2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 Packs 416 HP, Costs Over $82K

• The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 marks the arrival of the 416-hp variant of Mercedes' compact sedan on American shores.
• The Edition 1 adds matte grey paint and orange accents inside and out, and it includes the AMG Aerodynamics package as standard.
• All of that extra kit comes at a cost, with the Edition 1 going for $82,345, nearly $16,000 over the base price for a 2024 CLA45 S.

For 2024, Mercedes not only refreshed its curvaceous CLA-class compact luxury sedan, but it also added a new AMG-tuned CLA45 S model at the top of the lineup. The new S model replaces the previous CLA45 and gains 34 ponies for a whopping 416-horsepower total. To commemorate the upgrades, the German automaker is creating the CLA45 S «Edition 1,» which packs a host of flashy design cues and a loftier price.

AMG Dresses up the CLA

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1 is distinguished by Mountain Grey Magno paint in a matte finish, accentuated by the AMG logo in red atop a checkered-flag graphic along the sills of the sedan. The same hue appears on the front splitter, dive planes, intake vanes, sideview mirrors, and the rear diffuser, with the Edition 1 including the AMG Aerodynamics package as standard. The Edition 1 is also fitted with matte black 19-inch wheels and red brake calipers.

The cabin isn't left untouched, with the AMG Performance seats echoing the exterior with orange stitching and «CLA 45 S» branding. Orange appears yet again on the door panels and dashboard, and the AMG-branded door-sill panels are illuminated in red. The Edition 1 also comes with the AMG Performance steering wheel and aluminum interior trim.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is unchanged from the standard AMG CLA45 S, so along with the aforementioned 416 horses, all four wheels receive 369 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission allows the CLA45 S rip to 60 mph in a claimed 4.0 seconds. We tested the 382-hp CLA45 at a 3.7-second run, so Mercedes' claim is conservative and we expect the S model to go even quicker.

Only 25 units will come to the United States, and Mercedes says they will hit dealerships soon. Pricing starts at $82,345, a massive increase over the $66,550