2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA | Review & Road Test
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 Published On Sep 14, 2020

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The Mercedes-Benz CLA has entered its 2nd generation. Let’s talk about it.

As a quick refresher, the CLA started as Mercedes’s entry-level car through it’s moved up a slot now that the cheaper A220 exists.

The base price for the CLA is under $38,000. It’s based on a wider and longer front-drive platform versus generation number one, though all-wheel drive is a $2,000 option. And I think it looks brilliant…especially in this zero-cost sun yellow paint. Here are some casually-paced shots to drive the point home.




Propelling the CLA is a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (221hp, 258 lb-ft) paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The duo generates ample power and rapid, nearly invisible gear changes, though an observant driver might note occasional clunkiness from the transmission, especially at low speeds.


Floor it from a stop and yeah, it does take a beat for power to build. But once moving a little right foot pressure yields satisfying results.

Merc says the CLA can sprint to 60MPH in 6.3 seconds. That’s zesty enough for a normal living but if you feel compelled to truly haul ass, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 (~$48,000 302hp, 295 lb-ft) drops that zero to sixty tally to a sultry 4.6 seconds while leveraging its summer tires and revised suspension to deliver heightened joy on a lateral plane.

That joy could only be surpassed by a somehow more powerful CLA… and look there it is the CLA 45. (~$56,000 382hp, 354 lb-ft) Golly that looks fun…


But the 250 delivers cornering fun too. The steering feels quick, precise, and engaging.

And if you’re wondering whether the CLA’s front-drive nature compromises the driving experience?

Unless your top priority is power-on oversteer, no it does not.

For normal driving, ride quality is more than acceptable, even riding on our test car’s optional 19-inch tires.
I also appreciate the CLA’s satisfying firm brakes and a cabin that deftly hinders audio intrusions.

And with that cabin mention, I’ve successfully segued into the interior.

Oh, and what a delight that interior is. I’m tempted to deploy the phrase “just look at it” as my analysis, but, what the heck, a few more words can’t hurt.

The CLA’s cockpit certainly looks worthy of Mercedes and it most places it feels that way too.

Like it’s pricier siblings the CLA’s controls operate with a satisfying resistance and clickiness. (Close up)

though the premium movement of the window switches is undercut by their plastic feel. And if the buttons were more logically arranged, I wouldn’t have to visually confirm their function.

As for the MBUX infotainment system, it’s controlled via this trackpad, through a controller on the steering wheel, or by touching the screen itself.

It’s nice to have options but the menu structure is not immediately intuitive. Humans are remarkably adaptable but with luxury cars, should they have to be?

Technological learning curves aside, the optional dual 10.25 displays in our car look sweet. 7-inch screens come standard.



Rear seat headroom is tight for my 5’10” body.

The CLA’s coupe roofline may look sexy but it’s not without compromise. Where the roofline terminates, you’ll find a workable 11.6 cu-ft trunk, supplemented by split-folding rear seats.


If you adore efficiency-related text, please prepare yourself. [25city/35hwy (FWD); 23city/33hwy (AWD)]. That frugality is aided by a Mercedes-claimed drag coefficient of .23, which ranks slipperier than a Prius.

Meaning there’s still hope for a Prius that wholly offputting.

What about the competition? By price and power, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is well-aligned…though the CLA is undoubtedly the sexier choice. You can also get a base Audi A4 or Volvo S60 for similar money. Or if you’re willing to aim slightly down market the Audi A3 and Acura ILX are both notably cheaper entry-luxury choices.


For around $37-and-a-half grand, including destination charges, a basic CLA includes a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, automatic emergency braking, and a keyless ignition but not Keyless Go smart key access for the doors.

In fact, this exact car doesn’t have Keyless Go, meaning later I’m going to lock $54-grand worth of Mercedes by reaching for the fob in my pocket. What is this world coming to?


If you are willing to dance with the devil, there is an option sheet featuring dynamic cruise control, blind-spot warning, active parking assist, AMG styling packages (boy that dark trim looks nice), seat heating and ventilation that can be operated simultaneously and, for $550, Keyless GO.

Conquer frugality and your CLA250’s MSRP can easily blast past $50,000

It has its limitation but the CLA continues to bring Mercedes-Benz luxury to comparative commoners. And if that’s not convincing consider this thoughtful analysis…just look at it.

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