Automotive
Mercedes-AMG is giving the CLA 45 S a proper sendoff with a limited-run “Final Edition” that doubles down on design flair and track-ready performance. Set to arrive at select U.S. dealerships in early 2026, this special variant showcases not only the striking aesthetic details we’ve come to expect from AMG but also a reminder of just how potent the brand’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine really is.
For years, AMG’s handcrafted M139 engine has been one of the standout marvels in modern performance engineering. With 416 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque squeezed from just four cylinders, it’s not just impressive—it’s class-leading. Zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a 155-mph top speed (electronically limited) push this coupe into legitimate sports car territory. That kind of output from a four-cylinder puts many V6s to shame and helps the CLA 45 S reclaim the narrative after some lackluster four-cylinder offerings across the wider Mercedes-Benz lineup.
Recent criticism surrounding Mercedes’ use of 4-cylinder engines in larger vehicles—such as entry-level GLE and E-Class trims—has made enthusiasts wary. In those cases, the powertrains often felt mismatched to the vehicle’s size and luxury expectations. But the CLA 45 S is a different beast altogether. It’s a reminder that when AMG tunes a 2.0-liter, it doesn’t feel like a compromise. Instead, it feels like a purpose-built performance machine with the attitude to back it up.
This Final Edition builds on that performance legacy with design elements that emphasize exclusivity and aggression. It’s offered solely in MANUFAKTUR Mountain Grey Magno, contrasted with black and yellow graphics that extend to the mirror caps and 19-inch AMG forged wheels. Yellow accents also dress up the high-performance brake calipers, offering subtle hints of motorsport inspiration.
Beyond the aesthetics, the Final Edition comes equipped with both the AMG Night Package Plus and the Aerodynamics Package Plus as standard. These additions sharpen the exterior look and improve high-speed handling, thanks to wind-tunnel-tested enhancements like a larger front splitter, fixed rear spoiler, and airflow-optimizing rear diffuser elements.
Step inside and the theme continues. AMG Performance seats wrapped in black MB-Tex and microfiber feature yellow contrast stitching and “45 S” headrest branding. The yellow stitching extends across the dash, doors, and center console, where a special Final Edition badge resides. Even the AMG steering wheel gets the bespoke treatment with yellow AMG lettering and aluminum trim, adding a tactile and visual sense of occasion every time you grab it.
There’s no denying that the CLA 45 S Final Edition is a niche model, but that’s part of its charm. With limited availability and an unapologetically bold design, it’s tailored to enthusiasts who want something more than a badge—something that celebrates the engineering beneath the surface.
And it couldn’t have come at a better time. As automakers continue to balance performance and emissions, compact performance cars like this AMG are proving there’s still life—and serious power—left in combustion engines when done right. For those who may have been disappointed by the underwhelming execution of 4-cylinder powerplants in other recent Mercedes models, the CLA 45 S Final Edition offers redemption in the most thrilling way possible.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
