2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Price Range: $30,990 - $36,990

Keith Buglewicz

Average

There's a lot to like about the Mercedes-Benz CLA. It drives as sharp as it looks and it comes with plenty of features to keep you interested. However, even at its base price, it's considerably more expensive than its direct competitors, and adding options causes that price to skyrocket. We like the CLA, but not for the price.Read full review

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class for Sale

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Average price: $26,107

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Pros

Generous list of standard features
Luxury badging at a reasonable price
Enjoyable performance from AMG CLA 35 and 45 models

Cons

Less rear seat space than many rivals
Options quickly escalate price
Touch-sensitive controls can be distracting to use

Overview

Written by automotive expert Dan Frio

Updated: 8/9/2024

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.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Average

7.6

out of 10

We drove the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the CLA-Class drive? We tested a CLA 250 fitted with the available all-wheel-drive system. The CLA's small size and zippy engine make it fun to squirt through traffic holes or just accelerate up to freeway speeds. Around corners, the CLA is reasonably entertaining to drive. Its tires don't provide a whole lot of grip, but there's always the AMG CLA 45 if you really want a sport sedan.

One potential problem area is the transmission. It shifts quickly and responsively during routine driving or when you put it in manual mode. But sometimes the car stumbles when coming to a stop or accelerating away from one. There's also a pause when shifting from park to drive or reverse before the transmission engages. If you aren't paying attention, the car can roll, so be sure to keep your foot firmly on the brake.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the CLA-Class? If you think every Benz is as cushy as an S-Class, you'll be disappointed. The CLA 250 rides firmly on city streets. If you want to help minimize the impact harshness we experienced, skip the optional 19-inch wheels and stick with the stock 18-inch wheels. Even if you're OK with the ride quality, the seat is on the narrow side and won't comfortably fit all body types. As for the rear seats? They're for short adults for brief journeys.

The air conditioning gets credit for using intuitive physical controls, and we like how the vents will glow red or blue when you increase or decrease the temperature. Unfortunately, it just doesn't blow very much cold air, and it struggled to cool the car on a moderately warm day. Ventilated seats would probably help but, alas, they weren't on our otherwise loaded test car.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The CLA's cabin is pretty small. The doors open wide and make it easy to get inside, but you'll have to duck a little lower than you expect to avoid bonking your head, especially in the rear. Once inside, the driver and front passenger have good legroom and OK headroom, but not a lot of space between the seats. Be ready for airline-coach-style armrest fights. The rear seats are short on legroom and headroom.

You have good views out the front and to the sides in the CLA, but thick rear roof pillars and headrests compromise the rear view. A 360-degree camera is available and is very useful for parking. Most of the CLA's interior features are controlled through the touchscreen. Luckily, getting up to speed with the basics is straightforward. The downside is that a chunk of the left side of the screen is blocked by the steering wheel. Also, the wheel is covered in touch-sensitive buttons that are far too easy to activate accidentally.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? If you like a high-tech feel to your car, the CLA delivers. It comes standard with two 10.25-inch screens, one for the infotainment touchscreen and the other for the instruments. There are also programmable LED ambient lights, adding a cool custom touch to the interior.

Our test car had the full suite of driver assist features. The adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking all worked well without intruding in our daily drive. Considering the pinched rear view, the available 360-degree camera system was handy, although the head-up display is so sensitive to polarized sunglasses that one driver didn't even realize the car had it until it was nighttime.

Our car also had the optional Burmester audio system, and it's worth considering. There's excellent separation of highs, mids and lows, although we think the bass could stand to be more powerful. We also like the easy integration of wireless smartphone integration and charging, which makes it easy to set up your phone once and then just toss it into the tray under the dash to keep it charged.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? Open the trunk and you're greeted with a deep and usable cargo area with 11.6 cubic feet of space, and the rear seats fold down if you need more space. There's a surprisingly high liftover to load stuff in the trunk, but overall the car is low enough to the ground that it's not much of an issue.

Interior storage is another matter. The center console is deep but narrow, and the split lid means you have to open it twice to get inside. The decently sized cupholders are complemented by good-size door-mounted bottle holders. The charging tray for smartphones is conveniently placed, but the shallow tray behind the cupholders is functionally useless.

Installing car seats isn't easy. The lower anchors are simple to find, with exposed Isofix loops, but the top tethers are hard to reach. Plus, there just isn't a lot of room there. A booster might work, but if you're using a rear-facing seat, front passengers are going to be short on legroom.

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the CLA 250 with all-wheel drive should get 28 mpg in mixed driving, which is slightly better than BMW, not as good as Audi. But we never quite saw that. Instead it hovered around the 26 mpg mark during its time with us.

Value

6.5/10

Is the CLA-Class a good value? In a word, no. It's an expensive entry in a class of car that already has trouble justifying its price. Not only is it considerably more expensive than its competitors, that disadvantage gets worse as you add options, with even fully loaded competitors like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe coming in thousands less than a similarly equipped CLA 250. It's a nifty car, and in a vacuum we like it, but it is not special enough to justify its price premium. Warranty coverage is average for the class, and there is no free ride when it comes to maintenance either.

Wildcard

8/10

There's a lot to like about the CLA. It's fun and sporty to drive, and it feels lively even if you're just bumping around town. The interior feels high-tech and fun thanks to the interior ambient lighting, and the exterior styling is distinctive without being obnoxious. It's a tiny car with a big personality.

