2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review
Price Range: $16,998 - $29,990
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Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Generous list of standard features
- Potent performance from the AMG CLA 45
- Athletic handling instills confidence
- Luxury badging without the premium price
Cons
- Engine and transmission are slow to respond at low speeds
- Ride can be rather stiff
- Rear seats are confining
- Some interior elements aren't up to luxury car standards
What’s new
For 2018, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class returns largely unchanged.
Vehicle overview
The Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star is one of the most recognizable luxury badges in the world. The fact that acquiring one typically sets you back a hefty sum has been well established, but that's not necessarily the case with the 2018 CLA-Class. For about the same price as a non-luxury sedan, you can get a lot of Mercedes charm and quality. And for a lot of shoppers, that could be enough.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
48 listings
- $16,999great price$3,051 below market
- 57,130 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Mercedes-Benz of Hunt Valley (54 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Cockeysville, MD
Amg ® Line ExteriorMultimedia PackagePremium PackagePanorama SunroofLunar Blue MetallicPanoramic RoofNight PackageRear SpoilerKeyless Star...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDDSJ4GBXJN501847
Stock: JN501847
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-08-2026 - $14,985good price$1,427 below market
- 73,444 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 24 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Trimax Auto (163 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Norfolk, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (24 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDDSJ4GB0JN678732
Stock: CLEAN_CLA250_4Matic
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-19-2025
If it were the only sedan in its class, we'd be inclined to agree. But there are some similarly priced vehicles out there, and they don't have the same drivability, comfort and space issues that the CLA does. As a result, we suggest checking out those European rivals before signing on the dotted line.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
You'll like how the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes nicely equipped with features and is enjoyable to drive. You can also get it as the rather outrageous 375-hp AMG CLA 43. But overall this baby Benz isn't as well-rounded as some of its competitors.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | FWD)
Since this test was conducted, the current CLA-Class has received some revisions, including a retuned-suspension, a minor interior and exterior styling update, extendable front-seat thigh supports and a new infotainment screen. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's CLA250, however.
Driving
With its strong four-cylinder and quick-shifting transmission, the CLA250 offers enough performance to impress owners of the larger C-Class. Unfortunately, that same transmission can be quirky in normal driving.
Acceleration
With its 208-hp four-cylinder and a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic, the CLA250 gets up to speed effortlessly, especially from 20 mph on. In our testing, the CLA accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a respectably quick 6.4 seconds.
Braking
Even in heavy traffic, the CLA's brakes are linear and easy to modulate. We recorded a panic-stop distance of 121 feet from 60 mph, which is an average distance for this class of car.
Steering
The CLA250's steering is nicely weighted; it's neither too heavy nor too light. Turn-in is sharp, and there's enough articulation for easy parking. The steering, however, doesn't give you much feel for the road.
Handling
The CLA250 has enough poise and control to feel stable on a twisty road or highway off-ramp curve.
Drivability
The CLA's transmission can be slow to react to your commands, like when making a three-point turn. It also allows rollback, and at times its operation makes it feel like the engine is over-revving.
Comfort
The CLA250 falls in between the expectations of a sport sedan and a luxury car. This may be the least expensive Mercedes, but it sure doesn't feel entry-level in terms of its suspension capabilities or the cabin's noise suppression.
Seat comfort
The CLA's seats offer nice bolstering, but they have a short cushion that lacks thigh support. Mercedes' MB-Tex faux leather feels exceptional and durable but lacks ventilation. Prepare to feel sticky.
Ride comfort
A mixed bag here. The CLA250 (before the suspension retune) handles potholes and breaks in the pavement with zero drama, but gets jostled by seams in the highway and pulled around by grooved pavement.
Noise & vibration
In true Mercedes fashion, the CLA250 is quiet at all speeds and does an admirable job blocking out the ambient sounds you'll find on the road.
Interior
A traditional Mercedes-Benz interior design in that it isn't flashy, but it surprises with its ease of use. Limited rear-seat access and space, plus lackluster visibility, hurt the CLA's score in this category.
Ease of use
The CLA's interior is deceptively simple and remarkably easy to use, with a large infotainment screen, clear gauges and an easy knob- and button-based climate control. The gear-selector stalk is love-it-or-hate-it.
Getting in/getting out
Front-seat access is a nonissue with wide door openings and a reasonably high seat. Rear-seat access is hugely problematic. Because of the sloping roof, there just isn't enough head clearance.
Roominess
The CLA's interior feels tight. Not unpleasant, but cozy. The rear seats have good legroom but severely lack headroom.
