Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Options, model availability and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs and terms.
AMG® and 4MATIC® are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Android Auto™ is a trademark of Google LLC.
Apple CarPlay® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
harman/kardon® and Logic 7 are registered marks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated
Burmester® is a registered trademark of Burmester Audiosysteme GmbH, Berlin, Germany
Bluetooth® is a registered mark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 vs AMG® CLA 35 Coupe
The AMG® CLA 35 generates 81 more horsepower than the standard CLA 250. This power difference defines the choice between daily luxury and spirited performance. Explore the detailed specifications below before viewing our new CLA inventory.
Core Performance Differences
For a complete overview of all available models within this lineup, visit our 2026 CLA Coupe model breakdown. When deciding between the two entry points to this four-door coupe family, buyers must evaluate their daily driving priorities in West Alabama.
Both models feature a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo engine, but the internal engineering diverges significantly.
| Specification | 2026 CLA 250 4MATIC® Coupe | 2026 AMG® CLA 35 Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L inline-4 turbo (mild hybrid) | AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline-4 turbo (hybrid assist) |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft |
| 0 to 60 MPH | 6.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Transmission | 8-speed dual-clutch automatic | AMG SPEEDSHIFT® DCT 8-speed |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC® all-wheel drive | AMG Performance 4MATIC® |
Translating the Engineering
The CLA 250 4MATIC®: The 221 horsepower configuration focuses on seamless power delivery. This means highway merging on I-20 feels completely effortless, while the mild hybrid system ensures a quiet, smooth idle during Tuscaloosa city traffic.
The AMG® CLA 35: The AMG-enhanced engine trims 1.5 seconds off your 0 to 60 MPH time. This translates to an aggressive, instantaneous throttle response that performance driving enthusiasts will immediately appreciate when carving through winding rural routes. Please note that maximum acceleration metrics are achieved only when properly equipped.
You can verify these engine outputs via the official Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 specifications and the official AMG CLA 35 spec page.
Suspension and Handling Characteristics
Power is only part of the equation. How that power meets the pavement separates these two vehicles further.
CLA 250 Suspension
Features a four-wheel independent suspension with a MacPherson strut front and multilink rear.
The real-world value: This setup prioritizes cabin comfort. It actively absorbs the harshness of uneven city streets and expansion joints, keeping you isolated from road imperfections.
AMG® CLA 35 Suspension
Features the four-wheel independent AMG Sport Suspension.
The real-world value: This stiffer tuning severely reduces body roll. It keeps the vehicle planted flat during high-speed cornering, creating a highly communicative and track-inspired connection to the road.
If you want to feel the difference behind the wheel, browse our available AWD luxury coupes to find the exact model you wish to test drive.
Exterior Styling Signatures
The exterior styling of both models visually reinforces their mechanical differences.
The standard CLA 250 projects pure, elegant luxury. It features a sweeping roofline and an understated shark-nose grille that commands attention without aggression. In contrast, the AMG® CLA 35 leans heavily into its racing pedigree. It features wider lower air intakes, standard 18-inch AMG® 10-spoke wheels, and distinctive AMG body styling that immediately signals its high-performance capabilities to onlookers.
AdChoices