Mercedes-Benz CLA Class

Overview: Is the Mercedes CLA a Good Car?

Aimed at younger luxury buyers, the compact Mercedes CLA coupe delivers cachet and technology as the brand’s most affordable model. Sleek body lines and a rakish roofline turn heads while turbocharged power amplifies acceleration. However, the CLA sacrifices rear seat room and ride quality for sportiness. Handling also disappoints on winding roads. Yet for those coveting the three-pointed star on a budget, the CLA offers a sharp-looking entry point despite some compromises.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Mercedes-Benz CLA Class cars for sale.

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Related: The 10 Best Luxury Cars with the Best Gas Mileage

Key Features

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has:

• Compact four-door sedan/“coupe” body style
• Turbocharged four-cylinder engines
• Dual-clutch (DCT) automatic transmissions
• Front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive

Trims

The CLA lineup includes the CLA 250 and CLA 4Matic editions. There are also performance-oriented variants: the AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

With cramped rear dimensions and a tiny trunk, space takes a back seat to style in the Mercedes CLA coupe (the front seats are fine). But the cabin decor impresses with premium materials and available amenities like a panoramic sunroof. This car's technological highlights include an intuitive infotainment system (Comand or MBUX, depending on the year). Advanced driver-assist features are optional (or standard on newer models).

How It Drives

Responsive acceleration, a reactive gearbox, and light steering give the CLA an agile, sporty feel around town. Optional all-wheel drive provides improved traction. However, a stiff suspension can be tiresome for long distances. In AMG form, the Mercedes CLA becomes a pocket rocket that pushes smiling passengers into their seats.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet performed safety testing on the Mercedes CLA250 or any Mercedes AMG variants.

Reviews

Mercedes CLA reviews are favorable according to owners' comments via Kelley Blue Book. The first generation (C117, 2014-2019) is rated 4.4 (out of 5.0), with consumers complementing the car’s quality and styling. There aren’t enough comments about the second generation (C118, 2020-current) to make a blank statement, but there is praise for the CLA 250’s reliability and quality. Owners also like the CLA45 AMG.

Learn More: Mercedes Remote Start: The Full Rundown

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA Class FAQs

Is the CLA better than the C-class?

The compact CLA offers a more affordable entry point to the brand, but the C-Class brings greater composure and interior refinement.

Which year CLA is best?

Although the CLA has been out for a decade, it’s still too early to tell if one year is better than another. Generally, it's best to avoid the first year of an all-new model or generation. So, look beyond the 2014 and 2020 model years.

Who are CLA competitors?

Primary competitors include entry level luxury compact cars like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, and Lexus IS.

How long does a CLA engine last?

Properly maintained, Mercedes engines often achieve or exceed 200,000 miles. The turbo CLA aims for this lifetime but requires meticulous oil changes and maintenance.

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