Discover Why This Affordable German Luxury Sedan is Still a Top Choice for Buyers

As the price of cars continues to go up, some brands still continue to deliver on quality. For instance, Mercedes-Benz has a full lineup of vehicles that come in under $60,000 and have all the bells and whistles people want. The

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is one of the cheapest luxury German cars available this year, but it is well-equipped, looks good, and has enough power to satisfy most casual shoppers. What’s the catch?

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA Is A Cheap Luxury Car That Delivers

Cheap and luxury don’t usually go together, but the CLA is here to change that. Mercedes has plenty of cars and SUVs that come in under $60,000 or so, but the lineup has been slowly creeping up in price in the last few years. On the CLA250 4Matic model, you don’t need to fuss around with additional packages and upgrades. Mercedes is one of those brands that tend to package each model pretty well straight off the production line. The CLA isn’t really a sports car, but more of a comfortable daily driver, which it does a good job of.

Safety Is Paramount On The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA

For 2024, the CLA has a long list of standard safety features.

• Blind Spot Assist
• Active Brake Assist
• Adaptive Headlight Assist
• Attention Assist
• LED headlights and taillights
• Eight airbags

It also has basic systems like antilock brakes, electronic stability control, four-wheel electronic traction, and a parking brake. If you want something else, some optional safety systems can be added, like Steering Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and a Surround View System to see around the vehicle.

Our test vehicle had the Driver Assistance Package for an additional $1,700. This includes Steering Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Change Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, and Evasive Steering Assist. I suggest adding a safety package like this if the budget allows, as it helps keep you safer on the road even when hazards surround you.

This Cheap Luxury German Sedan Is Still Pretty Modern

The CLA received a refresh this year that consisted of a new front and rear-end design. Mercedes-Benz also upgraded the headlights and taillights to high-performance LEDs for better visibility. On top of that, the latest version of MBUX upgrades the inside of the vehicle. Not that this is a necessity, but it is cool to have. The central display shows navigation, media, and other important features.

One thing that I really like about the Mercedes interiors is the touchscreen and display situation. It looks good and functions as anticipated, with responsive touchscreens equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

My biggest issue with some lower trim levels is probably the use of Piano Black materials. This is that shiny black plastic around the touchscreen that shows every single fingerprint and spec of dust in the car. It cannot be avoided in the CLA, but it is something to consider if you are anti-Piano Black like myself.

The 2024 CLA 250 Coupe And The 250 4Matic Coupe

Mercedes offers two trim levels for the cheapest CLA sedan this year, the CLA 250 Coupe and the CLA 250 4Matic Coupe. 4Matic basically means it is equipped with Mercedes all-wheel drive system. Those who opt for the 250 Coupe get front-wheel drive instead. Depending on where you live, the extra $2,000 is a vital and helpful upgrade to consider.

What Sort Of Power Does The CLA Get?

Both CLA trim levels receive the 2.0L inline-four turbo engine paired with the mild hybrid. This gives it 221 horsepower and a zero to 60 MPH time of 6.3 seconds. It is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that, in my experience, is very smooth and quiet. This isn’t a performance vehicle by any means, but I had no trouble getting up to speed on the highway or accelerating to go around vehicles. It also has different drive modes for when you might want extra power.

The Primary Difference Is Just The Fuel Economy

Since the all-wheel drive system is the only big difference between the two trim levels, the fuel economy differs between the two models. The 250 Coupe gets 26 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, and the 4Matic gets 25 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. That’s really not much of a difference.

I’m sure you already know why all-wheel drive is important. If you live in an area with a lot of snow or rain, having that extra traction is helpful to have. It isn’t a necessity for everyone, but I appreciate having it.

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The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Has A Nice Interior

In many cases, brands tend to skimp out on the interior of the lower trim levels. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a 10.25-inch digital cluster and another 10.25-inch digital screen for multimedia. In some of the higher trim levels, Mercedes has opted for large Tesla-esque touchscreens in some models, like the 2024 C300. When I drove the C300 a while back, I wouldn’t say I liked the interior. The large touchscreen in the middle showed every single spec of dust and fingerprint. It was impossible to keep clean. The angle of the screen also seemed to highlight the dirt. Even though this is supposed to be a nicer interior, I really was not a fan of living with it.

The CLA 250 might not be a high trim level, but it has a liveable and comfortable interior. It still has ambient lighting around the cabin and switches for important climate controls, so you don’t have to hunt through the menus to change the air conditioning. There are plenty of cupholders and storage areas throughout the cabin. It also has more than 11 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk.

The back seats are comfortable and large enough for adults. Mercedes included charging ports all over the cabin and there is a wireless charging pad up front, so you don’t even need a cord.

For Under $50,000, The CLA 250 Has A Lot To Offer For A Cheap German Car

Most brands have an option or two under that budget, like the 2024 BMW 228i or the Audi A3. These models are comparable to the CLA, but I like the style, power, and whole package that the CLA offers. It really comes down to brand preference when selecting a new vehicle, especially when you are sticking to a budget.

A major redesign might be in the cards for the CLA soon, which usually means a jump in price. The 2024 CLA is still one of the cheapest German cars available this year that delivers in the most important areas. While it might not be the most exciting vehicle on the market, it is a comfortable vehicle to drive every day. I would know, as I daily drive an old CLA and love it. After seven years in my 2014 CLA, it still puts a smile on my face and gets me from point A to point B quickly and safely. What more can we ask for these days?