New 680hp CLA 45 is cheaper than an RS3...

But can Mercedes-AMG really make us want one?

By Matt Bird / Friday, 28 August 2026 / Loading comments

It’s not often that a new car comes along in 2026 at less money than might be expected. Or certainly not a car that you might have at least a passing interest in. But that’s exactly what’s happened with the latest Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, the 680hp EV that lapped the Nurburgring in seven and a half minutes. Because both saloon and estate come in at significantly less than £70k.

And while £66,750 (saloon) and £67,750 (Shooting Brake) hardly qualify as the latest generation of affordable performance cars, it’s worth putting those numbers in context. The last time we drove the old A45 hatch, a car launched in 2019, one optional extra meant it cost £65,195. A BMW M2 is £72k, an xDrive machine closer to £75k. An RS3 in Carbon Vorsprung spec, which Audi reckons is the most configured version, is £72,505. And none of those reach 62mph in three seconds, if that matters…

That RRP buys the AMG in Touring Edition guise; for both four-door and wagon that means 20-inch wheels, the AMGFORCE sound programme (including seat vibrators), AMG Ride Control suspension and active aero. All the latest gen of flagship CLAs, as a reminder, are capable of 155mph, and can charge a 94kWh battery at up to 330kW. Official WLTP range is up to 406 miles, making something like a Hyundai Ioniq 5N - probably the closest competitor both in spirit and on paper - look even more profligate with less than 280 miles from an 84kWh lump.

Mercedes-AMG being Mercedes-AMG, however (and much like many other fast car makers, in fairness), the best bits of the new CLA 45 package require unlocking. With lots of money. So to get Drift Mode, AMG Track Pace, the Performance Seat Package (replacing the standard sport chairs) and the MBUX Superscreen, you’ll be needing a Premium Plus car. Which carries a premium of more than £10,000 - it’s £78,300 for the saloon, or £79,300 for the estate. So £80k, basically, because you’ll be wanting Patagonia Red (£825), though there aren’t many options beyond colour available on the flagship.

And although getting used to the idea of an £80,000 Mercedes CLA might take some getting used to, the popularity of Premium Plus AMGs is clear. Much like Carbon Vorsprung Audis, in fact, it tends to be the one actual buyers go for - particularly with Night Package II and the MBUX Superscreen also included. Search for ‘AMG Premium Plus’ in the PH classifieds for cars with more than 250hp and there are almost 1,500 vehicles for sale. So it’ll probably be the best seller of the new range, especially as it’s the only variant that opens up a gold wheel option as well…

Whether best seller becomes big seller remains to be seen. There’s been no doubting the popularity of the A-Class-derived AMGs since the introduction of the first A45 in 2013, but both the CLA versions have been the niche variants in a UK market that’s always preferred hatches. And the market still seems unsold on electrified performance cars generally. Still, there’s ample performance and AMG prestige on offer with the CLA, both of which can prove pretty persuasive - expect to see one or two 76-plated machines on the road soon...