2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45

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Rating6.8

Ranked #3 in 

Compact Sedan
Write Review
$50,400
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

A perfect blend of performance and practicality

Options are too expensive

No significant changes

Sharp handling and ride quality

Limited in-cabin storage compartments

Potent engine

Upscale and spacious interiors

Specs & Features

$50,400

price

375 hp @ 6000 rpm

horsepower

350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

torque

7-Speed Automated Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl AWD 7AM

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The 2018 Mercedes AMG CLA 45 makes for an excellent contender in the compact sedan class. With a single trim on offer, the Mercedes Benz AMG CLA 45 AMG has a base MSRP of $50,400, competing directly with the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400, the BMW M340i, and the Audi RS3. Only a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 engine is offered, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Together, they produce 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating from 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, the AMG CLA 45 maintains a combined fuel economy of 26 MPG. Mercedes Benz offers the AMG CLA 45 in 9 stunning colors, with the Polar White being a particular favorite of ours.

Buying Advice

As there is only one trim to choose from, we recommend making sure you get the optional Premium package and the Interior package. These packages will get you features like keyless ignition and entry, a hands-free boot lid, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats and satellite radio, leather upholstery, upgraded dash and door trim, and interior ambient lighting.

Trims

    Base
    $50,400 onwards
    • Designo Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery
    • Magic Body Control with curve function

Compare to similar cars

Price

$50,400

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.76

Horsepower

375 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque

350 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$28,100- $35,100

Gasoline

6.25

201 hp @ 6800 rpm

180 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm

5

Read Review

$31,950- $49,500

Gasoline

8.35

186 hp @ 4400 rpm

221 lb.-ft. @ 1600 rpm

5

Read Review

$66,500- $98,250

Gasoline

8

425 hp @ 5500 rpm

406 lb.-ft. @ 1850 rpm

5

Read Review

$60,995- $63,195

Gasoline

8.39

464 hp @ 5750 rpm

445 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

$26,995- $40,895

Gasoline

7.1

268 hp @ 5600 rpm

258 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$53,400- $60,800

Gasoline

8.37

362 hp @ 5550 rpm

384 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm

5

Read Review

$66,100- $73,500

Gasoline

8.27

469 hp @ 5500 rpm

479 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

$73,700- $81,500

Gasoline

7.62

503 hp @ 5500 rpm

516 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm

5

Read Review

2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    4.2 sec--
    3.8 sec-189 mph
    2018 BMW M3

    Ranked #2

    4.1 sec12.3 sec155 mph
    4.14 sec12.2 sec180 mph
    4.34 sec12 sec180 mph
    4.98 sec--

    2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      23 mpg30 mpg26 mpg14.8 gal.340.4/444 mi.
      25 mpg35 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.330/462 mi.
      2018 Audi A3

      Ranked #1

      26 mpg35 mpg29 mpg13.2 gal.377/507.5 mi.
      21 mpg27 mpg23 mpg15.9 gal.333.9/429.3 mi.
      20 mpg27 mpg23 mpg17.4 gal.348/469.8 mi.
      18 mpg24 mpg20 mpg17.4 gal.313.2/417.6 mi.

      2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        183.8 in.70 in.55.7 in.3.7 in.106.3 in.
        187 in.72.4 in.56.1 in.6 in.111.8 in.
        187 in.72.4 in.56.1 in.6 in.111.8 in.
        185 in.71.3 in.56.3 in.6 in.111.8 in.
        2018 BMW M3

        Ranked #3

        184.5 in.73.9 in.56.1 in.4.7 in.110.7 in.
        184 in.71.3 in.55.7 in.5 in.109.3 in.

        2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          13.1 cu.ft.--
          2018 BMW M3

          Ranked #1

          12 cu.ft.102.1 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.
          12.6 cu.ft.-58.3 cu.ft.
          2018 Audi A3

          Ranked #3

          12.3 cu.ft.125.6 cu.ft.8.2 cu.ft.
          12.3 cu.ft.89.3 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.
          10.4 cu.ft.83.9 cu.ft.10.4 cu.ft.

          2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            -13.1 cu.ft.--
            2018 BMW M3

            Ranked #2

            63 cu.ft.12 cu.ft.63 cu.ft.-
            -12.6 cu.ft.--
            58.3 cu.ft.12.6 cu.ft.58.3 cu.ft.-
            -12.6 cu.ft.--
            -12 cu.ft.--

            2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1080 lbs.3450 lbs.
              2018 Audi A3

              Ranked #1

              1102 lbs.3197 lbs.
              908 lbs.3093 lbs.
              -3759 lbs.
              2018 BMW M3

              Ranked #1

              980 lbs.3540 lbs.
              -3829 lbs.

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