Mercedes Benz returns to Grasso's Garage with its entry-level coupe, bearing the CLA nameplate. Known as a luxury brand, Mercedes Benz is recognized for delivering exquisite luxury and styling to the end user. The CLA Coupe actually has four doors but has a coupe-like curved shape.

Powered by the potent AMG enhanced 2.0-liter inline 4-turbo engine with hybrid assist, the CLA certainly has no issue getting up and going with 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Paired with the AMG Speedshift DCT eight-speed transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and a great sounding exhaust, the CLA35 was fun and rightly priced.

Equipped with an AMG sport suspension, a performance steering wheel, and drive unit button options, the CLA35 4MATIC offers comfort, a low profile, and precisely what coupe enthusiasts desire: luxury, design and performance. Adorned in Mountain Grey Metallic and featuring a black leather interior, our CLA35 AMG tester stood out as an attractive and appropriately priced vehicle. The standard features of the CLA35 AMG include a Panorama roof, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen display, along with a center console volume scroll. Additional options such as AMG twin 5-spoke wheels, a driver assistance package, an AMG Night package, and Exclusive Trim increase the price by $5,400.

As a 2009 Mercedes Benz C350 sedan owner myself in the past, I appreciate Mercedes' history of luxury and design. While leading the way in the luxury category over fierce competitors such as BMW, Lexus and Genesis, Mercedes certainly has done a good job in keeping the CLA35 AMG in the fleet with the updates it deserved to stay in the fleet. Despite low production numbers nearing the 10,000 range in prior years, the CLA is here to stay and for good reason.

2024 Mercedes Benz CLA35 AMG 4MATIC

MSRP:$54,950

MPG: 22 city / 29 highway / 25.7 as tested

As Tested:$62,875

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