Mercedes-Benz CLA (2024) Review
Three Reasons Why It’s Better Than an A-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has always been the stylish alternative to the more conventional A-Class, and for 2024 Mercedes has given it a refresh with updated styling, improved technology and a more refined driving experience.
But with prices starting from over £32,000 and climbing to around £45,000 for a well-specced AMG Line Premium Plus model, is the CLA worth considering? After spending time behind the wheel, here’s our verdict.
First Impressions
The biggest strength of the CLA has always been its looks, and that hasn’t changed.
Finished in Spectral Blue, the latest CLA is one of the best-looking compact saloons on sale today. The updated front grille features Mercedes’ latest star-pattern design, while subtle bonnet power domes and redesigned lighting give the car a more premium appearance.
The rear end is arguably the highlight. The sleek taillights, smooth body lines and subtle diffuser create a clean, sophisticated look that makes the CLA stand out in a crowded segment.
If you’re looking for a car that turns more heads than a standard A-Class, the CLA certainly delivers.
Exterior Score: 8/10
Interior and Technology
Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels every bit like a modern Mercedes.
Twin digital displays dominate the dashboard, accompanied by turbine-style air vents complete with ambient lighting. Material quality is excellent throughout, with soft-touch surfaces, Alcantara trim and metallic accents creating a genuinely premium atmosphere.
The latest Mercedes infotainment system is slick, responsive and highly customisable. Wireless phone charging, digital driver displays and easy-to-use climate controls all add to the sense of quality.
Not everything is perfect though. Mercedes has replaced many physical buttons with touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and dashboard. While they work well enough once you’re used to them, they don’t feel quite as intuitive as the physical buttons found in previous models.
Overall, however, the CLA remains one of the most premium-feeling cars in its class.
What Is It Like To Drive?
Our test car featured Mercedes’ 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
In Comfort mode, the CLA excels as a cruiser. Road noise is well suppressed, the suspension deals with poor road surfaces impressively and long-distance journeys are effortless.
Switch into Sport mode and the CLA reveals a different side to its personality. The steering becomes sharper, the gearbox responds quicker and the car feels surprisingly agile through corners.
The lower roofline, wider track and stiffer chassis setup compared with the A-Class all contribute to a more engaging driving experience. Body roll is minimal and the car feels planted and confident when driven enthusiastically.
Performance isn’t thrilling, however. With a 0-62mph time of around 8.4 seconds, the 1.3-litre engine provides adequate rather than exciting acceleration. Drivers wanting more punch will need to look towards the more powerful engines or AMG models.
Real-World Fuel Economy
Mercedes claims fuel economy figures of between 43 and 46 mpg for this engine.
However, during our time with the vehicle, the real-world figures appeared significantly lower. The test car’s long-term average showed just 27.2 mpg over more than 4,000 miles, while our own driving returned around 28.5 mpg.
While driving style undoubtedly plays a role, buyers expecting over 40 mpg in everyday driving may be disappointed. If fuel economy is a priority, the diesel-powered CLA 220d could prove a better choice.
Rear Seat Practicality
The CLA’s coupe-inspired styling comes at a cost.
Rear passenger space is noticeably tighter than many rivals. Legroom is limited, headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline and the overall seating position feels quite upright.
If you regularly carry adults in the back, there are more spacious alternatives available. However, occasional passengers will find the rear seats acceptable for shorter journeys.
Boot Space
One area where the CLA impresses is luggage capacity.
The boot offers 460 litres of space, over 100 litres more than the Mercedes A-Class hatchback. While the opening is slightly narrow due to the saloon design, the available space makes the CLA a surprisingly practical choice.
Three Reasons To Buy A CLA Over An A-Class
1. It Looks Better
Beauty is subjective, but the CLA’s sleek coupe styling gives it far more road presence than the standard A-Class.
2. Bigger Boot
With 460 litres of luggage capacity, the CLA offers significantly more cargo space than the hatchback alternative.
3. Better Handling
The lower centre of gravity, wider stance and sharper chassis setup make the CLA feel more composed and engaging on a twisty road.
Rivals
The CLA competes against a number of strong alternatives including:
BMW 2 Series Coupé
Audi A3 Saloon
Audi A5 Sportback
Peugeot 508
Volkswagen Arteon
Each offers a slightly different blend of practicality, performance and style, but few match the CLA’s combination of premium feel and standout design.
Verdict
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA remains one of the most stylish compact premium cars on sale. It looks fantastic, feels genuinely luxurious inside and delivers a surprisingly enjoyable driving experience.
Its biggest drawbacks are the cramped rear seats, touch-sensitive controls and fuel economy that may not match official figures in real-world use.
However, if you’re looking for something more distinctive than an A-Class and don’t regularly carry rear passengers, the CLA makes a compelling case for itself.
Car Chat TV Score: 8.5/10
Pros
Stunning exterior design
Premium interior quality
Excellent technology
Sharp handling
Large boot
Cons
Tight rear-seat space
Touch-sensitive controls won’t suit everyone
Real-world fuel economy could be better
Entry-level engine lacks excitement
The Mercedes-Benz CLA isn’t the most practical choice in the segment, but it may well be the most desirable.
