Mercedes Announces the Mildly-Refreshed 2024 CLA
Mercedes is giving the entry-level CLA-Class a notable update for 2024 that includes fresh styling, more standard tech, updated infotainment, and a more powerful AMG variant. The car goes on sale in late 2023 in four versions: CLA 250, CLA 250 4MATIC, AMG CLA 35, and AMG CLA 45.
The car got a new front fascia and a different grille with Mercedes’ star pattern. LED headlights and taillights come standard, and three wheel designs are available in sizes up to 19 inches. A 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen come standard and feature Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment software.
Under the hood, the CLA’s four-cylinder now comes with 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance. It improves responsiveness and can reduce engine noise and vibration at lower engine rpm. It also boosts output, pushing the engine to 234 horsepower when the 13-horsepower boost is used.
Mercedes-AMG fans are often happy to shout, “63 or nothing,” in reference to the brand’s near-range-topping models, but that mentality neglects to consider the performance that AMG’s 35- and 45-level vehicles offer. The new CLA 35 gets a 48-volt system and the CLA 45 gets a significant power boost to 416 horsepower. Those improvements are good for a 4.8-second 0-60 mph time in the CLA 35 and a 4.0-second time in the CLA 45.
[Image: Mercedes-Benz]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
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Three different grades of two point oh tee. Wake me up when there's an electric version.
Of all the dumb vehicle nomenclature in existence, "4MATIC" has to be one of the dumbest.
(Named in 1985, when they should have known better)
https://www.mbusa.com/en/best-or-nothing/4MATIC
Real cars are RWD. Especially Mercs and BMWs and Porsches. The CLA was never a real Merc, it's "all hat and no cattle".
Somewhere in deeply hidden bunker in Germany. Boss, which war did they make this bunker? Boss: It doesn't matter at all, with Mercedes you get the best or nothing!!! Boss, our small cars are front wheel drive and really, the Koreans are just as good.
Boss: Gott en Himmel! we're after market penetration here. A Mercedes for more people that can barely afford one. Market studies show our small front wheel cars will sell to those who aspire to own a Mercedes but are just not able to afford the rear wheel drive ones. Besides the extra loud stereo and light up star sells really, really well in this market.
Boss, I think people have figured out a different type of penetration is going on.