Is the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 a Good Car? 5 Pros, 5 Cons
The Mercedes-AMG CLA35 is a compact luxury sedan treated to a variety of performance tweaks from the German automaker’s performance arm. It slots between the base CLA250 and the more hyperactive AMG CLA45 S. A freshening for the 2024 model year brings a new mild hybrid powertrain and other improvements, but the AMG CLA35 still trails the best in its class.
A new infotainment system, digital instrument cluster and various styling enhancements round out most of the AMG CLA35’s updates, but competitors such as the Audi S3 and BMW M235i Gran Coupe still do a better job of combining performance and everyday livability.
Cars.com News Editor Jennifer Geiger recently spent some time living with a new AMG CLA35 and came away impressed with its acceleration, handling and tech; on other things, however, she was less impressed. Tap the link above to read Geiger’s expert review, or for a quicker look, read on for five things we like and don’t about the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35.
Things We Like
1. Plenty of Zip
An 81-horsepower boost over the CLA250 comes in the form of the AMG CLA35’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is good for 302 hp; the new mild hybrid system gets credit for 13 of those added ponies. The engine is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. As a result, the AMG CLA35’s acceleration is brisk, going from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
2. Choose Your Mode
The AMG CLA35’s quick acceleration and agile handling are augmented by a choice of driving modes. Choosing either Sport or Sport+ can make for a livelier driving experience, altering engine, transmission and steering response for quicker reflexes and a sportier feel. An aggressive exhaust note provides an appropriate soundtrack to go with the added performance.
3. Luxurious Cabin
Combining luxurious ambiance with a dash of sportiness, the AMG CLA35’s cabin is pleasing to look at and well constructed with a variety of premium materials. The seats are upholstered in a suede-like microfiber material, with red contrast stitching; red safety belts add to the racy feel. Other niceties include a thick-rimmed steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and brushed aluminum trim.
4. Good Tech
A slick-looking dash blends the new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen and 10.25-inch instrument cluster into one seamless display. With vivid graphics, quick response time, and a logical and intuitive menu structure, the system is easy to learn and use. Good voice controls are another nice touch, along with an available augmented reality feature that adds live images and directions to the navigation screen.
5. Decent Trunk
One nod to practicality is that the AMG CLA35’s trunk room is decent for the category, with 11.6 cubic feet of space, according to Mercedes-Benz. That’s quite a bit more than the S3 with its 8.3 cubic feet but trails the M235i Gran Coupe’s 15.2 cubic feet. Still, we had no problem fitting several bags of groceries in the trunk, and a hands-free power trunk lid makes loading easier.
More From Cars.com:
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA35?
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe Gets Makeover, Debuts Hybrid
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1: A Small Price to Stand Out
- Which Automaker Owns Your Luxury Brand?
- Research the Mercedes-AMG CLA35
Things We Don’t Like
1. Jerky Shifting
The AMG CLA35’s eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission gets the job done, but it is not the smoothest operator — especially at low speeds. Around town, the jerkiness and stumbles are particularly annoying, making it virtually impossible to drive smoothly. Things do smooth out some at highway speeds, however.
2. Stiff Ride
A tight turning circle and quick, accurate steering with a hefty feel help with maneuverability in tight spaces, but the sport suspension is stiffer and more unsettled than we’d like. There’s not much isolation from bumps, and things get particularly unpleasant on rough roads, with high levels of noise and vibration permeating the cabin.
3. Thirsty Traveler
Adding a mild-hybrid system is typically a good idea for improved fuel economy. However, the AMG CLA35’s EPA rating of 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined is considerably lower than the CLA250’s 25/35/28 mpg rating. It also comes up short when compared to the 2024 S3 (23/32/26 mpg) and 2024 M235i xDrive Gran Coupe (24/33/27 mpg), both of which also have AWD.
4. Coupe Compromises
Like other four-door “coupe” designs, the AMG CLA35 extracts a penalty in interior room in exchange for that sleek profile. The low roof makes it harder to get in and out, and headroom is limited once inside. Rear-seat passengers get the worst end of the deal, with so little headroom and legroom that the space is all but unusable for average-sized adults.
5. The Price of Style
Stepping up to the AMG CLA35 requires a steep $12,000 price premium over the base CLA250, bringing its starting price to $56,000, including the destination fee. To put that in perspective, it’s between $7,000 and $8,000 more than the base prices of either an S3 or M235i. With options, our test car came to $63,500.
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
