By the Rims & Tires Team
Compiled & reviewed by our West Georgia tire & wheel research team · Updated 2026-07-17
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the entry-level performance four-door coupe in the Mercedes lineup — based on the A-Class platform and priced below the C-Class. It is offered in CLA 250, AMG CLA 35, and the high-performance AMG CLA 45 S. The CLA's sporty low-slung roofline means it rides on relatively low-profile tires, particularly in AMG form. Many CLA trims ship with run-flat tires, which affects replacement options.
CLA Tire Sizes by Trim
The CLA 250 ships on 225/45R18 on standard 18-inch wheels. This is the most common CLA fitment and has good aftermarket availability. Optional 19-inch AMG style wheels use 225/40R19.
The AMG CLA 35 uses 235/40R18 on standard 18-inch AMG wheels, or 245/35R19 on optional 19-inch AMG Sport wheels.
The AMG CLA 45 S ships on 245/40R18 standard or 255/35R19 optional — slightly wider tires than the CLA 35 to handle the 416-hp output. The 35-profile sidewall on the optional 19-inch wheels means very responsive steering and minimal tire flex, with correspondingly harsh impact absorption over road irregularities.
Standard CLA 250 Tire Replacements
For 225/45R18: the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 and Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ are the top UHP all-season choices. For comfort priority, the Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is quieter and more comfortable.
For 225/40R19 (optional CLA 250) or 235/40R18 (AMG CLA 35 standard): same Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 recommendation. The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is worth considering for CLA owners who want lower road noise than the UHP options provide.
Note: if the car shipped with run-flat tires (MOExtended markings on the sidewall), replacing with standard tires requires adding a roadside solution. Most CLA owners who switch do so because run-flat tires are more expensive and produce a harsher ride than standard tires in the same size.
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AMG CLA 45 S Performance Tire Options
The AMG CLA 45 S with 416 hp and torque-vectoring 4MATIC+ AWD benefits from the highest performance tire available. On 255/35R19: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Continental SportContact 7 are the primary options.
The 45 S's AWD system and launch control put enormous stress on all four tires simultaneously under hard acceleration — performance tires with high treadwear ratings (200-300 UTQG) will wear faster than touring alternatives. Owners who regularly use launch control should budget for more frequent tire replacement.
On the standard 245/40R18: verify which model year and package applies, as Mercedes has adjusted AMG CLA fitments across generations. The SportContact 7 and Pilot Sport 4S are available in 245/40R18.
Frequently asked
What size tires does the Mercedes CLA use?
CLA 250 standard: 225/45R18. CLA 250 optional: 225/40R19. AMG CLA 35: 235/40R18 (standard) or 245/35R19 (optional). AMG CLA 45 S: 245/40R18 (standard) or 255/35R19 (optional). Verify with your door jamb sticker.
Does the Mercedes CLA have run-flat tires?
Many CLA trims ship with extended mobility run-flat tires (Mercedes MOExtended designation). Check the sidewall for this marking. Run-flat tires can be driven up to 50 miles at 50 mph after a puncture but cannot be repaired — they must be replaced. Switching to standard tires is possible and reduces cost and ride harshness, but requires adding a spare or roadside assistance plan.
What are the best tires for the Mercedes CLA 250?
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4 or Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ in 225/45R18 for UHP all-season performance. Michelin Primacy Tour A/S for comfort-priority buyers. All three provide significant improvement over the run-flat OEM tires in ride quality.
Can you rotate Mercedes CLA tires?
Yes — the CLA uses the same size all four corners across all trims. Full front-to-rear rotation is possible. Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
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Last updated 2026-07-17. General guidance only — confirm specifics with a local shop for your exact vehicle.