Mercedes CLA review

The Mercedes CLA is a hugely desirable small car with the aspirations of something much bigger. It’s not the sharpest car to drive, but it handles neatly and predictably, and is perfectly suited pounding up and down the motorway, where it proves a refined and comfortable commuter no matter which spec you go for.

The beautifully built, tech-laden interior is a real selling point; little this side of an E-Class feels quite so special inside. If you’re after a small, stylish saloon (or estate) that offers something a bit different to the norm, the CLA might be worth a look.

About the Mercedes CLA

The Mercedes CLA first carved out a niche for itself in 2013, arriving as a swoopy four-door based on the second-generation A-Class that brought mini-CLS styling to an otherwise conservative corner of the market. The latest model, introduced in 2019 along with its Shooting Brake estate counterpart, follows a similar recipe, eschewing outright practicality in the name of sheer desirability.

Elsewhere in the current Mercedes A-Class line-up there’s a hatchback – still the best choice for flexibility – and the saloon, a more traditional take on the four-door layout that’s geared more towards interior space. Buyers of the CLA in either of its forms aren’t expected to care too much, however – it’s billed as the sportiest A-Class derivative and boasts a few mechanical tweaks to make it more exciting from a driver’s perspective.

The engine lineup is much the same as the A-Class hatchback, with a range of petrol, diesel and hybrid units mated exclusively to automatic gearboxes. 

Trim levels are familiar, but have been tweaked over time to now include Sport Executive Edition, AMG Line Executive, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition. Two sporty AMG-developed offerings are also available - the CLA 35 and 45 in either Coupe or Shooting Brake estate form.

Beside the obvious visual differences, the biggest change over the standard A-Class is the increased track – the width between the car’s wheels – while ‘Lowered Comfort Suspension’ is standard. The result is a more planted, sharper car to drive that resists roll through corners and gives its driver a little more to smile about.

The CLA is a direct rival to the latest BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, as well as more conventional offerings like the Audi A3 Saloon. It’s a luxurious, refined cruiser that’s also good to drive – but practicality is a little lacking over the more flexible hatchback model.

Engines, performance and drive

On paper, the Mercedes CLA and the slightly frumpier A-Class Saloon draw certain parallels. However, under the skin, Merc’s engineers have made a few changes; the CLA’s track width has been stretched by 63mm at the front and 55mm at the back – in an effort to make it the sharper of the two to drive.

While the differences to most motorists will be marginal, the tweaks help the CLA stay flatter while cornering and make it the more engaging of the two to drive. This also helps make the CLA an accomplished motorway car; pick the diesel engine and you’ll have a car that challenges a C-Class for its grown-up feel, fuel economy and cruising prowess.

No matter which model you choose, the CLA responds keenly to your inputs, with very little body roll. Every UK car comes with a seven or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but every version we tried proved responsive enough not to need the steering wheel-mounted paddles. It’s good to know they’re there if you want them, however.

We’d recommend the entry-level CLA 180 rather than the more powerful CLA 200 if you’re after a petrol car. The two share their 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, and while both can feel strained under hard acceleration, the 180 is punchy enough. The (now discontinued) CLA 250 is expensive but smooth and powerful, giving the four-door coupe a surprising turn of pace. AMG models (both 35 and more powerful 45-badged versions) are also available.

The diesel models will suit higher mileage drivers. Using the firm’s newer 2.0-litre diesel unit, these are much smoother than oil-burning Mercs of old. The diesel CLAs aren’t as quiet as the petrol models on the move, but customers covering big distances will be grateful for their dramatically superior fuel economy. There’s only one version (CLA 220 d) available at the moment, but with plenty of torque, it feels as quick and capable as the top-end petrol cars.

Mercedes also offers the CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid, with a powertrain consisting of a 1.3-litre petrol engine and 101bhp electric motor, which together produce 215bhp and 450Nm of torque.

Our test car rode on optional adaptive dampers that are reserved for sporty AMG 35 and 45 models in the UK, and while it rode very nicely, we've not tried a car on standard steel springs. Make sure you take one for a test drive before taking the plunge.

0-60mph acceleration and top speed

There are a load of petrol engines to choose from, but only one diesel CLA and no plug-in hybrid at the moment. The CLA 180 uses a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine producing 134bhp; it’ll do 0-62mph in nine seconds, while the 161bhp CLA 200 trims this to 8.2 seconds. The differences are marginal, so we wouldn’t bother with the more powerful engine. Both feel a little strained under hard acceleration, but take things easy and they impressively quiet and refined.

Step up to the CLA 220, which uses a 187bhp 2.0-litre engine, and the 0-62mph time tumbles to seven seconds flat. This unit is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, but adding that extra traction doesn’t affect performance. The CLA 250 e manages 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 146mph, while the CLA 250 is faster still (0-62 in 6.3 seconds), while the AMG 35 and AMG 45 S versions both complete the benchmark sprint in less than five seconds (4.9 and 4.0 seconds respectively). 

