It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, the automotive world was blissfully unaware of a whole demographic of potential buyers—namely, the younger crowd yearning for a taste of luxury without needing to sell an organ. Recognizing this gap, illustrious brands like Mercedes-Benz rolled out entry-level models such as the CLA 250. Of course, this move sparked a heated debate among loyalists, who questioned whether this sleek newcomer truly deserved the revered three-pointed star. As the CLA 250 chugs confidently into its second generation, one thing is for certain: there’s no denying its pedigree, especially when our example tipped the scales at a staggering $60,000. So, about that organ… 

STEPPING UP ITS GAME

Let’s address the elephant in the showroom—the price tag. Ouch! That number stings, doesn’t it? But fear not, because the base model CLA250 with its 4Matic all-wheel drive starts at a more palatable $45,200. Considering where the CLA came from, it was like a learning curve for Mercedes. The first generation CLA250 was awkward with quirky looks and less than premium attributes like a physical key, halogen headlights and manual climate control.  The new iteration, however, is a different story. It embodies a more dignified and mature aesthetic, aligning seamlessly with the brand’s signature design language. It’s like the CLA250 went to charm school and came out looking sharp. 

LIKES: Surprisingly comfortable, smooth start/stop feature, drives like a hot hatch, impressive fuel economy 

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a completely revamped interior that’s now more in tune with the luxury ethos of Mercedes. There’s a more premium look to cabin and features dual 10.25-inch screens stretch across the dashboard. The MBUX infotainment system takes center stage, boasting features that could make even a tech-savvy teenager swoon. With wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, quirky seat kinematics feature that adjusts your seat during long drives and even will even tell you what exercises you can do while driving. Who knew your car could moonlight as your personal trainer? There’s even an AI-like virtual assistant that might remind you of your sarcastic teenager, offering guidance with an eye-roll-inducing tone.  

GRINNING PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, we find a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that’s been re-tuned boosting power from 205 to 221 horsepower. And thanks to the switch from a 7-speed dual-clutch to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission this upgrade makes the CLA250 zippier than its predecessor. The result? A driving experience that feels surprisingly athletic. You’ll be hitting 0-60 mph in just under 6.5 seconds, and the gear changes are so snappy, you might find yourself grinning like a kid in a candy store. And in a delightful twist, our CLA250 even returned an impressive 32-mpg combined – 4 more than the EPA rating. 

DISLIKES: Options dramatically alter the price, ride quality subjected to wheel size, cramped backseat.   

The handling is equally impressive, with responsive steering that makes you feel connected to the road. While the suspension leans toward the firmer side, it remains composed. Our test model came with the sportier AMG kit and wheels, which, while stunning, made us ponder whether the smaller 18-inch wheels might have provided a more comfortable ride. It’s like choosing between stilettos and well-tailored loafers—both look good, but while one gets more attention, the other one will let you walk comfortably through life.  

For those with a craving for even more power, rejoice! The CLA35 and CLA45 models are back, delivering jaw-dropping performance figures without breaking the bank. But for the rest of us who prefer a more refined approach to luxury, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 strikes a perfect balance. It offers just the right amount of Benz-ness to ease you into the brand, boasting an elegant design and a plethora of tech features that won’t earn you disdain from the C and E-Class drivers. 

2024 MERCEDES-BENZ CLA250 4MATIC

STARTING PRICE: $45,200 
AS-TESTED: $61,370 

PERFORMANCE: 

 
ENGINE: 2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED FOUR-CYLINDER  
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 221-HP / 258 LB-FT 
TRANSMISSION: 8-SPEED DUAL-CLUTCH AUTOMATIC 
DRIVETRAIN: 4MATIC ALL-WHEEL DRIVE
EPA MPG: 25-city / 35-highway  / 28-combined 
AS-TESTED MPG: 31.8-MPG Combined (361-mile test) 

FEATURED OPTIONS: 

$250 – PAV WINTER WASHER PACKAGE
$300 – TRAFFIC SIGN ASSIST
$500 – HEATED FRONT SEATS
$620 – BURMESTER SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM
$900 – 19″ AMG MULTI-SPOKE WHEELS, BLACK
$1,450 – GREY & BLACK LEATHER
$1,700 – DRIVER ASSISTANCE PACKAGE
$1,750 – MANUFAKTUR PATAGONIA RED METALLIC EXTERIOR PAINT
$3,150 – AMG NIGHT PACKAGE
$4,000 – PREMIUM PLUS PACKAGE