The new CLA sedan is the cheapest model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, and the CLA45 AMG is the most affordable model from Mercedes’ performance division. With a starting price under $30-grand, the CLA works best with less – adding extra power and tons of options only blunts the bargain side of this equation.
While the 355-horsepower CLA45 AMG has more grunt, its $48,375 entry-level price pits it against very potent luxury sedans from the likes of BMW, Lexus, Cadillac and, believe it or not, even Mercedes’ own stable of vehicles.
Mercedes likes to point out the CLA45 is the least expensive AMG product currently available. That’s fine, we get that the AMG badge carries a lot of weight with car enthusiasts. Then again, the larger and, arguably, more upscale 2014 Mercedes C350 sport sedan carries a base price of $42,100.
The standard CLA250, on the other hand, is heavily promoted by Mercedes as being the least expensive model in the German automaker’s U.S. range. Keep in mind, the $29,900 price-tag is a little misleading, since it doesn’t include destination charge.