The CLA 35 coupe and shooting brake estate share the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine as the A 35 hatchback and saloon. The powerful unit produces 302bhp and 400Nm of torque, and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is included as standard to help manage the extra shove. The range-topping CLA 45 S produces 415bhp from its 2.0-litre powerplant, delivering its power via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Although both AMG derivatives are immensely quick, fast motorway cruising is probably what the CLA 35 does best, and particularly the more practical shooting brake model. The 45 features Mercedes' 4MATIC+ system, which is able to send a constantly variable amount of power to each wheel. It's designed to make the CLA 45 more adjustable, and also incorporates a new drift mode, which comes as standard on all UK models. 

Mercedes has ensured that there’s plenty of front-end grip, while the tyres remain responsive to keen steering inputs. Pressing on the power out of a tight corner and you’ll feel it driving more from the rear than the front, too; in many ways it feels more like an old Mitsubishi Lancer Evo than its flat-footed predecessor.

If diesel is your fuel of choice, the only model available is the CLA 220 d. It’ll do 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and hit 152mph flat out. With loads of torque (400Nm) it makes light work of brisk overtakes, without feeling rattly like old Merc diesels.

MPG, CO2 and running costs

As with most Mercedes models, there’s a large range of engines to choose from when ordering a CLA. The overwhelming majority of these are petrol engines; 1.3 and 2.0-litre units with a variety of outputs. Economy is reasonable across the board, but it’s the CLA 220d diesel that’s the best choice of the fossil fuel versions, if low running costs are your primary concern.

However, the top performer across the range for economy is the 250 e plug-in hybrid. Mercedes claims that, with regular charging, the 250 e is capable of returning up to 282.5mpg on the combined cycle. It also has an all-electric range of up to 40 miles, with a top speed then limited to 87mph.

Buyers looking for diesel power only have the option of the CLA 220d. In Coupe form it returns 53.3-56.5mpg, depending on trim – more or less on par with the BMW 220d Gran Coupe. The Mercedes emits 132g/km in AMG Line trim, which will equate to a 31 per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) charge for company car buyers.

The CLA 180 and CLA 200 both use the same 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine, tuned to 134bhp and 161bhp respectively, with economy and emissions virtually identical at around 43-46mpg (on the WLTP combined cycle) and 138/139g/km of CO2. 

The more powerful CLA 250 is no longer available on the price list, although if you track down a used example you should see around 38-42mpg, with 138g/km of CO2. 

Opting for either AMG model means sacrificing economy in the name of performance. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC returns 31.7-34.9mpg and emits 184g/km. These figures aren’t terrible for such a potent hot hatch, however. The full-fat AMG 45 S 4MATIC+ is even more powerful and so returns a maximum of 31.7mpg, with a hefty 202g/km.

The Shooting Brake versions of each of these is marginally less efficient, with CO2 emissions and therefore BiK ratings rising ever so slightly for most engines. Claimed fuel economy also takes a slight hit, but the differences in actual use will be marginal.

Insurance groups

The CLA roughly occupies insurance groups 27 to 43 depending on which model you choose; the CLA 180 petrol is the cheapest to insure and the AMG models are the most expensive. The CLA Shooting Brake sits roughly within groups 26 to 39.

Depreciation

According to our experts, the CLA Coupe will retain up to 55 per cent of its value after three years and 36,000 miles come trade-in time, with the 180 petrol and plug-in hybrid models the best bets for the strongest second-hand values. The Shooting Brake estate model performs broadly the same.

To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool...

Interior, design and technology

The Mercedes CLA aims to offer the sleek styling and coupe roofline of the larger CLS, but in a smaller and more affordable package. It certainly looks the part; those sweeping lines and pert rear end give it a level of road presence missing on rivals like the Audi A3 Saloon and even Merc’s very own A-Class models.

The CLA comes loaded with all the kit buyer of cars like this desire. Be that a smart but subtle body kit, large alloy wheels or high-end paint finishes, the four-door coupe cuts a dashing silhouette.

Inside, the CLA sets a tremendously high standard. Quality is very good, with all versions featuring a 10.25-inch digital driver's display and an infotainment screen of the same size. Integrated sat-nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity are also included, along with Merc’s ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant. Although, in our experience this isn’t the most useful or innovative system of its type.

Both the CLA 35 and 45 S models receive the typical AMG bodystyling additions, along with extra chrome exterior trim and subtle badging.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

Every Mercedes CLA features Merc’s MBUX infotainment system, complete with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. Some customers may find this tech useful – you can change things like the radio station and the temperature for the climate control – but in reality it doesn’t work as well as we'd like. If you’re used to services like Amazon Alexa, you’ll find Merc’s set-up a challenge to use.

Mercedes offers a three-year package of live traffic and map updates as standard, with the option to extend the coverage at extra cost.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Mercedes CLA is car created with style in mind rather than outright practicality – whether you choose Coupe or Shooting Brake body styles, don’t expect the last word in interior space.

