2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

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: The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offers an optional new adaptive suspension. An Edition: Orange appearance package is newly available. 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.

The Facts
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: $32,050
CLA250 4Matic: $34,050
CLA45 AMG 4Matic: $49,500

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

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG
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