5 days ago
2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition Bids Farewell
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition marks the end of the line for the second-generation CLA and its sporty AMG-tuned variant.
The Final Edition pairs Mountain Grey Magno paint with yellow accents and loud "45 S" graphics on the front doors.
The Final Edition will be offered in limited numbers starting in early 2026; pricing hasn't yet been announced.
Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to launch the new third-generation 2026 CLA-class, starting this fall with the fully electric CLA EV before adding a new hybrid CLA-class sedan in early 2026. But Mercedes's performance division, AMG, has yet to work its magic on the new CLA, and before it does, it has revealed a send-off for the current CLA45 S in the form of a new Final Edition.
The 2026 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Final Edition will be available in limited numbers—although the automaker didn't specify just how many—when it reaches dealerships early next year. The Final Edition wears Mountain Grey Magno paint from the brand's Manufaktur personalization program and is further distinguished by a black-and-yellow "45 S" graphic on the front doors. Yellow accents are also found on the sideview mirrors.
Mercedes-Benz
The 19-inch wheels are painted matte black with yellow accents surrounding the center caps. The black brake calipers have AMG logos. The Final Edition also has the AMG Night package, bringing gloss-black and black-chrome exterior trim. The AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus is also fitted, bringing a beefier front splitter, small dive planes on the front bumper, a sizable rear wing, and a gloss-black rear diffuser. There is also a special silver chrome fuel cap adorned with AMG lettering.
The yellow touches continue inside, where the Final Edition features black AMG Performance seats upholstered in microsuede and Mercedes's MB-Tex synthetic leather. There is yellow stitching throughout the cabin, and the front headrests sport an embroidered "45 S" logo. There is also a "45 S Final Edition" on the center console, an illuminated AMG badge on the door sills, "45 S" branding on the floor mats, and more yellow accents on the nappa leather and microfiber steering wheel.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
The powertrain remains unchanged, with the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder pumping out 416 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes claims the CLA45 S can rip from zero to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds en route to a 155-mph top speed. But we bet it's even quicker. When we tested a 2020 CLA45, back when it had only 382 hp, it did the dash in just 3.7 seconds. Shifting duties are handled by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the CLA45's standard all-wheel-drive system can send all of the power to the rear wheels for tail-happy antics.
While the 2026 CLA45 S Final Edition marks the end of the line for the second-generation sporty sedan, Mercedes is surely cooking up a hotter version of the new third-generation model. Spy photos have captured a new CLA wearing an active rear wing, redesigned bumpers, and camouflage on the front fenders where an AMG badge typically goes. We expect AMG to fiddle with both the hybrid and electric CLA-class sedans, and we shouldn't have to wait too much longer for a full reveal.
Caleb Miller
Associate News Editor
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
