Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Edition 1 25-Unit Arrives Late

In January last year, as part of the CLA refresh for 2024, Mercedes confirmed that the US would be getting the even hotter S variant of the CLA 45 for the first time, bringing with it a maximum of 416 horsepower from the M139 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This ferocious four-pot started reaching dealers at the tail end of 2023, but despite the fact that the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S has now been on American soil for months, a limited-run “Edition 1” celebratory variant has just been announced, with just 25 units earmarked for American buyers.
 
We’re as confused as you are.
 

Purely Cosmetic Changes, As Usual
The Edition 1 variant is characterized by the inclusion of Manufaktur Mountain Grey Magno (matte) paint, AMG decals, orange exterior accents, and 19-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels in matte black. Red brake calipers, the AMG Night Package Plus, and the AMG Aerodynamics Package are also included.
 
Inside, the CLA 45 S gets the optional AMG Performance front seats trimmed in black microfiber with orange contrast stitching and CLA 45 S embroidered logos on the headrests. The orange stitching also uplifts the door cards, center armrests, dashboard, and AMG Performance steering wheel. The dash trim gets orange graphics, while red lighting appears in the cabin and on the AMG door sills.
 
With so few changes, we wouldn’t be surprised if Mercedes-Benz USA is looking to increase turnover ahead of the reveal of the drastically altered next-gen model, reportedly scheduled for later this year.
 

Pricing And Availability
The AMG Night Package Plus adds gloss black surrounds to the front fascia’s intakes, the wing mirrors, the glasshouse surrounds, the front grille bars, the badges, and the tailpipes, while the AMG Aerodynamics Package adds a deeper front splitter, flics on the front fascia, a larger rear spoiler, and a more aggressive rear diffuser. Oddly, the AMG Aerodynamics Plus Package (which includes a fixed rear wing) has not been added. This would have helped the special edition stand out more, and since just 25 Edition 1 examples will be made, we’re a little surprised by its exclusion.
 
Everything available here can be equipped to a regular CLA 45 S, with the exception of the orange accents (but red or grey are available). Adding the abovementioned packages with the more expensive of two available trims, you’ll pay $80,200, including destination. The Edition 1 costs $81,195, before $1,150 for destination. For a 25-unit special edition, that’s not a bad premium.