26 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel-sipping awards, but for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG 4matic, it’s an acceptable trade-off. This isn’t a car bought for practicality or lower fuel costs. It’s a snarling, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive car designed to deliver thrills, and the mileage shows that.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates that owners of the 2015 CLA45 AMG can expect 23 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go driving conditions that often plague urban commutes, while the highway number shows what the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine can do when it settles into a more efficient cruising speed. The AMG’s power delivery is strong, so maintaining a light foot for optimal fuel economy requires discipline.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG 4matic will be $2,250. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices, which fluctuate. The calculation assumes a certain ratio of city to highway miles, so your actual costs may vary depending on your driving habits and location. Consider the $2,250 a starting point for budgeting.

Real-world expectations

Don’t expect to consistently hit the EPA’s highway rating if you frequently exploit the CLA45 AMG’s performance. The 2.0L engine is powerful, and using that power will reduce fuel economy. Enthusiastic driving, especially using the car’s launch control and aggressive acceleration, will have a noticeable impact. Even with spirited driving, achieving figures close to the EPA estimates is realistic with mindful driving habits. Keep an eye on the trip computer, which can provide real-time and average fuel consumption data, allowing you to adjust your driving style. Few owners of this type of vehicle prioritize fuel consumption above all else. A driver who cares most about fuel economy isn’t purchasing a high-performance luxury AMG.

How it compares

When considering alternatives, it’s important to look at similar performance-oriented vehicles. For instance, the 2015 Audi S3, a direct competitor with a similar turbocharged 2.0L engine and all-wheel drive, achieves a combined EPA rating of 26 MPG, mirroring the CLA45 AMG. The BMW M235i xDrive, another option for performance enthusiasts, also achieves around 26 MPG combined. Stepping up to a larger, more powerful machine like the Mercedes-AMG C43 sees fuel economy dip to around 21 MPG combined. The comparison matters because buyers in this segment often cross-shop similar vehicles, weighing performance characteristics against efficiency, and seeing that the CLA45 AMG doesn’t significantly lag behind its rivals helps justify the purchase.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG’s automatic transmission is key to optimizing fuel economy without sacrificing performance. In Comfort mode, it will upshift early and keep the engine at lower RPMs, which is more efficient for daily driving. Switch to a sportier mode when you want to enjoy the car’s performance capabilities, but remember that doing so will affect your mileage.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The turbocharged engine responds well to smooth, consistent throttle inputs. Minimize hard braking by anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a safe following distance. This technique improves fuel economy and contributes to safer driving overall.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain it at the recommended level, found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Proper inflation also improves handling and tire life.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the car. Extra cargo adds to the vehicle’s load, requiring the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Remove any items you don’t need from the trunk and backseat to lighten the load and improve efficiency. Even small amounts of weight can add up over time.

Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic. The CLA45 AMG is most efficient at consistent speeds, so minimizing time spent idling or accelerating from a standstill will improve fuel economy. Use navigation apps to identify the quickest and least congested routes, especially during peak traffic hours.

Fuel economy data and other details about fuel efficiency for other models are available on our all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data pages. You can also see how the efficiency of this vehicle compares to the CLA45 MPG across all years to get a better sense of its relative performance.