Dernière mise à jour: August 25, 2026
The AMG CLA 45 hp figure depends on the market and version you are looking at. In the United States, the 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S produces 416 horsepower, while Mercedes quotes 421 PS (310 kW) for the European CLA 45 S specification.
Both numbers describe essentially the same high-output 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The difference mainly comes from the measurement units used in different markets, not from a major mechanical difference.
Table of Contents
- How Much Horsepower Does the AMG CLA 45 Have?
- Engine and Turbocharger Technology
- Acceleration, AWD and Transmission
- AMG CLA 45 vs CLA 35
- Connected Technology and Driving Features
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Quick Information
| Specification | 2026 AMG CLA 45 S |
|---|---|
| U.S. power rating | 416 hp |
| European rating | 421 PS / 310 kW |
| Engine | Handcrafted 2.0L turbo inline-four |
| Torque | 369 lb-ft / 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT |
| Drivetrain | AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD |
| U.S. 0–60 mph | 4.0 seconds |
| European 0–100 km/h | About 4.0 seconds |
| Top speed | Up to 270 km/h depending on market |
| U.S. MSRP | $67,550 for 2026 model |
How Much Horsepower Does the AMG CLA 45 Have?
For U.S. buyers, the current 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Coupe produces 416 hp at 6,750 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque between 5,000 and 5,250 rpm. Mercedes-Benz USA lists these figures for the current model.
European Mercedes-AMG specifications use metric horsepower, or PS, and list 421 PS, equal to 310 kW. Mercedes also lists 500 Nm of torque for the European specification.
Why 416 hp and 421 PS are both correct
One metric horsepower, or PS, is slightly smaller than one SAE mechanical horsepower.
That means:
- 421 PS ≈ 415–416 hp
- 310 kW ≈ 416 hp
So articles claiming 416 hp and others quoting 421 hp may simply be mixing measurement systems.
Internal linking opportunity: Link this section to articles about horsepower vs PS, Mercedes-AMG engines, or CLA 45 vs CLA 35.
Engine and Turbocharger Technology
The CLA 45 S uses a handcrafted 1,991 cc turbocharged inline-four. Mercedes-AMG builds the engine according to its “One Man, One Engine” production philosophy, where one technician is responsible for assembling an individual engine.
The engine uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. Despite having only four cylinders, it produces power levels that were once associated with much larger six- and eight-cylinder engines.
High specific output
With 310 kW from just 2.0 liters, the CLA 45 S has an exceptionally high output per liter.
That gives it several advantages:
- Strong acceleration
- Compact engine dimensions
- Lower engine weight than a larger V6 or V8
- High power without increasing displacement
However, producing so much power from a small turbo engine also means higher thermal and mechanical loads, making proper maintenance and high-quality fuel particularly important.
Acceleration, AWD and Transmission
The AMG CLA 45 hp figure is impressive, but power alone does not explain its performance.
Mercedes pairs the engine with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The U.S. model accelerates from 0–60 mph in a claimed 4.0 seconds.
The European CLA 45 S is rated at approximately 4.0 seconds from 0–100 km/h, while top speed can reach 270 km/h depending on configuration.
AMG Torque Control
The 4MATIC+ system can vary torque distribution and actively control how much power reaches each rear wheel.
This improves:
- Cornering traction
- Acceleration grip
- Stability
- Performance on wet roads
- Ability to rotate the car during aggressive driving
The system is considerably more sophisticated than a conventional fixed all-wheel-drive setup.
AMG CLA 45 vs CLA 35
The CLA 45 S sits above the AMG CLA 35 in Mercedes’ compact performance range.
For 2026, Mercedes-Benz USA lists the AMG CLA 35 alongside the CLA 45 S, with the latter positioned as the flagship performance version. The CLA 45 S starts at $67,550 MSRP in the United States.
| Feature | AMG CLA 35 | AMG CLA 45 S |
| Position | Entry AMG performance | Flagship compact AMG |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo four-cylinder | Handcrafted 2.0L turbo four-cylinder |
| Power | Lower output | 416 hp U.S. |
| AWD | 4MATIC | Performance 4MATIC+ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch | AMG SPEEDSHIFT 8-speed DCT |
| Character | Fast daily driver | Higher-performance model |
The CLA 35 may suit buyers who want lower running costs and plenty of everyday performance. The CLA 45 S is aimed at drivers who prioritize acceleration, chassis technology and maximum output.
Connected Technology and Driving Features
The CLA 45 S also combines mechanical performance with connected-car technology.
Its MBUX infotainment system supports digital displays, navigation, voice functions and connected services. AMG-specific displays can show performance information such as engine data, transmission behavior and driving settings.
Mercedes has also offered AMG TRACK PACE, which can record driving data on race circuits. Earlier CLA 45 documentation describes stored circuits such as the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps, along with augmented-reality functions that can show racing lines.
Why software matters
Modern performance cars increasingly depend on software to manage:
- Torque distribution
- Stability control
- Transmission shifts
- Drive modes
- Launch performance
- Adaptive suspension
- Digital performance displays
The CLA 45 therefore represents a combination of mechanical engineering and software-controlled performance rather than simply a powerful engine.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the AMG CLA 45
The CLA 45 S delivers sports-car performance in a relatively compact four-door body.
Advantages
- 416 hp from a 2.0L engine
- Fast 0–60 mph acceleration
- Advanced 4MATIC+ AWD
- Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Premium interior technology
- Four-door practicality
- Strong handling capability
Disadvantages
- High purchase price for a compact sedan
- Premium fuel required
- Performance tires can be expensive
- Firm suspension may not suit everyone
- Complex drivetrain can increase maintenance costs
- Rear-seat space is more limited than larger sedans
A practical example is a driver who needs one car for commuting during the week but also enjoys performance driving on weekends. The CLA 45 S offers much more everyday usability than a two-seat sports car while still providing serious acceleration.
FAQs
1. How much horsepower does the AMG CLA 45 have?
The 2026 U.S.-spec AMG CLA 45 S produces 416 hp, while Mercedes lists 421 PS, or 310 kW, in European specifications.
2. Why do some websites say 421 hp?
European specifications use PS, or metric horsepower. 421 PS is approximately 416 SAE horsepower, so both figures refer to essentially the same output.
3. What engine is in the AMG CLA 45 S?
It uses a handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing up to 310 kW.
4. How fast is the AMG CLA 45 S?
Mercedes-Benz USA claims 0–60 mph in 4.0 seconds for the 2026 model.
5. Is the AMG CLA 45 electric?
No. The current CLA 45 S uses a gasoline turbocharged engine. Mercedes also offers newer electrified CLA models, but they are separate from the AMG CLA 45 S discussed here.
Conclusion
The AMG CLA 45 hp rating is 416 horsepower in current U.S. specifications, or 421 PS / 310 kW using European measurements. That power comes from an unusually potent handcrafted 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and sophisticated all-wheel drive.
Readers can verify current specifications through Mercedes-Benz USA, explore technical details through Mercedes-Benz Media, and learn more about AMG vehicles through Mercedes-AMG.
For anyone searching AMG CLA 45 hp, the key detail is that 416 hp and 421 PS are not conflicting specifications. They are different units describing essentially the same 310 kW engine output.
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