For those seeking the versatility of a 4-door sedan but desire a youthful, sporty coupe, Mercedes-Benz makes the 2024 CLA. In its most humble form, the CLA 250 is both a luxury car and performance machine, touting a 221-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine supplemented with a belt-driven starter-generator and 48-volt power supply, adding an additional 13-hp boost when needed.
Buyers can choose between front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD).
For enthusiast-level performance, the CLA offers a selection of two AMG models: AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45.
The CLA isn’t alone in vying for attention. Other considerations include the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, Acura Integra, and Lexus IS.
What’s New:
Along with a mild exterior refresh, the CLA gets more standard equipment. The contents of the Parking Assist and Mirror Packages are included, bringing automatic parking assist and power-folding, auto-dimming heated side mirrors. Lighted USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, updated 10.25-inch dual display screens, and the integration of Dolby Atmos into the Burmester audio option round out the most notable changes.
The AMG CLA 45 sees its output bumped up to 416 hp. Revised LED headlights, new wheel designs, and new upholstery options mark the significant changes for the CLA 35 and CLA 45 models.
Our Recommendation:
If luxury and price are your primary motivators, the CLA 250 4Matic is our choice. If you have deep pockets and a deeper love for speed, grab the AMG CLA 45 and never look back.
These are the manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) and include the $1,150 factory-to-dealer delivery fee (destination charge). Prices are current at the time of publishing.
CLA 250
Starts at $44,350 | See listings
- Panoramic roof
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Foot-activated power trunk
- Parking Assist
- Dual 10.25-inch displays
- 12-way power front seats
- Memory for driver’s seat and mirrors
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- 64-color ambient lighting
- See more
CLA 35
Starts at $56,100 | See listings
- 302-hp AMG engine
- 4Matic AWD
- AMG sport suspension
- AMG brakes
- AMG-tuned transmission
- AMG sport seats
- Burmester audio
- See more
CLA 45
Starts at $58,950 | See listings
- 416-hp AMG engine
- AMG-enhanced 4Matic AWD
- 19-inch wheels
- Heated front seats
- AMG Line Package
- See more
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: $44,350
Pulled by its front wheels, the base 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA features a 221-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD is a $2,000 option.
In a nod to better performance, the CLA 250 includes an advanced torque-vectoring system that uses braking to help move power to the front outside wheel. This procedure improves the car’s ability to stay on the intended cornering line at high speeds.
The Dynamic Select system gives the driver more say in how the car performs, regulating throttle input, shifting, and steering input via one of three modes: Comfort, Sport, or Eco.
The CLA 250’s sleek exterior comes fitted with power-folding heated power side mirrors with driver’s auto-dimming feature, LED headlights and taillights, a panoramic glass moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing wipers. SmartKey proximity keyless entry lets you unlock the doors by touching the handle while kicking your foot under the bumper, activating the power trunk lid.
Mercedes-Benz is known for its commitment to safety, so it should come as no surprise the CLA 250 offers a wide variety of standard and optional equipment.
Standard safety systems include a forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, a driver-attention monitor, and Crosswind Assist. A rearview monitor also comes as part of the deal, as do automatic high-beam headlights.
Parking Assist can parallel or perpendicular park the car by controlling the steering, braking, and shifting. It can also steer you back out of a space.
While the standard driver-assist systems may seem lacking, Mercedes-Benz allows buyers to add more.
Opting for the Driver Assistance Package ($1,700) adds Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and front and rear cross-traffic detection with emergency braking.
Active blind-spot assist, active lane-change assist, and the Pre-Safe accident preparedness system, which can anticipate and prepare the cabin when a collision is imminent, are also part of the package.
Inside the CLA 250, you’ll find a cabin that punches above its weight. The sophisticated dash features dual 10.25-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. A center trackpad allows fingertip operation of the center screen, which also operates via voice commands or direct touch.
Sixty-four colors of available ambient lighting, displayed in the air vents, footwells, dash illumination, and door panels, add a distinctive touch.
The infotainment setup includes wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth phone, and music streaming. An AM/FM/HD Radio audio system with six speakers comes standard. Still, Mercedes offers a premium upgrade in the form of a 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester audio system ($970), complete with Dolby Atmos sound imaging.
Phone charging is easy, with five lighted USB-C ports — three in the front and two in the rear seat area. A wireless charging pad is optional.
MB-Tex, a tough faux leather, covers the seats, but you can upgrade to actual leather upholstery. The CLA 250’s front sport seats include 12-way power adjustment with 3-position memory, adjustable lumbar support, and extendable lower seat cushions.
