Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 S get a makeover for 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Alongside unveiling the all-new CLA, Mercedes has also introduced the upgrades for the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S. These spicy iterations of the German coupe now come with attractive cosmetic upgrades and refined mechanicals making it even more desirable.

To begin with, the exterior looks more striking with a new AMG-specific radiator grille housing vertical slats and the round AMG emblem reiterating the brand’s identity. Adding to the tweaks are revised LED headlights, LED tail lights, and new AMG alloy wheels. The latter now comes in the following choices - 

• CLA 35 - Standard 10-spoke, 18-inch black wheels with high-gloss surfaces, or optional five-twin-spoke 19-inch matte black wheels with high-gloss surfaces or high-gloss rim flange
• CLA 45 S - Standard 19-inch matte black wheels with high-gloss surfaces, or optional five-twin-spoke 19-inch matte black wheels with high-gloss rim flange

As for the interior, the standard sports seats or optional AMG Performance seats can be specced in Sage Grey/Black MB-Tex and Red/Black leather upholstery. Further enhancing the sporty vibe of the car is the new AMG Performance steering wheel, which now boasts AMG Drive Unit controls as standard. 

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA models also gain the latest-gen MBUX operating system with AMG-specific designs making the brand experience tangible.

In terms of mechanical bits, the new CLA 35 is powered by an AMG-enhanced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mill coupled with a belt-driven starter-generator and a 48-volt electrical system. The engine continues to kick out a maximum power of 302 hp and a peak torque of 400 Nm. As for the transmission, it now comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The top-spec CLA 45 S, on the other hand, comes equipped with a re-tuned Handcrafted AMG 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine which makes 416 hp (34 hp more) and a peak torque of 500 Nm (20 Nm more). The power is transferred to all four wheels with AMG's eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling the coupe to hit the century sprint in 4.1 seconds. 

Just like the updated CLA-Class standard range, performance variants will also go on sale in the US later this year. Pricing is likely to be announced closer to that.

Also read: Locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz battery EV coming next year