A Complete Guide To The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupé is the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz model range, and carries all the hallmarks that have made the three-pointed star one of the most desirable icons in auto history, including a smooth ride and an opulent interior chock-full of technology.

For 2024, all CLA models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that boosts torque at the low end with a belt-driven starter/generator, for a mild-hybrid system. The package combines good looks, apt power and taut handling, to create a worthy entry-level sports-sedan.

This guide provides comprehensive information provided by the manufacturer. HotCars sourced additional data for reliability (from J.D. Power), EPA gas mileage (Fueleconomy.gov), safety ratings (IIHS), and recalls (NHTSA). We evaluate five different metrics when determining a rating for each model. You can
read our Methodology page
for more information about our rating system.

What’s New For 2024?

The big update for 2024 is the mild-hybrid system to improve bottom end torque, which we’ll cover off in the next section, but other changes include two new blue exterior colors, and subtle cosmetic revisions to the front and rear ends, the latter of which includes a new diffuser.

2024 Highlights

• A belt-driven starter/generator provides a mild-hybrid system for the 2.0L turbo engine
• Subtle cosmetic changes front and rear provide a fresh but not radical revision
• Two new blues have been added to the color palette
• Some interior options and technology are now standard

Exterior Dimensions

Engine Specifications And Performance

Both 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 models are powered by the M260 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which uses a belt-driven starter/generator motor to provide 13 added horsepower and bring the total to 221. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all four wheels (4MATIC) by an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Zero to 60 mph times are on the leisurely side, which is fine for the type of buyers the CLA sports sedan will likely attract. The return is in reduced cabin noise from the front of the car, and enhanced fuel-economy.

Performance Specifications

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

• The instrument panel display has been updated with new software
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now linked wirelessly
• Upholstery choices have been expanded
• USB ports are illuminated for quick identification in low-light conditions

Despite its entry-level position, the Mercedes-Benz CLA features many of the luxury and technological amenities of other Mercedes-Benz four-door cars farther up the price- and size-ladder. Seats are well padded and supportive, and come in a variety of materials and colors. Heating and ventilation are available as part of option packages. Rear seating is tight but tolerable for three, thanks to the exclusion of the traditional drive shaft tunnel in Mercedes rear-wheel drive models.

The well-bolstered high-back front seats are reminiscent of racing seats, without the minimalist construction, and the driver’s seat is surrounded by a myriad of controls to further the racing-cockpit ambiance. The steering wheel is also new, but still overstocked with controls, and is optionally fitted with heating elements.

Technology

Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of technological adaptations, and the new CLA follows through on the trend with updates to the onboard displays that seamlessly stretches from the center console nearly to the driver’s door. Above the instrument cluster, a head-up display is enhanced with augmented reality to provide precise navigation instructions.

The optional Burmester sound system has also been updated with the latest Dolby surround sound technology for a fuller listening experience. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now both wirelessly connected,

Interior Dimensions

Safety And Reliability

Luxury models are rarely crash-tested by IIHS or rated by NHTSA, and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is no exception, though the previous generation did get favorable ratings from both organizations. As for reliability, J. D. Power gives the latest CLA a rating of 82 out of 100 on its reliability index, earning it a tie as the organization’s Best Small Premium Car of 2024.

Driver Assistance Features

Mercedes-Benz was a pioneer in the development of driving-aids, and the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA benefits from all the latest technology, with assists to keep the sports sedan tracking straight, help it fit easily into a tight parking spot and even help its driver stay alert.

• Active LED headlamps
• Surround View
• DISTRONIC Adaptive Cruise Control
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Brake Assist
• Cross-Traffic Alert
• Emergency Stop Assist
• Speed Limit Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist
• Lane Change Assist
• Route-based Speed Adaptation

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

Warranties

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is covered by a comprehensive 4-year/50,000-mile warranty, which covers powertrain, corrosion and all components, and throws in roadside assistance for the duration of the term. Unlike some of its competitors, Mercedes does not offer a maintenance program, though it does offer a pre-paid package for future maintenance and extended coverage for up to three years beyond the new vehicle warranty.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Versus Its Competitors

There is perhaps no better rivalry in the automotive world than Mercedes-Benz versus BMW, with the two marques releasing similarly-sized vehicles, powered by similar powertrains, with new generations usually arriving within months of the other. Naturally, the Mercedes-Benz CLA finds itself a worthy adversary in the BMW 3 Series sedan, but it also has rivals from other continents, such as the Cadillac CT4, a relative newcomer to the luxury-sports-sedan game.

