Name: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 (2020 - ) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Mercedes-AMG CLA 45
Rating: 66.0

Summary

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is a high-performance version of the standard CLA model range, which is in turn based on the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback. This is the second-generation line-up, which arrived in the UK in early 2020.

More powerful than the CLA 35, this saloon (which Mercedes calls a ‘four-door coupé’) and estate (‘shooting brake’) range now only includes one trim and engine option – the four-wheel drive CLA 45 S that provides 420hp and a 0-62mph sprint time of four seconds flat.

Like the highly-regarded A 45 hot hatch, the CLA 45’s impressive performance has struck a chord with the British automotive media, as Evo‘s Antony Ingram explains when describing how the car “covers ground with astonishing composure”.

That said, “there’s far more to it than pure speed”, says Auto Express. The CLA 45 range has also been praised for its tech-laden interior and practicality, particularly its large boot.

However, if ferrying around the family isn’t on your daily to-do list, Car‘s Jake Groves concludes that you should probably look elsewhere for performance thrills. “Look at it purely like a hot hatch, and you might be able to get almost as much thrill from something half the price.”

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 66%. It earns top marks for its positive media reviews, as well as for its excellent safety rating. However, CO₂ emissions are only average, its reliability record is poor and its running costs are very high.

CLA 45 highlights

Powerful and responsive engine
Comfortable and tech-laden interior
Large boot
Agile handling

CLA 45 lowlights

A 45 hatchback is more spacious in the rear
Expensive to buy and run
Some cheap interior plastics

Key specifications

Body style: Small saloon and estate
Engines: petrol
Price: From £63,660 on-road

Launched: Winter 2019/20
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol automatic CLA 45 S Plus
Score: 9 / 10
“The latest Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is as big a leap over its predecessor, just as the A 45 was. There’s far more to it than pure speed, although there’s certainly plenty of that, too.”
Author: Antony Ingram
Read review

Model reviewed: saloon
Score: 9 / 10
“The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S is a hugely talented and desirable piece of kit, albeit one that doesn’t come cheap. Choosing it over the A 45 S ultimately comes down to whether you prefer the way it looks, but its performance, useability and agility put it ahead of the Audi RS 3 saloon.”
Author: Jonathan Burn
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: CLA 45 Shooting Brake
Score: 8 / 10
“Approach it like a real performance car with estate practicality and this will be capable of setting lap records and family trips away all in one car. Look at it purely like a hot hatch, and you might be able to get almost as much thrill from something half the price.” (Jake Groves)
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: CLA 45 S
Score: 8 / 10
“In a world that’s turning to hybrid and electric vehicles, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S feels like an act of defiance.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: CLA 45 Shooting Brake
“The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Shooting Brake blends performance with practicality, but its aggressive looks and strong engine come with a hefty price tag.”
Read review

Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The AMG CLA 45 is seriously good fun to drive and looks cool inside and out. It might be a bit too subtle for some – there are no lairy spoilers – and the back seats are cramped at best.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: CLA 45 S Shooting Brake
Score: 9 / 10
“The Shooting Brake still covers ground with the same astonishing composure and pace as other 45s and still manages to involve the driver as it does so.” (Antony Ingram)
Read review

Model reviewed: CLA 45 S
Score: 9 / 10
“Fast, good looking, and more involving than its predecessor.” (Antony Ingram)
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: CLA 45 Shooting Brake
Score: 8 / 10
“The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake majors on both style and practicality, mixing these with a fine driving experience and impressive technology.”
Read review

Model reviewed: 45 S
“Ultimately the CLA 45 S AMG is a fast and hugely-capable performance car that is undemanding in normal driving too.”

Parkers+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.8 / 10
“It should turn its hand to anything a small family throws at it, then when needed, serve the driver a great deal of fun when she or he is alone in the car and in a hurry.” (Keith Adams)
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Heavy-handed in its performance and ride quality, but with way more depth and finesse than its predecessor.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: September 2019
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 96%
Child protection: 91%
Vulnerable road users: 91%
Safety assist: 75%

The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has not specifically been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but it shares its safety rating with the overall CLA range that scored five stars when it was tested in 2019.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has not been assessed by Green NCAP. If it happens, we’ll publish the results here.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 100
Average repair cost: £710.45
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

As of October 2024, the Mercedes-Benz CLA family (including all AMG models) has a below-average reliability score of 61%, according to workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. This rating covers both this generation and the previous model (2012 to 2019).

The average repair costs to date is also fairly high for this size of car, at more than £700. The most expensive bills so far have been for gearbox repairs, with an eye-watering average bill of more than £3,000. Fortunately, they have not been common.

Engine problems, however, have been both common and expensive with an average bill of about £800.

If you’re thinking about buying a used car warranty for your Mercedes-AMG CLA, make sure that it covers all of the problem areas shown above.