2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The second-most affordable car in the Mercedes lineup, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small four-door sedan with a sleek coupe-style look. A fastback roofline signals sporty intentions, and with more than 400 horsepower, the CLA can indeed get sporty. Inside, the CLA delivers the features, tech and classy feel that buyers expect from Mercedes. A budget Benz, this is not. For 2024, the CLA does some catching up, adding new standard features and more power to boost its appeal alongside capable rivals. The vibrant new Hyper Blue color is also a welcome splash in an otherwise monochromatic palette.

Not surprisingly, Mercedes' European rivals have an answer for the CLA. The Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe both offer joyous, responsive performance and similar features. Despite its smaller size, the BMW offers roughly the same roominess and a larger trunk. The Volvo S60 is slightly longer, roomier and more powerful, with a timeless look, not unlike the A3. The aging Lexus IS 300 still promises fun rear-wheel-drive exploits, while the Tesla Model 3 makes a compelling case to go all-electric.

The race for supremacy in a tight group of small sport sedans finds the (mostly) European brands often leap-frogging one another with new designs and features. Four years after substantial second-generation improvements, the CLA shows new style up front (mesh grille, subtle lower fascia tweaks) with a new rear diffuser out back. But power and feature upgrades really vault the CLA back into the lead. A new electric motor helps the turbo engine generate more power: an extra 13 horsepower in the CLA 250 base trim. The top-trim AMG CLA 45 S also gets a power bump this year, up by 34 hp. The CLA's larger displays, wireless smartphone charging and connections, and additional driver aids also heighten its appeal for 2024.