How The Mercedes-Benz CLA Compares To The BMW 3 Series

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA	2024 BMW 3-Series
  Trim	CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC	330i Sedan / 330i xDrive Sedan / 330e Sedan / 330e xDrive Sedan / M340i Sedan / M340i xDrive Sedan / M3 Sedan / M3 Competition Sedan / M3 Competition xDrive Sedan
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	BMW
  Model	CLA	3-Series
  Segment	Sports Sedans	Luxury Car
  Engine/Motor	2.0-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder	2.0L Turbo Inline-4 / 2.0L Turbo Plug-In Hybrid Inline-4 / 3.0L Turbo I6
  Horsepower	221 HP	255-503 HP
  Torque	258 LB-FT	295-479 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	FWD, AWD	RWD / AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic	8-Speed Automatic / 6-Speed Manual
  MSRP	$43,200-$45,200	$44,500 – $84,300
  0-60 MPH	6.3 Seconds	3.8 – 5.6 Seconds

The historic M-B vs BMW rivalry revolves around the different presentations from each manufacturer. Mercedes-Benz models are traditionally softer and more elegant in their design, with their interior appointments more opulent and their technology more cutting edge. The CLA starts slightly lower in price than the 3 Series, and Merc’s two-liter “four” is slightly less powerful than the Bimmer’s, but it is also slightly more fuel-efficient.

The BMW 3 Series is perhaps the best known luxury sport compact in the world, with its handling and powertrains becoming the yardsticks against which rivals not named Mercedes measure their success. The 2024 3 Series offers traditionally precise handling and also more variety in its powertrains, including a plug-in-hybrid and a straight-six. Its broader model range is, however, more expensive, especially at the top end.

How The Mercedes-Benz CLA Compares To The Cadillac CT4

• 	2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA	2022 Cadillac CT4
  Make	Mercedes-Benz	Cadillac
  Model	CLA	CT4
  Segment	Sports Sedans	Sports Sedans
  Engine/Motor	2.0-Liter Turbo 4-Cylinder	2-liter I4; 2.7-liter I4
  Horsepower	221 HP	237-325 HP
  Torque	258 LB-FT	258-380 LB-FT
  Drivetrain	FWD, AWD	Front-engine, RWD; Front-engine, AWD
  Transmission	8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic	8-speed-10-speed automatic

The Mercedes-Benz CLA looks like an absolute powder-puff compared to Cadillac, with the CLA’s classic soft lines standing in stark contrast to the modern edginess of the CT4. Its luxury and technological attributes are also on a different level from the Cadillac’s, although the content is fairly similar in both. The ride of the Mercedes is also unmatched not just here, but pretty much with all its competitors.

The Cadillac CT4 is just winding up its first generation, created as means to combat compact European luxury sedans such as the Mercedes C-Class, and certainly the CLA. The selling point for the Caddy is purchase price, with the CT4 besting the CLA by about $8,600, but it’s also a slightly bigger package with the edge in back-seat comfort, and slightly more powerful at the lower trim levels.

How Much Does A 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA Cost?

Starting at over $43,000, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers an entry point to the renowned Mercedes sedan model range. That gets you the entry-point front-wheel drive car; the 4MATIC all-wheel drivetrain adds $2,000, and feature packages take the price up in steps to upwards of $53,000.

Fuel Economy

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 manages to remain fairly fuel frugal, relatively speaking, thanks to the belt-driven starter/generator that provides energy-efficient low-end boost where most gasoline-usage takes place, under acceleration. The fuel-economy figure is only slightly diminished for the all-wheel drive model.

Is It Worth Buying A Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Although $40,000+ for an entry-level sedan may seem steep, you have to keep in mind that the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Coupé is the gateway to the cachet of the three-pointed star, and each CLA displays the smooth and luxurious characteristics common to one of the most vaunted names in automotive history.

Both CLA 250s ride well and return reasonable fuel economy, though the performance side for which some Mercedes nameplates are known is not as prominent as it is in other four-door models further up the Mercedes-Benz ladder. Still, the CLA interiors are infused with the luxury and technology touches common to Mercedes models.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, FuelEconomy.gov, NHTSA.