2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 Review: Small and Spendy
The verdict: The sport-oriented 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 is purpose-built for driving excitement, and it delivers on some fronts. Spirited acceleration and agile handling are highlights, but downsides include its high price, low visibility, a punishing ride and a useless backseat.
Versus the competition: Other cars in the compact luxury sedan class do a better job delivering a sporty driving experience and a bit of practicality — and they do it for less money.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe (which is actually a sedan — more on that later) got some updates for 2024, including a mild-hybrid powertrain. Other changes include an all-new infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster pairing, as well as some styling tweaks, including redesigned LED headlights, a revamped front grille, a new rear diffuser design and standard LED taillights. Compare 2024 and 2023 versions of the AMG CLA35 here.
Related: 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe Gets Makeover, Debuts Hybrid
The AMG CLA35 competes in the compact luxury sedan class against the likes of the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe; see them compared.
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Fast but Awkward
The sport-oriented AMG CLA35 that I tested sits between the CLA250 and the more performance-oriented AMG CLA45 S in the Mercedes-AMG lineup. There are pros and cons about its driving experience, including acceleration as a big upside. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 302 horsepower — 81 hp more than the base CLA250, but 114 hp less than the performance-oriented AMG 45 S. New this year is a mild-hybrid component for the four-cylinder powertrain, comprising a 48-volt electrical system and belt-driven starter-generator that add an extra 13 hp. An AMG Performance version of Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is standard.
Power is brisk from a stop, and the exhaust note is aggressive to match; they’re a dynamic pair. Pop the AMG drive-mode system into Sport or Sport+ for an even livelier response. It alters transmission shift points, engine response and steering tuning for a more dialed-in, sportier feel. Mercedes estimates the AMG CLA35 can sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds.
It’s fast, but it’s also awkward; I’m not a fan of the clunky eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. At low speeds, the transmission’s shifts are abrupt and jerky, so driving smoothly is tough and the jumpiness gets old fast. The drivetrain settles down at higher speeds, but it’s not enough to make up for its low-speed fumblings.
While the CLA35 feels very maneuverable, with firm, direct steering and a tight turning circle, its AMG sport suspension is too firm for my liking. The ride suffers; the sedan was frequently unsettled over rough patches of Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive, and overall isolation from the road was also poor, with intrusive levels of vibration and road noise bounding through the cabin.
The addition of a tiny bit of electrification for 2024 is welcome, but the AMG CLA35’s fuel economy is still not great. It earned an EPA rating of 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined — well below the regular CLA250’s 25/35/28 mpg rating with AWD. It’s also less efficient than the 2024 S3 (23/32/26 mpg) and the 2024 M235i xDrive Gran Coupe (24/33/27 mpg), both of which also have AWD.
What’s next for the CLA’s powertrain? Chances look good it’ll see even more electrification; the automaker debuted an electric Concept CLA Class in 2023 in Munich, Germany. Mercedes says it foreshadows a new family of all-electric entry-level vehicles, and the automaker calls the Concept CLA “close to production.”
Premium Interior, Cramped Quarters
Getting in the AMG CLA35 is a low point, both figuratively and literally. The sedan’s low-slung shape requires a duck and twist motion to lower yourself in, and its thick B-pillar makes the door opening seem extra narrow.
Once inside, the vibe is premium. Everything looks and feels top-notch. Highlights include a standard Nappa leather steering wheel, suede-like microfiber upholstery with red contrast stitching, and brushed aluminum trim. I especially love the color-pop seatbelts, which add a jazzy dash of red to the cabin.
But the delightful cabin was only temporarily able to distract me from another problem: The CLA35 is difficult to see out of, both front and back. The steeply raked windshield limits forward visibility, and it’s even tougher to see out the rear window.
Despite the AMG CLA35’s four doors, Mercedes calls it a coupe to highlight its swoopy roofline. The styling does add some visual drama to the car, but it’s bad for visibility. Thick pillars, small windows and the sloping roof add up to a challenging view out back.
The coupe-like roofline is felt in the backseat, too. There’s technically three seat belts, but only two small people will fit; headroom was in short supply for me, and I’m 5 feet, 6 inches tall. Legroom is not generous, either, and a giant center floor hump and the narrowness of the middle seat make that spot unusable. Measurement-wise, the AMG CLA35’s backseat headroom is similar to the M235i Gran Coupe’s but less than the S3’s. The same goes for the CLA35’s rear legroom.
I installed car seats in this Mercedes’ backseat, and I don’t recommend it. While the CLA’s easy-access Latch anchors made installation easy, the lack of space was a problem, and the car seats majorly affected how much front-passenger legroom was available. Check out our full Car Seat Check for more details.
The CLA35s’ trunk, however, is decently sized. According to Mercedes-Benz’s measurements, there’s 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space, which is more than the S3 (8.3 cubic feet) but less than the M235i Gran Coupe (15.2 cubic feet). Numbers aside, I was able to fit several grocery bags in the Mercedes without a problem. There’s also a helpful standard hands-free power trunk lid that opens with a kick of your foot under the rear bumper.
Slick Screens
One big bright spot is the CLA’s tech, highlighted by a modern-looking twin-screen dashboard that seamlessly pairs a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel for a slick look.
The touchscreen is very responsive, with crisp graphics and no learning curve to figure out how to use the system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is standard.
Most climate controls are easy to use and are arranged clearly under the center dashboard vents. One thing to note: The climate controls are very small on the touchscreen, but hitting a climate button allows them to take up the whole screen.
There were two features of the infotainment system that I enjoyed using, the first being an optional augmented-reality navigation system that displays real-time video and direction overlays simultaneously on the touchscreen. I found it handy to use, but it would be even more helpful if it could appear in the head-up display, as it does in some other Mercedes vehicles.
The second helpful feature was the voice command system. You can use a “Hey Mercedes” prompt to control a wide variety of features; I used it to navigate to the nearest Dunkin’, switch satellite radio stations and change the climate settings. Voice command systems in some cars can be finicky, but this one was spot-on every time.
In terms of other tech, the AMG CLA35 comes pretty well equipped with safety features. Standard features include forward automatic emergency braking, crosswind assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot warning and a driver attention monitor. A number of driver-assist systems, however, are optional.
Who Is It Good For?
I might be able to overlook some of the CLA35’s faults if its price were right, but it’s not. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 starts at around $56,000, including destination. That’s well above the base CLA250’s starting price of around $44,000. The 2024 AMG CLA35’s starting price is also more than $5,000 higher than last year’s version, and it starts around $7,000-$8,000 more than the M235i Gran Coupe and S3.
My test car’s as-tested price of $63,500 included extras like an AMG Night Package, upgraded wheels, navigation and some additional driver-assist features that I expected to see standard, including Mercedes’ Distronic adaptive cruise control, which came bundled in an optional Driver Assistance Package.
While the AMG CLA35 looks like a charmer inside and out, it’s worth taking a closer look. If you’re shopping for something that combines luxury and sportiness, but functionality and value are low on your list, the AMG CLA35 might work for you. Buyers looking for something a little more well rounded should pass.
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