2025 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG CLA

Apologies for stating what might be glaringly obvious, but AMG is the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. Its usual method of operation is to take an existing car or SUV and transform it into an enthusiast’s dream — or two.

For example, the 2025 AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 S. They’re both derived from the regular CLA, endowed with more power, stronger brakes, and a sportier suspension, plus a lot of standard equipment. In other words, they’re great.

We guess we should also address the other overwhelmingly obvious aspect about the CLA—it’s a sedan with four doors, even though it’s listed under Coupes on the company’s retail website. The CLA’s sloping roof is the excuse for playing fast and loose with car descriptions.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury cars, including the Mercedes-AMG CLA.

Following a major revamp last year, there are no changes to the AMG CLA for 2025. This generation debuted for the 2020 model year.

We recommend the popular CLA 35 because it has plenty of usable power and a decent amount of standard equipment. It’s a good package overall.

Rivals to the CLA 35 include the Audi S3, Acura Integra Type S, and the revamped-for-2025 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe — the M235i xDrive in particular. All three start out below their Mercedes-AMG counterpart. Against the CLA 45 S, we suggest the Audi RS 3 or the BMW M2 — both are more affordable. Even though the M2 is a 2-door coupe, we’re thinking a lot of potential CLA 45 S buyers would be fine with that.

Before buying a new AMG CLA luxury subcompact sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. AMG CLA models enjoy excellent resale values. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The CLA 35 generates 302 hp and can zip from standstill to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds. That puts it only a whisker adrift from the 328-hp Audi S3, in front of the 320-hp Acura Integra Type S (which is front-wheel-drive only) and an eye-blink ahead of the 312-hp BMW M235i xDrive.

We admire how these AMG CLA models balance sportiness with everyday usability. The ride isn’t so firm that it would make commuting a chore, yet it’s still sufficiently precise to reward a spirited detour through the canyons.

With a wonderful 416 hp, the CLA 45 S can hit 60 mph in four seconds, about as fast as a 473-hp BMW M2.

Fuel Economy

There isn’t really a fuel economy penalty in these AMG CLA cars. The CLA 35 achieves 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving, which compares well against the 26 mpg of the Audi S3. The CLA 45 S manages 23 mpg combined, the same as the Audi RS 3.

We usually complain about the CLA not offering a lot of space for rear passengers. But let’s look at it another way, how the Mercedes-Benz marketing people have been selling the CLA — as a coupe. Think of the CLA as a subcompact coupe that just happens to have rear doors and occasional accommodation for a youngster or two. So it could be like a BMW 2 Series Coupe (the M2, for example) only slightly more practical.

Up front, there’s enough space for most grown-ups, although the sport seats in these AMG CLA models might be overly snug for some. The cabin looks especially cool at night, with the configurable LED lighting accompanying the dual-screen infotainment cluster. Mercedes-Benz offers options like a simulated suede microfiber for the upholstery and steering wheel, plus red seat belts.

The only aspect that doesn’t really do it for us relates to the touchpads on the steering wheel controlling various functions. It takes a while for them to become familiar, and even then, they’re still a bit fiddly. Oh, and we’re glad that blind-spot monitoring is standard because rear vision is hindered by the wide rear pillars.

The cargo area measures 11.6 cubic feet. That’s acceptable in this class. The back seats also split and fold in 40/20/40 fashion for a little extra versatility.

It’s always possible to tell if a Mercedes-Benz is an AMG model just by looking at the grille. If the slats are vertical, the thrills are possible. A couple of other giveaways are things like large front air intakes, and a rear diffuser. In its usual tasteful way, Mercedes-Benz has given the CLA well-judged proportions and an overall sleekness.

Burmester audio
Our current favorite automotive surround-sound system, which is standard in both AMG CLA cars, with 590 watts passing through 12 speakers. It also includes Dolby Atmos, a fantastic process that breathes new life and detail into music you might think you know incredibly well.

Wireless
Cable-free phone integration for both Apple and Android devices is standard, plus wireless charging. We’re big fans of the convenience.

Drive modes
We love that driving modes are accessible by a button set into the steering wheel.

AMG Ride Control
This is optional with both AMG CLA cars. It’s a sport-tuned suspension with 3-stage variable damping, and is lighter than the standard setup. We suggest test-driving it if possible, as the combination of this with the bigger 19-inch alloy wheels might result in a ride quality too firm for some tastes.

Driver Assistance package
Get this $1,700 option. It brings adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assistance, and an array of other advanced safety features.

AMG Track Pace
One for the track rats. It records and stores data like lap times, speed, and acceleration. Optional in the CLA 35, standard in the CLA 45 S.

Both versions of the 2025 AMG CLA have a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder unit plus a belt-driven starter-generator electric motor. This makes the fuel-saving stop/restart function much smoother and enables a coasting function to conserve yet more premium gasoline (recommended for both cars). It also helps the engine reach its peak output quickly and efficiently. The CLA 35 develops a perfectly energetic 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

The AMG division has a tradition of hand-assembling its engines, and the unit in the CLA 45 S is one of them. Making a remarkable 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, it’s among the most powerful 4-cylinder engines in production.

Both cars employ an 8-speed automatic transmission that sends energy to a specially tuned standard all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

We cover the regular 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 in a separate review.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This applies to the drivetrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have these same terms. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Rating

This generation of CLA hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States but did earn a maximum overall score of five stars from Euro NCAP. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.