury sedans provide ample comfort considering their small size and sport some of the best tech in their class. They each also offer two sportier and more powerful models.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Audi A3 features

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Lexus IS 300

The IS 300 sport sedan is Lexus' most affordable car, and it starts at the same price as the CLA. Its rear-wheel-drive layout provides sportier driving dynamics than the front-wheel-drive CLA. But if you need all-wheel drive, each offers it. Inside, the CLA sports a more stylish and modern-looking design with superior tech. The IS 300, which hasn't been redesigned since 2014, has an interior that's definitely showing its age, and both share tight rear seats. Lexus equipped the IS 300 with several advanced driver aids, most of which cost extra in the Mercedes.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Lexus IS 300 features

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Tesla Model 3

If you don't mind going electric, the Model 3 is a worthy alternative. Even with its lower pricing it costs more, but adding options on the CLA can quickly even things up. The Model 3's estimated range of 272 miles should be sufficient for most around town, and if you travel, you're backed by the best national charging network out there. The Model 3 shares the same exterior dimensions as the CLA, but the Tesla provides more passenger room and its trunk is twice as large. However, if you want more style and luxury, the CLA is the way to go.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Tesla Model 3 features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:

Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service: Complimentary for as long as you own the CLA, this standard feature equips the car with an SOS button that connects you to a live operator if you need assistance.
Pre-Safe Sound: When a collision is unavoidable, this technology emits a special tone through the stereo speakers to protect your hearing.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: When using the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system, this technology detects an unresponsive driver and brings the CLA to a safe stop.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 CLA-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLA-Class has 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class:

Limited-edition CLA 45 Edition 55
Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLA-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLA-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 CLA-Class and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 CLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $57,800.

Other versions include:

AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $57,800

Learn more

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the next question is, which CLA-Class model is right for you? CLA-Class variants include AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). For a full list of CLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $9,299 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,299 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG CLA 45 trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which CLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Features & Specs

Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Audi A3

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Lexus IS 300

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Tesla Model 3

Safety

Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

Related 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 info

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Save as much as $9,299 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,299 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the AMG CLA 45 trim.}