Live Thread: 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4Matic Review

What do a Mercedes-Benz CLA and a Toyota Corolla sedan have in common? Not much–although both are pretty similar in length: The Mercedes-Benz measures 184.6 inches, about 2 inches longer than the 182.3-inch-long Toyota .

Whereas the most expensive non-GR Corolla sedan will set you back $28,340 (a Corolla Hybrid Nightside with all-wheel drive), the most basic version of the CLA carries a starting price of $44,400. That’s a difference of $16,060.

Is the opportunity of driving a car with a Mercedes-Benz star on the hood worth the added difference? Let’s find out.

This week, Mercedes-Benz has given us a 2024 CLA 250 4Matic to drive and review.

Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four–with a mild hybrid drive–that’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This powertrain is rated at 221 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, and is capable of propelling the CLA from zero to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds. (For those looking for more speed, Mercedes also offers the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S, capable of a zero-to-60 time of 4.8 seconds and 4 seconds, respectively.)

Fuel economy for the CLA is rated at 25 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg combined.

MSRP for the CLA 250 4Matic starts at $45,200. As configured, however, our CLA carries a sticker price of $59,940. (That’s nearly $13,000 more than the starting price for a C-Class and only $2300 short of a base model E-Class.)

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/30/24 4:32 p.m.

For $60,000, I want the button that automatically closes the trunk lid. I realize that adds weight and complexity, but for $60,000, I’d like it.

I like the look. Rather traditional. The 19-inch wheels sound superfluous but do nicely fill out the arches. In stock form, the car delivers the right stance with this wheel and tire package.

Front seats feel a tad flat for my liking. They’re still comfortable after an hour in them, but I’d like a bit more bolster. On the other hand, it’s an easy car to get in and out of.

Solid, meaty steering wheel, though. Steering doesn’t feel overboosted.

Glad to see that traditional Benz roller knob for the radio volume. Shifter is also traditional for a Benz as it’s the right stalk. This frees up more storage in the center console.

The rocker switches for HVAC controls deliver that traditional Benz click. No menu required to speed up or slow down fan speed. Are you listening, BMW?

Some turbo lag. It’s not bad but it is present. Transmission action feels crisp, especially in the Sport mode. (Button is on the center console.)

Did I hear a bit more road noise than expected? I’ll report back. Easy to park, easy to live with. Sizable, usable trunk. Comfortable and very practical as a daily.

Just, for $60k, give me the powered trunk lid.

Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
7/30/24 6:16 p.m.

For $12,500 less I can get a '24 ('25's out now) Cadillac CT5-V RWD V6, 360hp twin turbo. This is the base model with close to no options and not the V8 rocket.

Which will I like more in 3 years? Which one will depreciate like a rock? Which maintenance department will make me cry?

Datsun240ZGuy MegaDork
7/30/24 6:30 p.m.

Save another $1,250 by getting the white paint.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/30/24 8:21 p.m.

Different feel between the two cars, but I do hear you.

Colin Wood Associate Editor
7/31/24 9:22 a.m.

I think that the photos David took make the car look better than it does on the Mercedes website

I'll also say I prefer the looks of the CLA over the BMW 2 Series Grand Coupe (though that color is pretty neat):

bmw88rider GRM+ Memberand UberDork
7/31/24 9:31 a.m.

Is this car $20+G better than the Mazda 3 turbo? That is the question I keep coming back to when looking at cars like this or the BMW 228. I didn't think so given the time I spent in the 228 Xdrive vs the CX-30.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
7/31/24 9:35 a.m.

In reply to bmw88rider :

Sit in both the Benz CLA as well as the Mazda3. I find the Benz’s interior quite roomy. Can’t recall getting the same feel in the Mazda.