2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA

We like the Mercedes-Benz CLA for its ability to be several things at once. It’s a prestigious car yet relatively affordable, small as well as luxurious, indulgent yet sensible, and conforms to traditional premium-car values while packing contemporary tech. Despite its size and price, the CLA is a true Mercedes-Benz. This second generation of CLA launched for 2020 and received a substantial revamp last year.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact luxury cars, including the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Mercedes-Benz now offers a 360-degree camera system as an individual option. It was available previously only as part of the Parking Assistance package.

Both the CLA 250 and the CLA 250 4Matic with all-wheel drive are popular with buyers, so choose which one makes the most sense. We do think that the Driver Assistance package with various advanced safety features is $1,700 well spent.

Rival cars include the Audi A3 and Acura Integra, both starting well below the CLA 250. A new BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe is due soon. Before buying a new CLA-Class luxury subcompact sedan, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying.

Class-Leading Resale Values

It’s a small class of entry-level luxury cars, but at least the CLA-Class tops it in terms of retaining its worth. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

A turbocharged 221-horsepower engine can propel the CLA 250 from standstill to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, regardless of whether it’s front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. That might seem a touch on the underwhelming side, but we’ve found that the reality is still quite entertaining. And the 201-horsepower Audi A3 is no quicker.

The 8-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly, while the steering and brakes all perform their duties just as they should. We also found the cabin to be suitably quiet. Mercedes-Benz offers the option of an adaptive suspension. Go for this by all means, but we like the standard setup just fine with its well-judged balance of comfort and control.

Fuel Economy

Like a true modern luxury car, the CLA 250 is fuel efficient, achieving 30 mpg in combined city/highway driving — subtract one mile per gallon for the all-wheel-drive CLA 250 4Matic. The Audi A3 (with all-wheel drive as standard) manages 28 mpg combined.

Mercedes-Benz tends to offer a wide range of interior schemes, so there should be something to please every buyer. The quality of materials is worthy of the badge, despite the relatively low price.

Every new CLA-Class comes with a dual display unit that houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. The covering of the steering wheel features Nappa leather as standard.

Space up front is fine for a subcompact car. Rear passengers aren’t quite so well provided for, neither in terms of legroom nor headroom. That’s to be expected, yet the Audi A3 can do better. It’s a similar story with trunk space — the CLA’s is big enough for a couple of golf bags, at least.

Our main gripe is reserved for the rear pillars. While acknowledging that the sloping roof looks cool from the outside, the wide pillars it creates are not so good for over-the-shoulder glances to check traffic. In our testing, we appreciated that blind-spot monitoring is standard.

The CLA is a subcompact car and the second most affordable new Mercedes-Benz. Not that you’d be able to tell by the styling. The same typical sleekness and fine balance of proportions we’d find on, say, an E-Class are still evident here. There’s no shortage of prestige, even down to the choice of paint colors.

MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)
This is the CLA’s infotainment system, which can be controlled with voice commands using natural speech. Say something like, “Hey Mercedes, find the nearest gas station” and it will update the navigation system. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto phone integration is also standard.

Parking Assistance package
This standard feature helps getting into parallel parking spaces and includes a 360-degree camera system. We’re always glad of a little help in this aspect.

Navigation with Augmented Video
Driving around unfamiliar places can be tricky even with a navigation system helping out. As part of the optional Multimedia package, this augmented video function superimposes directions and house numbers on images from a forward-facing camera.

Driving Assistance package
An option that we think is especially worth selecting, it includes cross-traffic alert, active blind spot assistance, active lane keeping, and adaptive cruise control.

Active Blind Spot Assist
Good old blind-spot monitoring is another standard feature, whereas this upgraded system is also part of the Driver Assistance package. If a driver goes to change lanes and there’s a vehicle in the blind spot, the brakes on one side are applied subtly to prevent the move from happening. That’s the active part.

Burmester audio
An expensive option, but this 12-speaker/590-watt surround-sound system is now enhanced by Dolby Atmos, which provides an even more immersive listening experience. Into each life a little traffic must build up, and we think this is a great way of enduring it.

The CLA 250 employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends this energy to either the front wheels in the entry-level version, or all four in the CLA 250 4Matic. This engine also has a mild hybrid system allowing the engine to reach its peak output with optimum efficiency as well as smoothing out the fuel-saving stop/restart function.

If more power is required, check out the AMG CLA models that we cover in a separate review.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

The new-vehicle warranty offered by Mercedes-Benz lasts four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This applies to the drivetrain as well. Most European luxury car companies have these same terms. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t offer any free scheduled maintenance.

Safety Ratings

This generation of CLA hasn’t been crash-tested by any agencies in the United States, but did earn a maximum overall score of five stars from Euro NCAP. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, along with blind-spot monitoring.