Consumers who gravitate to Mercedes-Benz vehicles are typically looking for something far from “average.” Whether it’s posh interior accouterments, high-level performance, or something that elevates driver safety, for most, the German automaker can usually check more than one of those boxes. I recently tested the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 compact luxury sedan.
At first glance, you cannot help but realize this is something distinct with its low-slung front end and aggressive cowl with a sweeping roofline that starts heading downward before it passes the B-pillar. My tester featured an upgraded Patagonia Red Metallic paint ($1,700) that elevated the sporty sedan with its deep, rich crimson hue. This is the entry-level sedan and it features a few new design cues from the reworked bumpers and restyled LED lights to the addition of new alloy wheel options.
Getting into the driver’s seat takes a bit of twisting and prep for the low seating position. For the front-row passengers, the effort is worth it. Everywhere inside the cabin are premium soft-touch surfaces, as well as super-soft microfiber upholstery with exciting red contrast stitching.
I loved the brushed aluminum trim almost as much as the Nappa leather steering wheel, and bold red seatbelts. It is not hard to get comfortable with the CLA35. Seating positions jump into the perfect position via easily accessed power controls.
However, the steeply raked windshield limits forward visibility, and rear visibility was .