2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Review

This week, I have the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, a luxury sedan that is the most affordable in the Mercedes lineup.  I intentionally avoided the word cheapest.  Although smaller than most Benz sedans, make no mistake, it is still more than worthy of the 3-pointed star on the hood.  For 2024, the CLA250 underwent a refreshing, but nothing overly drastic.

Exterior

The CLA250 is an attractive car.  As you walk around it, you see a sculpted hood that flows into the front fenders and opens to somewhat rounded sides.  Underneath the new front fascia, there is a front spoiler and air intakes.  The 18” multi-spoke wheels look great, and around back there is a slightly raised spoiler and large chrome dual exhaust.  Mercedes calls this a Coupe primarily due to the sloping roofline and the windows from the 4-doors are frameless.

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Performance

Under the hood we find a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that is assisted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system to boost horsepower and low-end torque.  Together, the engine configuration is putting out 221-horses and 258-pound feet of torque.  It is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.  My review vehicle is the C4, which is the Mercedes designation for all-wheel drive.   

Interior

As you enter the cabin, the MB-Tex man-made leather seats are bolstered and there is wood running across the dash and on the door panels.  Round chrome air vents complete a very modern look throughout, and there is stitching all across the dash and on the seats.  The steering wheel is also new for 2024.  It is thick and is the same one you’ll find on much more expensive Benz models.  Overall first impressions of the interior are fantastic.

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Two 10.25” screens greet you, but it looks like just one huge screen.  The steering wheel will let you configure and change both screens easily just with the use of your thumbs.  The infotainment screen can also be used as a touchscreen if you prefer and the MBUX multi-media system is quick and easy to operate. The screen in the center operates the 24-speaker Burmeister surround sound system, navigation, Bluetooth, rear camera, apps, and settings.  From the screen, you can also operate the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems.  You can also say commands like “Hey Mercedes, set the temperature to 72” or “Hey Mercedes, tune to WBAP 93.3 FM.” 

On the center console under the screen are the climate control buttons.  To the left, there is a pushbutton start button also has a start/stop defeat button, making it easy to start the car and immediately turn start/stop off.  Between the seats is a handy no-slide area which is great to lay a cell phone in, or if it needs charging, a wireless charging pad is forward of that, and there is a button for the drive modes, which include comfort, eco, sport, and individual.  There are two cup holders that are adjustable.  The center console storage and armrest is pretty narrow, but quite deep and houses a couple of USBs.

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Back seat room was larger than I expected. Headroom is always sacrificed with the swooping roof, but legroom seemed OK. People 6-feet tall or shorter will be fine in the seat, but taller than that will be a little dicey.  Back seat passengers get their own air vents, a USB-C for charging, and a pull-down armrest with cup holders.

The trunk space is also larger than I expected at 11.6-cubic feet of space, but there are also levers to lower the back seat for longer items.  The opening to the trunk is very wide for the ease of loading items.

Standard Equipment and Options

This is a Mercedes, so it comes with a nice list of standard equipment, even considering this is the least expensive Mercedes you can buy.

Most notable standard features include: the navigation system, heated power front seats with memory controls, remote keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, Bluetooth, voice activation, a panoramic moon roof, five USB ports and 44-color ambient lighting.  You also get LED head and taillights, active parking assist, and the heated washer system.

Safety 

In the safety department, it has blind spot monitoring, rear view camera, active emergency brake assist, active steering assist, Driver Assistance package, adaptive cruise control, rear seat reminder, surround view camera, and keyless go.

Ride and Drive 

Driving characteristics are great, steering is precise with good feedback and the car is incredibly quiet inside.  Acceleration is very good, especially in sport mode and it feels like it has a lot more horsepower than it does.  This car just absolutely feels solid and very well built and is actually sporty.

When you come to a stop, if you push a little harder on the brake, the brake hold will kick in allowing you to take your foot off the brake.  When you touch the gas, the brakes release.  This is a feature you will absolutely love when you get used to using it.  Another neat feature you usually find on much more expensive cars is Car Wash Mode.  I keep my review cars clean, sometimes washing them 3 times weekly.  With the push of a button, the CLA250 will fold the mirrors in, make sure all windows and the moon roof are closed, the parking sensors are off, and the rain sensors are off so the windshield wipers don’t swipe.  BRILLIANT!

You’ll get 25 miles per gallon in town and 35 on the highway, really good mileage for a luxury car. 

Verdict

MSRP is $52,235 and by today’s standards, that is a great price point.  You’ll realize what a great value this car is after driving it and looking at all the things it will do.