Pros: Crisp acceleration; ride and handling balance; nicely finished interiors
Cons: Automated-manual transmission can be clunky; stingy cabin space, especially in the back seat
CG Says: Mercedes-Benz’s CLA-Class compact sedan is redesigned for 2020 on the same basic platform as Mercedes’s entry-level A-Class compact sedan, which launched as a 2019 model. The CLA is a rakishly styled “coupe sedan” (a four-door with a with a sloping, coupe-like roofline) that slots between the A-Class and the C-Class in Mercedes’s car lineup. Both the CLA-Class and A-Class are on front-wheel-drive platforms, while the C-Class has Mercedes’ traditional rear-wheel drive. All three cars offer available all-wheel drive. As before, all CLAs are powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter cylinder engines. The base CLA 250 and all-wheel-drive CLA 250 4MATIC have a 221-horsepower engine that is up 13 hp over the previous base model. The AMG CLA 35 has a twin-scroll turbocharger engine that develops 302 hp, while the AMG CLA 45 has a 382-hp turbo engine. The CLA 250 and AMG CLA 35 have a 7-speed automated-manual transmission and the AMG CLA 45 has an 8-speed automated manual. Both AMG models have standard all-wheel drive. Available safety features include autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot alert, lane-keep assist, crosswind assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane centering, and evasive steering assist. The CLA’s sloping roofline sacrifices back-seat comfort for fashion, making the A-Class a slightly more practical choice for a budget-conscious Mercedes compact sedan. Still, for those who seldom use the back seat, the CLA offers style and high-grade interior trim. The CLA also has handling and performance to match its looks—especially the AMG models.
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 | CLA 250: $37,645 AWD CLA 250: $39,645 AMG AMG CLA 35: $47,895 AWD AMG CLA 45: $55,795 |
Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (CLA 250) |
Horsepower 221 |
Std. Transmission 7-speed automated-manual |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 23-25 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-35 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (CLA 35) |
Horsepower 302 |
Std. Transmission 7-speed automated-manual |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 23 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |
Optional Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (CLA 45) |
Horsepower 382 |
Std. Transmission 8-speed automated-manual |
Avail. Transmission NA |
EPA City Range (mpg) 20 |
EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 29 |