For sale near Ashburn, VA

268 listings

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
CLA 250 Sedan
$30,990
fair price
$507 above market
- 38,107 miles
- 26 City / 36 Hwy MPG
- 95 mi away
- Home delivery*
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Richmond, VA
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
Features and Specs:
30 Combined MPG (26 City/36 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
W1K5J4GBXRN468843
Stock:
3006432393
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
08-31-2026
Certified 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
CLA 250 4MATIC Sedan
$36,999
great price
$3,741 below market
- 8,639 miles
- 25 City / 34 Hwy MPG
- 50 mi away
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Fredericksburg, VA
This 2025 Polar White Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AWD 4MATIC® is well equipped and includes these features and benefits: Certified. CARFAX One-Owner.Clean...
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (25 City/34 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
W1K5J4HB1SN516346
Stock:
13704L
Certified Pre-Owned:
Yes
Listed since:
12-03-2025

See all for sale

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim level differences

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA is offered in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 S. All three come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at increasing power levels. The CLA 250 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic), while the more powerful and performance-tuned AMG versions come standard with all-wheel drive. Compare the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim levels in-depth.

Which CLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

The AMG models are a blast to drive, and if you enjoy stomping the gas and turning fast corners, they're worth consideration. We'd suggest the CLA 35 because its 302-hp engine is plenty fast and the smaller wheels improve ride quality compared to the CLA 45. But if you just want an effective balance of snappy performance and Mercedes class, we like the CLA 250. Plentiful standard features make even a base-level CLA 250 a compelling deal, but dozens of bundled and stand-alone options allow you to equip the car to taste. The Driver Assistance package is a worthy addition for basic self-driving-ish features (a boon for rush-hour commuters). We'd also seriously consider the upgraded Burmester surround-sound system.

Competitors to consider

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.

Edmunds spotlight: Closing the gap

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.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

23 reviews

5(56%)

4(13%)

3(0%)

2(9%)

1(22%)

See all 23 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Styling, Hi-Tech Sold Me

Pete G, 07/16/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I picked this particular Mercedes because it is a beautiful design and offers the same driver assistance features as the high end MB models: standard brake assist, lane keeping, front and rear cameras and sensors, blind spot and rear side warning. I added the optional full assist package with 360 “cameras” road sign reading and speed adjust, etc. On a well marked highway the car will … drive itself indefinitely with just a finger on the wheel. A tap on the turn signal stalk gets an automatic lane change when it’s clear ….. very convenient and I use the feature often. But styling alone would sell me on the car. The CLA looks especially good from the rear quarter where the curved roofline joins the simple curves of the lower body. The interior is years ahead of mid range MB models and competitors with a continuous multipart screen that covers most of the dash. The infotainment controls are doubly or even triply redundant with touch screen, steering wheel, and a pad controls for most functions. It is so much easier to use while driving than the iDrive system in my BMW that I actually use most of its features. There is a voice activated assist that gets simple commands right, but copes poorly with anything beyond that. For example trying to get the odometer reading bu asking (to avoid changing any of the driver’s three info screens to see the odometer), proved impossible. The promised computer learning curve so far, in over a year, is close to flat. The standard powered front seats are comfortable and roomy for average height people. Good leg room with thigh support extensions, but sexy styling provides minimal head room. Rear seat suffers more and space is very limited but we don’t use the CLA if we have more than two adults in the car. Engine performance is good. Turbo boost comes in smoothly, but the dual clutch 7 speed transmission is often jerky and hesitant while driving in traffic. It has three performance settings with comfort setting the default. I drive in sport setting in traffic because low gears are held longer and there are fewer shifts made. Any good manual driver will shift more smoothly than than this transmission. The CLA comes with more standard features than comparable BMW offerings but doesn’t offer equal performance. It is the “luxury” alternative and has an interior that beats most, if not all of its competitors as well as higher line models. Give this car a traditional torque converter transmission and I would give it 5 Stars.

Great Car

this is a great car, 07/07/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

easy driving, comfortable, good pick up, looks great

A COMPLETELY NEW CLA

TOM, 05/20/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I recently traded my old 2016 CLA 250 for a new 2020 CLA 250. Although I was happy with my 2016 the new model is totally different and substantially better. The previous negative review must have been out of the USA (and was a 2019 model) since MB doesn't even sell the 220 model in the US. I have had mine for 6 months and love it. It is significantly quieter and quicker and has a …

Awesome Car

Pharoah 2020, 02/07/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This car is really great so far. Swift acceleration, loaded with technology, and beautiful looking body

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CLA-Class since its last redesign.

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2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

CLA 250

Est. Market Value	$30,741
Engine Type	Mild hybrid
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$198/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Warranty

4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Hybrid component Warranty: 6 years / 62,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 4 years / 50,000 miles

Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
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Safety

Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:

Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service: Complimentary for as long as you own the CLA, this standard feature equips the car with an SOS button that connects you to a live operator if you need assistance.
Pre-Safe Sound: When a collision is unavoidable, this technology emits a special tone through the stereo speakers to protect your hearing.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: When using the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system, this technology detects an unresponsive driver and brings the CLA to a safe stop.

Research other CLA-Class years

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 CLA-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 CLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 23 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLA-Class has 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLA-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLA-Class's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 CLA-Class and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 CLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 23 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 CLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

The least-expensive 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,200.

Other versions include:

CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $43,200
CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $45,200
AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM) which starts at $54,950
AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $65,400

Learn more

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the next question is, which CLA-Class model is right for you? CLA-Class variants include CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8AM), and AMG CLA 45 S 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). For a full list of CLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Pricing

Pros

Cons

Overview

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

For sale near Ashburn, VA

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim level differences

Which CLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

Competitors to consider

Edmunds spotlight: Closing the gap

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?