Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim comparison
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 vs CLA 250 4MATIC
The CLA-Class CLA 250 starts at $43,200 while the CLA 250 4MATIC is $45,200. That $2,000 gap buys 4 meaningful differences.
The CLA 250 4MATIC adds AWD instead of FWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $2,000 by itself. If not, the CLA 250 saves you the money.
The CLA 250 is the cleaner fit if FWD already covers the job. The CLA 250 4MATIC only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the CLA 250 to the CLA 250 4MATIC is about $35/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $2,100 more by the time interest is counted. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above FWD.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed automated manual transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $2,000 for 3 measurable differences, which works out to about $667 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 4 specification differences, 3 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | CLA 250 | CLA 250 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $43,200 | $45,200 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo | 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo |
| Horsepower | 221 hp | 221 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated manual | 8-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 36 | 35 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.5 gal | 13.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,950/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,362 lbs | 3,483 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 107.4" | 107.4" |
| Length | 184.6" | 184.6" |
| Width | 72.0" | 72.0" |
| Height | 56.3" | 56.3" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 vs CLA 250 4MATIC Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class lineup, the Mercedes-Benz brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC cost than the CLA 250?
The CLA 250 4MATIC starts at $45,200 compared to $43,200 for the CLA 250. That is a $2,000 difference, or approximately $35/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 2.0L I4 mild-hybrid Turbo producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 CLA-Class CLA 250 come with AWD?
No. The CLA 250 comes standard with FWD while the CLA 250 4MATIC has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class come with?
All 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trims, including both the CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC, come with Mercedes-Benz's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC worth $2,000 more than the CLA 250?
The $2,000 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim gets better fuel economy, the CLA 250 or the CLA 250 4MATIC?
The CLA 250 is the more efficient of the two at 30 combined MPG, versus 28 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $2,000 Gets You
The CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC is a clear upgrade over the CLA 250. The $2,000 price increase gets you AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
CLA 250 vs. CLA 250 4MATIC: Day-to-Day
The CLA 250 4MATIC has AWD while the CLA 250 has FWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The CLA-Class CLA 250 gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $100 per year or $500 over five years of ownership.
What Both Trims Share
Despite the differences above, the CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC share engine and transmission, keeping the core CLA-Class experience consistent across trims.
Summary
The CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC costs $2,000 more than the CLA 250 (about $35/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 3 meaningful changes at $667 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the CLA 250 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the CLA 250 4MATIC when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.