The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a five-passenger, four-door compact sedan, though Mercedes markets it as a coupe due to its roof shape. There are two models: the CLA250 and the AMG CLA 45.

There is no denying that the 2017 CLA250 provides a considerably different driving experience than its rear-wheel-drive brandmates. Different doesn't necessarily mean worse, though: It accelerates briskly and steers with precision. It feels athletic, evoking the feel of a "hot hatch" such as the Volkswagen GTI — albeit a more luxurious one.

There are aspects to the CLA, however, that could be deal-breakers. The dual-clutch automatic transmission is slow to engage when accelerating slowly or in traffic. Gear shifts aren't always smooth, and the throttle is mushy and unresponsive. In general, the lack of refinement is unbecoming for a Mercedes-Benz.

Then there's the ride quality. Though there are three suspension options — standard, sport-tuned and adaptive — we've found that it's actually the tire choice that makes the difference. The standard Comfort suspension has rigid run-flat tires that result in harsh impacts over bumps. The Sport suspension has regular tires, a combination that not only results in a smoother ride but also sharper handling. Moral of the story: Avoid the run-flats.

Meanwhile, the 375-hp AMG CLA 45 promises to keep your heart racing. In addition to its sizzling acceleration, the CLA 45 has plenty of personality. Select Sport mode, and you'll hear crackles and pops from the exhaust during both up- and downshifts. Around turns, the CLA 45 offers tenacious grip and guided-missile determination. But the cost of this handling prowess is an even firmer ride quality that might be too much even for drivers who want an authentic sport sedan experience. Also, the CLA 45's performance-oriented brakes are very sensitive and grab with the slightest touch of the pedal.

The CLA's cabin dates back stylistically to the last generation of Mercedes cabin design that was less showy than what's currently found in the C-Class and GLC-Class. As the budget Benz, a few cheaper interior plastic bits can be found around the lower dash and center console. Nevertheless, the CLA still looks and feels premium, with a clean design and tight fit and finish. You'll even be hard-pressed to tell that the standard MBTex fake leather isn't the real stuff.

For 2017, the central display screen has a bigger viewing area. It's part of the COMAND electronics/navigation interface, which has been updated with the latest software introduced in those newer Benz models. It does lack their new touchpad controller, but we haven't found that especially useful, so we doubt you'll miss it. The remaining buttons and knob get the job done, but this latest system update does seem to be a bit more confusing than its predecessor.

Although some might struggle initially with the column-mounted electronic shifter, its location creates extra center-console storage, including a bin deep enough for a large water bottle. For bigger items, the notably wide trunklid hides a generous 13.1 cubic feet of space that's considerably more useful than the Audi A3's.

The same cannot be said for passenger space. Though the front seats are impressively comfortable and supportive — especially on longer drives — the rear seat borders on unpleasant. Legroom is actually OK, but headroom is cramped, the view out is claustrophobic, and there isn't a center armrest. It's even ill-suited for children because the backseat's non-removable head restraints make it tricky to fit a forward-facing car seat. The small doors also make it tough to get in.