2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Price Range: $39,350 - $57,800 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 Sedan Exterior

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+417

21 Owner Reviews

29 mpg

Combined MPG

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$36,659

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review

byMichael Cantu^{Correspondent
Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at Edmunds and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.}

Pros

Generous list of standard features
Luxury badging without the premium price
Enjoyable performance from AMG CLA 35 and 45 models

Cons

Less rear seat space than many rivals

What's new

Limited-edition CLA 45 Edition 55
Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020

Overview

With the discontinuation of the A-Class for the 2023 model year, the CLA is now Mercedes' entry-level sedan. In other words, the luxury brand's most affordable car. But if you're also considering an SUV, the GLA is a bit cheaper. Some might be disappointed they missed out on the A-Class' lower price tag, but the CLA packs more power and offers more option packages and features. Its rear sloping roofline adds more style, and the CLA has two AMG models to choose from.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$186/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

And it's hard to argue against the CLA's attainable price, especially when considering a fully loaded midsize sedan from a non-luxury brand costs about as much. Not only that, but Mercedes didn't skimp out on the CLA: The sedan has an elegant and high-tech-looking interior, provides plenty of comfort, and offers many of the same features found on larger, more expensive Mercedes models. It's also fun to drive and boasts one of the best infotainment systems in its class. The CLA aces most categories, but it's not perfect. Its rear seats are cramped and its reasonable price can quickly climb with options.

If you're hard set on purchasing the CLA you might want to wait a little longer for the 2024 model because Mercedes updated its design, engines and added more standard tech. And if you aren't sold on the CLA, consider some of its rivals, including the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. There's also the all-electric alternative: the Tesla Model 3. If you do decide to go with the current CLA, you'll likely be very happy with this well-built, tech-forward luxury sedan.

Which CLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?

The AMG models are a blast to drive, but most people don't need their 300-plus horsepower and they aren't as budget-friendly as the CLA 250, the trim we recommend. Thanks to a multitude of option packages and stand-alone options, the CLA 250 is highly customizable. You can add many of the features found in the AMG models. We suggest adding the Premium package, which brings larger screens and keyless entry. The Driver Assistance package is another worthy upgrade, adding many advanced driver aids that help make driving safer and easier.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available as the CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The CLA 250 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic), while the more powerful and performance-tuned AMG versions come standard with all-wheel drive. Standard equipment highlights include:

CLA 250
The CLA 250 comes equipped with these standard features:

Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
LED headlights
18-inch wheels
Rain-sensing wipers
Heated side mirrors
Panoramic sunroof
Push-button ignition
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters
Customizable ambient cabin lighting
Synthetic leather upholstery
Power-adjustable sport front seats with memory function

Standard technology features and advanced driver aids on the CLA 250 include:

Remote engine start via smartphone app
7-inch touchscreen infotainment system display
7-inch digital instrument panel
Voice assistant
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Four USB-C ports
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Blind-spot warning (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Safe exit assist (can prevent passengers from opening a door into traffic, cyclists or pedestrians approaching from behind)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

AMG CLA 35
Equipped for sporty driving, the AMG CLA 35 adds:

More powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft)
All-wheel drive
Sport exhaust system
18-inch wheels
Upgraded brakes
10.25-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment displays
Sport-tuned suspension and transmission
Sportier body styling
Sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters

AMG CLA 45
Builds on the AMG CLA 35 with:

Even more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (382 hp, 354 lb-ft)
Performance-tuned eight-speed transmission
19-inch wheels
Heated front sport seats
Keyless entry
Hands-free opening trunk
Power-folding sideview mirrors
Auto-dimming rearview and driver's sideview mirrors

Numerous option packages are available for the CLA. For the CLA 250, they include:

AMG Line package

AMG body styling
18-inch wheels
Lowered suspension
Diamond-pattern grille
Sport steering wheel with aluminum paddle shifters
Upgraded interior trim

AMG Night package

AMG Line package
18-inch wheels with black accents
Gloss black exterior trim

Exterior Lighting package

Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic high-beam assist

Premium package

10.25-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment displays
Auto-dimming rearview and driver's sideview mirrors
Power-folding sideview mirrors
Keyless entry
Hands-free opening trunk

Multimedia package

Navigation system with augmented video overlay
Speed limit alert (displays speed limit signs on the instrument panel)

Driver Assistance package

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CLA and the car in front, can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
Lane change assistance (when cruise control is on, can automatically change lanes after driver activates turn signal for several seconds)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Blind-spot intervention (automatically steers the car back into its lane if you try to change lanes while a car is in the vehicle's blind spot)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

Parking Assistance package

Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the CLA and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

The CLA is available with stand-alone options, such as:

Gloss black rear spoiler
Leather upholstery
Wood interior trim
Heated and ventilated front seats
Heated steering wheel
AMG sport steering wheel (AMG models only)
Wireless charging pad
12-speaker Burmester sound system
Dashcam (AMG models only)
Gesture control for the infotainment system
Head-up display (AMG models only)
Increased top speed (AMG 45 only)

The CLA 35 is available with the above packages (minus the AMG Line) and stand-alone options and also offers the following exclusives:

AMG-tuned electronically adjustable sport suspension
AMG Night Package Plus

AMG Night package plus black badges and dark-tinted grille

AMG Aerodynamics package

Black performance-oriented body kit

AMG Performance Seat package

AMG multi-contour heated front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support

Premium leather and synthetic suede steering wheel trim selections

The CLA 45 can also be equipped with the above packages and options, plus:

AMG Exterior Chrome package

Silver chrome exterior trim

AMG Dynamic Plus package

Electronically adjustable sport suspension
High-performance brakes
Increased top speed
Race and Drift drive modes
Premium leather and synthetic suede-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel
Steering wheel controls for drive mode, suspension and transmission settings

