2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
MSRP range: $39,350 - $57,800 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review
byMichael Cantu
Correspondent
Michael Cantu became an automotive enthusiast at an early age as one of those kids who could name just about every car on the road. After flipping cars for fun and dabbling in auto sales, Michael moved to Los Angeles to pursue his automotive dreams.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
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 DriveCost 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 $4.15 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$173/mo
CLA-Class CLA 250
vs
$184/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
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:
Save as much as $274 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
in Ashburn, VA
CLA 250
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM
Edmunds suggests you pay
$40,236
1 for sale in 20147
CLA 250 4MATIC
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM
Edmunds suggests you pay
$42,071
11 for sale in 20147
AMG CLA 45
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM
What others are paying
$60,500
Was this pricing information helpful?
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2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Sedan Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $40,345
- MPG & Fuel
- 25 City / 36 Hwy / 29 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.5 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 7-speed automated manual
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 221 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
- Dimensions
- Length: 184.6 in. / Height: 56.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 78.7 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 72.0 in.
- Curb Weight: 3,362 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 11.6 cu.ft.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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. 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
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 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. 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. Check back soon for the official Edmunds Rating from our expert testing team 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
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the next question is, which CLA-Class model is right for you? CLA-Class variants include CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), AMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM), and AMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM). For a full list of CLA-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more