A 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allows passengers and cargo to share the same space, with trunk-mounted seatback releases for easy operation.
Wrapping up the CLA 250’s luxury credentials are one-touch up/down power windows, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
Options for the CLA 250 include several exterior styling packages, including the AMG Night Package ($3,150), which adds a lowered suspension, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG exterior body styling in gloss black, a sport steering wheel, sport brakes, sport front seats, and brushed stainless steel pedals.
The Exclusive Trim package ($1,500) adds navigation with augmented video, which overlays turn arrows, street names, and addresses over a real-time video image captured by a front-facing camera. Also included are illuminated door sills and an Advanced sound system with ten speakers and a 225-watt amp.
The Pinnacle Trim package ($3,900) adds adaptive LED headlights, a head-up display, a surround-view monitor, and the MBUX Assistant with gesture control.
The Winter Package ($450) brings a heated steering wheel, front seats, and windshield washers.
Standalone options include 18-inch and 19-inch wheel upgrades, a carbon-fiber spoiler, heated front seats, an adaptive suspension system, adaptive cruise control, and rear side-impact airbags.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 monthly payment starts at $837. See 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 includes:
12-way power front seats – The CLA 250’s supportive sport seats include 12-way adjustment. Heat and ventilation are optional.
Dual-zone automatic climate control – Dual-zone climate controls allow driver and passenger to choose their climate settings.
Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – It’s easy to bring along your favorite music, apps, navigation, and phone assistant, all controlled via the CLA’s infotainment center.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: $56,100
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance tuner. When AMG lays its hands on a CLA 250, it turns into an AMG CLA 35.
Under the hood resides a 302-hp, AMG-tuned version of the 2.0-liter turbo and an AMG-spec 4Matic AWD system. AMG also tunes the transmission, suspension, brakes, and steering.
The CLA 35’s Dynamic Select gets revised mode settings for Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+.
Exterior styling upgrades include 10-spoke 18-inch AMG wheels, a sculpted front air dam, flared side sills, dual round chrome tailpipes, and a deep rear valance. Up front, large lower air intakes help route air to the running gear.
Building off the CLA 250 4Matic, the CLA 35 adds sport seats with integrated headrests, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, AMG leather-wrapped performance steering wheel, and the Burmester audio upgrade.
Options for the CLA 35 include the Exclusive Trim ($2,150) and Pinnacle Trim ($4,000) packages, AMG-oriented exterior upgrades (think carbon-fiber mirror caps and an aerodynamics package), an AMG sport steering wheel, and an AMG Track Pace ($250) addition for the MBUX user interface that keeps records of track performance.
The AMG Performance Seat Package ($2,800, $3,250 with ventilation) brings upgraded and extra sporty multicontour sport seats.
Available AMG Ride Control ($850) adapts suspension damping to various road surface conditions, with further changes to steering adaptions based on the Dynamic Select setting.
There’s also an AMG Drive Unit on the steering wheel, allowing a quick switchover to all the sportiest drive settings.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 monthly payment comes to $1,059. See 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 includes:
AMG-tuned turbo engine – With 302 hp, the AMG 2.0-liter propels the CLA 35 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
Dual screens – The combined 10.25-inch cluster and infotainment screens make for a beautiful single glass expanse covering more than half the dash.
Available multicontour seats – With adjustable side bolsters, these form-fitting sport seats can accommodate just about anybody.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: $58,950
One step up from the CLA 35 is the CLA 45. Its handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces a ridiculous 416 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The CLA 45 gets an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), an AMG sport suspension, and an AMG-enhanced 4Matic+ AWD system.
Building off the CLA 35, the CLA 45 adds 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, heated AMG sport seats, Keyless-Go, and the AMG Line Package.
Various AMG packages add heated and ventilated sport seats, multicontour front seats, and improved aerodynamics through exterior spoiler and apron extensions. AMG Ride Control ($990) and AMG Track Pace ($250) are also available.
Buyers can also opt for AMG illuminated door sills, black or red seatbelts, and AMG design interior trim.
On a 60-month loan at 5% financing and $0 down, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 monthly payment comes to $1,112. See 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 models for sale near you
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 includes:
High-performance engine – The AMG-tuned 2.0-liter pumps out more than 200 hp per liter, making it one of the most powerful internal combustion 4-cylinders money can buy.
Dual-clutch automatic transmission – The AMG-tuned 8-speed DCT delivers split-second gearshifts and adds an additional gear.
AMG sport suspension – With stiffer shocks and springs, this suspension helps keep the tires planted when rounding turns at high speeds.