Each model is a five seater, but only just – a heavily sculpted rear bench means the middle seat is only suitable for shorter journeys, while head and legroom is tight.

it’s easy for the driver to get comfortable thanks to comfortable, adjustable seats and plenty of adjustment for the steering wheel. Visibility isn’t as good as in the standard A-Class, however – the C-pillar is particularly thick so there are substantial over-the-shoulder blind spots to contend with. Opting for a full suite of active safety kit should counter this, however.

Interior storage is much the same as the A-Class hatch – a good-sized central cubby under the armrest and decent-sized door bins. Two cupholders are located ahead of the car’s infotainment controls.

Dimensions and size

The Mercedes CLA Coupe measures in at 4,695mm long, 1,999mm wide (including mirrors) and 1,430mm tall. The Shooting Brake estate version is more or less the same size, save for a few extra millimetres in height. For comparison, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is slightly longer at 4,526mm and wider at 2,081mm including mirrors, while total height is a little lower as standard at 1,420mm. All AMG versions have a marginally wider track, while the Premium Plus variants ride lower with springs shortened by 15mm.

Leg room, head room & passenger space

The CLA is a car that has been designed around its driver; there’s not as much space in the back seats as you’ll find in the hatchback. Legroom is tight for six-foot adults, while headroom is compromised by the sloping roofline on either model. If you need to carry passengers and don’t mind sacrificing a few degrees of driver involvement, the A-Class Saloon or hatchback are better bets.

Isofix points are supplied in the two outer rear seats, but loading child seats won’t be the easiest task thanks to the swooping roofline.

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Boot space

The CLA Coupe’s boot measures in at 460 litres and so is larger than you’ll find in the hatchback, although due to packaging issues the 250 e plug-in hybrid version has a smaller load space at 390 litres.

A narrower opening means it’s not as easy to load heavy items, but all CLAs come as standard with a 40/20/40 split-fold rear bench, so there’s a modicum of flexibility here. The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s boot measures trails slightly at 430 litres.

The Shooting Brake gets a larger 505-litre boot, which extends to a total of 1,370 litres with the rear seats folded. It’s the more flexible choice if you regularly need to carry bigger items. However, the hot AMG 35 and 45 S models have a reduced load capacity of 960 litres with the back seats down.

Towing

The Mercedes CLA may not be the first car you’d consider towing with, but it’s rated to a decent standard nonetheless. Each engine and bodystyle combination has its own quoted braked and unbraked figures, but the best choice for towing is the CLA 220d in either Coupe or Shooting Brake form – each manage trailers of up to 750kg unbraked or 1,600kg braked. If you prefer petrol power, the CLA 220 4MATIC Coupe is rated to 750kg unbraked or 1,800kg braked.

Reliability and safety

The CLA is closely related to the A-Class hatchback and as such comes fully loaded with safety kit. All cars get autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, a driver attention monitor and cruise control as standard, along with traffic sign and speed limit assist functions.

Euro NCAP awarded the CLA a top five-star rating in 2019, with an outstanding 96 per cent score for occupant protection and 91 per cent achieved for child safety.

Although the CLA model didn't feature in our 2022 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, its A-Class sibling finished in 30th position out of 75 cars in the best cars to own poll. Mercedes itself has received mixed responses from customers over the past few years. In 2020, the German manufacturer placed 28th out of 30 brands, followed by an improvement to 13th spot in 2021. However, customers voted Mercedes into 23rd place in the most recent survey in 2022.

Warranty

As with every new Mercedes, the CLA comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and roadside assistance that’s valid across Europe. This matches those offered by Audi and BMW.

Servicing

Mercedes offers flexible servicing payment options on all its cars. As with many other manufacturer schemes, this allows you to spread the cost of servicing over monthly payments, or pay for all your car’s servicing requirements in one go. Mercedes’ scheme is comprehensive and can be customised depending on your car’s use and mileage.

Used and nearly new

In a quest to fill every niche, Mercedes launched the CLA in 2013. In basic terms, it’s an A-Class saloon, but the improved styling comes at the expense of practicality. On the plus side, you get a beautifully finished and tech-laden interior, while used prices mean the CLA is now more affordable than ever.

Mercedes CLA history

Mercedes CLA Mk2: 2019-

The CLA is the most stylish member of the Mercedes A-Class family. It’s also the best to drive and shares the same beautifully built and tech-laded interior. We’d even say it feels like a mini Mercedes E-Class, which is high praise. The downsides are limited practicality and high prices once you’ve added a few must-have options. 

Mercedes CLA Mk1: 2013-2019

In many ways, the original CLA felt like a cut-price Mercedes CLS, with the same coupe-like styling, quality interior and driving characteristics. So far, so good, but the CLA was less practical than the A-Class hatchback and could get rather expensive with a few option packs added to the mix. This didn’t prevent the Mk1 CLA from selling in big numbers, so there are plenty to choose from on the used market. Read our full Mk1 Mercedes CLA buyer’s guide here...