Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: $54,950Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class subcompact luxury performance sedan is the performance arm of the CLA, which sits in a size class below the C-Class, and takes the fight to similar performance cars such as the BMW M240i and M2 and the Audi S3 and RS3. The AMG CLA is also the cheapest point of entry to the AMG club. The car has coupe-like styling with a sloping roofline and is aimed at enthusiasts looking for AMG performance in Merc's most compact package.AdvertisementAdvertisementTwo variants are offered here, both with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed AMG Speedshift DCT dual-clutch automatic transmission, and AMG Performance 4Matic AWD: the 302-hp AMG CLA 35 (0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds) and the 416-hp AMG CLA 45 S, which sprints to 60 in four seconds dead.What's New for 2025?The 2025 AMG CLA-Class is the penultimate model year of the second (C118) generation, and it arrives with no changes as the third generation prepares for a MY2027 launch. A very limited-edition AMG CLA 45 "Edition 1" was made available, but only 25 examples were allocated to the U.S. market. It came with several distinctive design details, Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno paint, the AMG Night and Aerodynamics packages, and more. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA-Class's price starts at $54,950.ExteriorThe AMG CLA-Class has the same 4-door coupe silhouette as other CLA models, with a steeply sloping roofline and frameless doors that give it a dynamic profile, but the AMGs are jazzed up with AMG-specific bumpers with a rear diffuser panel, and a vertically slatted grille. The CLA 35 runs on 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and comes with AMG body styling, while the CLA 45 S gets 19-inch wheels and adds a more aggressive fascia and a fixed rear spoiler. A host of extra-cost packages can jazz up its appearance, including the AMG Night, Aerodynamics, and Design packages, as well as a host of wheel options.MercedesInteriorThe single-pane MBUX system houses dual 10.25-inch digital displays for the gauge cluster and touchscreen, and comes with voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, four USB-C ports, AMG-specific content, and a 12-speaker Burmester audio system.AdvertisementAdvertisementBoth have heated power front sports seats with memory, MB-Tex leatherette/microfiber upholstery, dual-zone climate control, 64-color ambient lighting, red seatbelts, a Nappa leather-trimmed AMG Performance steering wheel, and cruise control. AMG Performance front seats are optional, as are ventilated front seats. Rear legroom is only 33.9 inches and headroom 35.7 inches, making it cramped for larger adults. Cargo capacity is 11.6 cu-ft.MercedesView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimFor most buyers, the CLA 35 offers a better balance of performance and value.Trim LevelPriceBase trim: AMG CLA 35 4Matic$54,950Top trim: AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic$64,250Best value: AMG CLA 35 4Matic$54,950Key SpecsPowertrainModelEngineHPTorqueTransmissionDrivetrainAMG CLA 352.0L Turbo I4 + 48V mild hybrid (13 hp boost)302 hp295 lb-ftAMG Speedshift DCT 8-speedAMG Performance 4Matic AWDAMG CLA 45 SHandcrafted 2.0L Turbo I4416 hp369 lb-ftAMG Speedshift DCT 8-speedAMG Performance 4Matic+ AWDFuel Economy (MPG)ModelCityHighwayCombinedAMG CLA 35 4Matic222925AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic202823WarrantyCoverageDurationComprehensive Limited4 years / 50,000 milesPowertrain4 years / 50,000 milesComplimentary MaintenanceNot includedRoadside Assistance4 years / unlimited milesCorrosion Perforation4 years / unlimited milesPros and ConsPros:Most affordable entry into the AMG performance lineupStylish four-door coupe design with strong road presenceCLA 45 S delivers supercar-rivalling 416 hp from a 2.0-liter engineStandard 4Matic all-wheel drive on both AMG modelsAdvertisementAdvertisementCons:Tight rear seat space limits practicality for passengersDual-clutch transmission can feel jerky at low speedsNo significant updates for 2025 ahead of the all-new 2026 modelBase CLA 35 lacks heated seats as standard equipmentVerdictThe AMG CLA-Class is the gateway to AMG ownership, and the cheapest of the two trims - the AMG CLA 35 - is arguably the pick of the bunch, providing almost all the 45 S's features at almost $10K less, and still sprinting to 60 mph in under five seconds. Hardcore fans may see that a justifiable expense for the manic nature of the 45 S and its hefty 416-hp punch.The CLA-Class won't be around for much longer still, and next year is pencilled in as the last model year, but these AMG models still have a lot to offer, and they're as stylish and modern as ever, with a fully featured MBUX infotainment system and lots of cool AMG touches. But the rear seat is rather cramped, and the allure of an all-new CLA with the MB.OS operating system and a totally redesigned interior waiting in the wings must be quite a temptation. However, those who can secure a good deal on the old car will still bag themselves a very accomplished junior AMG.MercedesCompetitorsAudi S3/RS3BMW M235 Gran CoupeLexus IS500Acura Integra Type SShop the Car MarketplaceView the original article to see embedded media.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Jun 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. 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