The new and limited-production AMG CLA 45 Edition 55 includes:

19-inch wheels
Black exterior paint
Edition 55 exterior badging
AMG Night Package Plus
AMG Aerodynamics package
AMG indoor car cover
AMG multi-contour front seats wrapped in red and black leather
Synthetic suede-wrapped AMG sport steering wheel
Dark aluminum interior trim
Edition 55 interior badging

Save as much as $5,918 with Edmunds ^{Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.}

2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class pricing

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.7

21 reviews

5(57%)

4(9%)

3(0%)

2(10%)

1(24%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

A COMPLETELY NEW CLA

TOM, 05/20/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I recently traded my old 2016 CLA 250 for a new 2020 CLA 250. Although I was happy with my 2016 the new model is totally different and substantially better. The previous negative review must have been out of the USA (and was a 2019 model) since MB doesn't even sell the 220 model in the US. I have had mine for 6 months and love it. It is significantly quieter and quicker and has a …

Awesome Car

Pharoah 2020, 02/07/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

This car is really great so far. Swift acceleration, loaded with technology, and beautiful looking body

Great Car

this is a great car, 07/07/2020

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

easy driving, comfortable, good pick up, looks great

Styling, Hi-Tech Sold Me

Pete G, 07/16/2021

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)

I picked this particular Mercedes because it is a beautiful design and offers the same driver assistance features as the high end MB models: standard brake assist, lane keeping, front and rear cameras and sensors, blind spot and rear side warning. I added the optional full assist package with 360 “cameras” road sign reading and speed adjust, etc. On a well marked highway the car will … drive itself indefinitely with just a finger on the wheel. A tap on the turn signal stalk gets an automatic lane change when it’s clear ….. very convenient and I use the feature often. But styling alone would sell me on the car. The CLA looks especially good from the rear quarter where the curved roofline joins the simple curves of the lower body. The interior is years ahead of mid range MB models and competitors with a continuous multipart screen that covers most of the dash. The infotainment controls are doubly or even triply redundant with touch screen, steering wheel, and a pad controls for most functions. It is so much easier to use while driving than the iDrive system in my BMW that I actually use most of its features. There is a voice activated assist that gets simple commands right, but copes poorly with anything beyond that. For example trying to get the odometer reading bu asking (to avoid changing any of the driver’s three info screens to see the odometer), proved impossible. The promised computer learning curve so far, in over a year, is close to flat. The standard powered front seats are comfortable and roomy for average height people. Good leg room with thigh support extensions, but sexy styling provides minimal head room. Rear seat suffers more and space is very limited but we don’t use the CLA if we have more than two adults in the car. Engine performance is good. Turbo boost comes in smoothly, but the dual clutch 7 speed transmission is often jerky and hesitant while driving in traffic. It has three performance settings with comfort setting the default. I drive in sport setting in traffic because low gears are held longer and there are fewer shifts made. Any good manual driver will shift more smoothly than than this transmission. The CLA comes with more standard features than comparable BMW offerings but doesn’t offer equal performance. It is the “luxury” alternative and has an interior that beats most, if not all of its competitors as well as higher line models. Give this car a traditional torque converter transmission and I would give it 5 Stars.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CLA-Class since its last redesign.

See all 21 reviews of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Features Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

CLA 250

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$39,350
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$186/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Audi A3

The A3 is Audi's fun-to-drive pint-sized sport sedan. It's a little smaller than the CLA and more affordable, although it surprisingly has larger rear seats and comes with superior standard features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and a larger center touchscreen. The A3, however, packs less power but makes up for that with better fuel economy. Both small luxury sedans provide ample comfort considering their small size and sport some of the best tech in their class. They each also offer two sportier and more powerful models.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Audi A3 features

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Lexus IS 300

The IS 300 sport sedan is Lexus' most affordable car, and it starts at the same price as the CLA. Its rear-wheel-drive layout provides sportier driving dynamics than the front-wheel-drive CLA. But if you need all-wheel drive, each offers it. Inside, the CLA sports a more stylish and modern-looking design with superior tech. The IS 300, which hasn't been redesigned since 2014, has an interior that's definitely showing its age, and both share tight rear seats. Lexus equipped the IS 300 with several advanced driver aids, most of which cost extra in the Mercedes.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Lexus IS 300 features

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class vs. Tesla Model 3

If you don't mind going electric, the Model 3 is a worthy alternative. Even with its lower pricing it costs more, but adding options on the CLA can quickly even things up. The Model 3's estimated range of 272 miles should be sufficient for most around town, and if you travel, you're backed by the best national charging network out there. The Model 3 shares the same exterior dimensions as the CLA, but the Tesla provides more passenger room and its trunk is twice as large. However, if you want more style and luxury, the CLA is the way to go.

Compare Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class & Tesla Model 3 features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite CLA-Class safety features:

Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service: Complimentary for as long as you own the CLA, this standard feature equips the car with an SOS button that connects you to a live operator if you need assistance.
Pre-Safe Sound: When a collision is unavoidable, this technology emits a special tone through the stereo speakers to protect your hearing.
Active Emergency Stop Assist: When using the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping system, this technology detects an unresponsive driver and brings the CLA to a safe stop.

FAQ

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 CLA-Class both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 CLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 21 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLA-Class has 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class:

Limited-edition CLA 45 Edition 55
Part of the second CLA generation introduced for 2020

Learn more

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class reliable?

To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLA-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLA-Class's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 CLA-Class gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 21 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 CLA-Class is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

The least-expensive 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $39,350.

Other versions include:

CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $39,350
CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $41,350
AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) which starts at $49,500
AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) which starts at $57,800