2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 First Look Review: Mild Hybrid, Hot Performer
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 may be one of the smallest and most affordable AMGs you can buy, but this pretty four-door coupe, as Mercedes prefers to call it, should not be underestimated. The pre-facelift model already endeared itself to us by being more engaging than the BMW M235i Gran Coupe and more stylish than the Audi S3. The latest AMG CLA 35 still has 302 horsepower but now comes with a mild-hybrid system that adds a 13-hp boost and enables smooth operation of the start-stop and coasting functions. There are also a few styling and tech tweaks to keep it fresh. Neatly filling the gap between the base CLA 250 and hair-raising AMG CLA 45 S, the AMG CLA 35 may just be the sweet spot in the lineup.
When Is The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coming Out?
According to the automaker, the release date for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 was scheduled for later in 2023. We expected the car to start arriving at dealerships in the USA sometime in mid-2023 as a 2024 model, but it now seems more likely that we'll see it early in 2024.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Price And Competition
As is often the case when an updated model is first announced, the price for the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 sedan has not been confirmed. We anticipate a modest increase over the $47,900 MSRP of the 2022 model, so it's possible it will break the $50,000 mark before options.
The CLA 35's main rivals include the Audi S3, a very classy sedan that starts at $46,800 for the 2023 model and which is faster but perhaps a little clinical. BMW's competitor is the M235i Gran Coupe, a car that disappointed us with its disconnected steering and uninspiring engine. It's efficient and well-built, but these are not attributes that rank among the most important for a small, supposedly sporty sedan. The 2023 version of the M235i will cost $47,600.
New Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Exterior And Colors
Whether or not you agree that this is a coupe, the swoopy and fashionable exterior of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 is likely a significant part of the car's success. From any angle, it's simultaneously sporty and sophisticated, and the AMG CLA 35 specification introduces just the right amount of restrained aggression.
For the 2024 model year, there have been some styling changes. Look closely, and you can spot new graphics inside the LED High Performance headlights and LED taillights. The AMG CLA 35 now has the Panamericana grille with vertical slats, bringing it in line with other AMG models, to go along with a restyled front fascia.
Three new alloy wheel designs include standard 18-inch items with ten spokes and a black finish. As an option, 19-inch wheels can be specified. Although Mercedes lists Hyper Blue and Spectral Blue as new CLA colors, the full range of colors for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 remains unknown. Perhaps shades like Sun Yellow, Cosmos Black, Rose Gold, and Patagonia Red from the current model will carry over to the new one.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Dimensions
As this is a facelift and not an all-new model, we expect the dimensions of the new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe to be pretty much identical to the current model's specs. That would mean a length of 184.8 inches, a height of 55.3 inches, a width without the mirrors of 73.1 inches, and a wheelbase of 107.4 inches.
There is a possibility that the new mild-hybrid system will influence the car's weight, but it shouldn't be by much as this isn't a full hybrid. Expect the 2024 model to be close to the current one's 3,505-pound curb weight.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Engine And Performance
Despite the new-mild-hybrid system, the AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 has the same peak outputs of 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It figures, then, that the 0-60 mph time is exactly the same as well at 4.8 seconds. Both its Audi and BMW rivals are a little quicker but there isn't much in it, and we've previously found that the little Mercedes-AMG feels quicker than the figures suggest. The top speed is 155 mph.
An AMG Speedshift dual-clutch automatic eight-speed transmission - replacing the current AMG CLA 35's seven-speeder - and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system extract maximum performance from the four-pot and chassis, allowing the CLA 35 to be hustled at a very decent rate.
The big news for the facelifted model is the new 48-volt electrical system and belt-driven starter-generator. This provides a temporary power boost of 13 hp, but it also increases the smoothness of the start-stop and coasting functions. Anyone who has experienced earlier, jerky start-stop systems will appreciate this feature.
As with the previous model, drivers will be able to choose between various drive modes depending on the conditions or their mood. If the AMG CLA 35 is too docile, consider the new 45 S with an insane 416 hp, which is also on its way to America.
Gas Mileage
While it's possible that the new mild-hybrid system and transmission will make the latest CLA 35 more efficient, its EPA rating will likely be similar to the 2023 model's 21/29/24 mpg city/highway/combined. The same 13.5-gallon gas tank should apply to the new AMG CLA 35, so a range of about 324 miles is on the cards based on the 2023 model's EPA ratings. Again, this could change when the EPA publishes ratings for the 2024 version.
Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Interior And Cargo
There isn't a direct rival that can compete with the sense of occasion in the interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35. From the turbine-style ventilation outlets to the high-tech displays and eye-catching ambient lighting, it looks special. And, while the treatment could be considered a little overbearing in larger Mercedes-AMG models, it makes more sense in the smaller CLA, which appeals to a younger audience.
Standard sports seats adorn the cabin of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, and optional AMG Performance seats are available. For the first time, Sage Grey/Black MB-Tex and Red/Black leather upholstery will be available, and there is a full leather seat alternative. There is a new AMG Performance steering wheel with a double-spoke design, and it incorporates the AMG Drive Unit buttons. This allows for quick access to various drive programs without needing to take your hands off the wheel.
AMG graphics light up on the latest 10.25-inch display screens, which run the quick MBUX software. New additions like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are offered, and small touches like newly illuminated USB ports make living with the CLA just a little bit easier than before. Driver-assistance technologies are plentiful, including lane keeping assist and a parking package with 360-degree visualization. Previously standard features like over-the-air updates, dual-zone climate control, LED ambient lighting, and remote start should all still be included in the 2024 model.
There isn't much space in the second row or in the trunk, but considering that this is a small sedan, this isn't a shocker. The pre-facelift Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 had 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and that's a few cubes more than what you'd find in the Audi S3.
