The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class returns with minimal changes for 2023.

The CLA comes in three basic forms for 2023. At the bottom is the CLA 250, powered by a turbocharged 221 horsepower 2.0L 4-cylinder engine sending power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, though all-wheel drive is available. The next step up is the AMG CLA 35 which makes 302 horsepower from its 2.0L 4-cylinder while an even more powerful AMG CLA 45 makes 382 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard on both AMG versions.

Since the introduction of the A-class, the CLA has redefined itself as a stylish and fun coupe, rife with technology. For instance, the new CLA can be ordered with Mercedes' latest MBUX system which will instantly respond to the phrase "Hey Mercedes" when spoken aloud by the driver, who can then issue various commands or even feed the car significantly complex queries, such as asking about the weather. If speaking out loud isn't the owner's cup of tea, they can option the CLA to respond to gesture commands, allowing them to turn up the volume on the stereo, for instance, by twirling their finger in front of the infotainment screen.

In addition to interior bells and whistles, driving assistance technology has also taken a step forward with the new CLA. The car now features an optional semi-autonomous driving mode which will keep the car in its lane and accelerate, slow down and stop if need be, to keep up with traffic. Simply signaling left or right will cause the car to change lanes. All of that autonomous driving tech means that the car has to be covered in sensors and cameras, which then do double duty as safety items, with the car even able to apply the brakes early in a panic stop situation.

The CLA 250 comes standard with sport bucket front seating with power seat adjustments, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windshield wipers, MB-Tex upholstery, 8-speaker sound system, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, five USB ports, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist and driver attention alert.

For owners who want more performance, the AMG versions of the CLA offer not just great straight line speed, but also increased prowess in the corners. The CLA 35 comes with lowered suspension and adaptive dampers which can be set to one of three different modes. In addition, the CLA 35 gets bigger brakes and a sport exhaust with both quiet and loud modes. The cockpit of the CLA 35 is also spruced up with a fully digital instrument display, which sweeps across the dashboard, flowing seamlessly into the car's infotainment system, displayed through a 10.25-inch screen.

Mercedes' AMG division has always been there for people who want to experience sheer excess when it comes to power. And for those individuals, Mercedes builds the top of the line CLA 45. With 382 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the CLA 45 doesn't just get a more powerful engine, it also gets a new transmission with an extra gear, bringing the forward gear count up to eight. 19-inch alloy wheels come standard along with painted grey brake calipers.

The Mercedes Benz CLA competes primarily with compact sedans and coupes from Mercedes' two biggest German rivals, namely the BMW 2-series and the Audi A3. While the 2-series is a true coupe with only two doors, the Audi A3 has somewhat stodgy upright proportions, meaning that the CLA manages to split the difference between its two rivals with its coupe like profile and four-doors. And despite no longer being the least expensive car in Mercedes' lineup, the CLA still has a base price that is affordable for luxury cars buyers.

Coupe-like styling; Mercedes-Benz cachet; interior technology; inexpensive base price; sporty driving experience