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Expert Rating

Mercedes-AMG CLA 45

(2020 - present)

Expert Rating

New car score:

67
%
B

Used car score:

61
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

77
%
A

Safety Rating:

82
%
A

Eco Rating:

48
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

26
%
E

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

New car score:

67
%
B

Used car score:

61
%
C

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

77
%
A

Safety Rating:

82
%
A

Eco Rating:

48
%
C

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

26
%
E

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. Evo‘s Antony Ingram explains that the car “covers ground with astonishing composure”, while the What Car? team concedes that “it’s pricey, but such talent comes at a cost.”

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 January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 67%. It earns top marks from media reviews, as well as for its excellent safety rating. However, CO2 emissions are only average and 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


Media reviews


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

Auto Express

+

Autocar

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Evo

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

Top Gear

+

What Car?

+

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 January 2024, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. If it happens, we’ll publish the results here.

Reliability rating

MotorEasy logo 600x167

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of January 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops. 

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the CLA 45, we’ll publish the results here.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, you might also be interested in these alternatives.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio | Audi RS3 | BMW M2 | Honda Civic Type R | Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 | Mercedes-AMG A 45 | Peugeot 508 PSE | Volkswagen Golf R


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A performance-enhanced saloon and estate, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 offers serious pace for an eye-watering price tag.Mercedes-AMG CLA 45