Pros: High-class, high-quality trimmings; exhilarating performance of CLA45 AMG model; full range of available safety and technology features; relatively affordable for a Mercedes-Benz
Cons: Cramped rear seat lacks sufficient headroom and legroom for most adults; engine sounds refined for a 4-cylinder but may not satisfy traditional luxury buyers; available navigation-system screen looks like an afterthought
CG Says: After its introduction last year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sees a few detail changes for its sophomore season. It gets a new steering wheel, a standard 7-inch multimedia display screen, ambient lighting in the Interior Package, and keyless starting in the Premium Package. The CLA-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s first front-wheel-drive sedan, and it comes exclusively with turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engines: The CLA250 has a 208-horsepower version and the CLA45 AMG has a hotter twin-scroll-turbo version with 355 hp. With either engine, a 7-speed automated manual is the lone transmission. The CLA250 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the CLA45 AMG comes exclusively with the latter. CLA adopts its rakish roofline from Mercedes’ larger CLS sedan; the swoopy styling looks great, but compromises interior room. The CLA-Class delivers traditional Mercedes-Benz build quality and high-end materials in a smaller package. The CLA-Class’s asking prices will buy more spacious accommodations in competitive cars, but then you wouldn’t have a Mercedes-Benz.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Nation of Manufacture | Hungary |
| Base Prices | CLA250: $31,500 CLA250 4Matic: $33,500 CLA45 AMG 4Matic: $48,500 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 208 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 24-26 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-38 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 355 |
| Std. Transmission 7-speed automated manual |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 23 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 31 |
