Slotted below the C-Class, the Mercedes-Benz CLA expanded the Mercedes-Benz coupe and sedan lineup when it came onto the scene in 2013. Shrinking the styling of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the CLA-Class is a swoopy alternative to the statelier C-Class with a lower starting price. Building on its first generation, Mercedes-Benz rolled out the second-generation CLA-Class in 2019 and carried along the wild AMG 45 into the next generation. Splitting the difference between the fire-breathing AMG CLA 45 and the more subdued CLA 250 is the CLA 35. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged I4, this CLA promises an AMG-enhanced powertrain that delivers 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. That power travels through an eight-speed automatic transmission and into the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

On this episode of Quick Spin, Autoweek’s executive editor Tom Murphy hops behind the wheel of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and puts it through its paces. Murphy takes you on a guided tour of the CLA 35 and highlights some of his favorite features. Later, Murphy takes you along for a live drive review. Joining these segments, Murphy chats with host Wesley Wren about the CLA 35, its position in the CLA lineup, and the Mercedes-Benz lineup, where it stacks up against the competition and more. Closing the show, the pair break down what makes the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 special.