Visibility
The rearview camera is a near-necessity due to the CLA's poor rear visibility. You can thank that sloping roofline. Driving this car definitely requires proper mirror adjustment.
Quality
Meticulous types will be able to find some bits on the CLA that wouldn't make it to the C-Class. But most everything you touch — from steering wheel to stalks, switches, the COMAND controller and the seats — feels like a Mercedes.
Utility
Smart interior packaging allows for more storage options than in some rival sedans. The trunk is well shaped with a large opening and benefits from added rear-seat convenience items for larger objects.
Small-item storage
With the shifter relocated to the steering column, the center console is freed up to house more bins and cupholders. There's plenty of them to hold all of your personal effects.
Cargo space
The trunk is decently proportioned, with a large opening and shrouded hinges. Total capacity is 13.1 cubic feet. The standard split and folding rear seats and a center pass-through will help when things get tight.
Which CLA-Class does Edmunds recommend?
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 delivers more performance than the typical driver expects, leaving the AMG CLA 45 for the select few who desire much more. The standard features list is already lengthy, but we'd suggest adding the Premium package for some luxurious creature comforts as well as the Multimedia package for the navigation and smartphone integration.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan is offered in CLA250 (208 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque) and a higher-performance AMG CLA 45 (375 hp, 350 lb-ft) trims. Both models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. The standard CLA250 is front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic) is available as an option. All-wheel drive is standard with the AMG CLA 45.
Standard feature highlights for the CLA250 models include 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated leather upholstery (MB-Tex), eight-way power front sport seats with memory functions, and 60/40-split folding rear seats with a center pass-through.
On the technology front, you get an 8-inch infotainment screen, Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, forward collision warning and mitigation, a drowsy driver monitor, the Mbrace emergency telematics, and an audio system with
a CD player, HD radio, two SD card slots and two USB ports.
Upgrading to the AMG CLA 45 adds 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and running lights, unique styling and aerodynamic flourishes, a sport exhaust system, upgraded brakes and transmission, a torque-vectoring differential, a sport steering wheel and simulated suede upholstery inserts.
There are a few main option packages to look out for. These include the Premium package (keyless ignition and entry, a hands-free trunklid, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats and satellite radio); the Convenience package (auto-dimming mirrors and a universal garage door opener); the Interior package (leather upholstery, upgraded dash and door trim, and interior ambient lighting); the Multimedia package (a navigation system, voice controls, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration); and the Driver Assistance package (adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning and intervention).
Many AMG-based styling elements are available on the CLA250. Other notable add-ons include an automated parking system, an adjustable suspension, a panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker premium Harman Kardon audio system.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$152/mo for CLA-Class CLA 250
CLA-Class CLA 250
vs
$148/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 10 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 4 out of 5, ranks it #7 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#7 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$574/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
1.08x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
6.7%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
10 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 23V854000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2976
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2014-2020 C-Class, CLA, GLA, S-Class, GLC, and GLE vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle details. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair, allowing the front panel to detach from the vehicle.
- Defect Consequence:
- A detached roof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on August 2, 2024. Owner notification letters will be mailed in phases, on, March 22,2024, and August 2, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 21V-197.
- Recall Number:
- 22V365000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060005
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 234918
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
- Recall Number:
- 21V229000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4992
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017 B250e, CLA250, 2017-2018 AMG CLA45, GLA250, and AMG GLA45 vehicles. The steering shaft bore hole for the universal joint bearing may allow excessive movement that, over time, could result in the separation of the bearing and universal joint.
- Defect Consequence:
- A separated universal joint bearing can cause a loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and as necessary, replace the steering shaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 30, 2021. Owner may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V197000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 15096
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2020 C300 Coupe, C43 Coupe AMG, C43 AMG, 2015-2020 C300, GLA250, 2016-2018 C350e, CLA45 Coupe AMG, 2015 C400, S65 AMG, 2015-2019 C63 AMG, 2016 C450, 2015-2016 GLA45 AMG, S600, 2016-2020 GLC300, 2017-2019 GLC43 AMG, GLE43 Coupe AMG, 2014-2019 CLA250 Coupe, 2014-2015 CLA45 AMG, 2018 GLC63 AMG, 2014-2017 S550, 2018-2020 S450, 2016-2019 GLE63 Coupe AMG, 2016 GLE450 Coupe, 2014-2020 S63 AMG, 2018-2019 S560, and 2019 GLC350e vehicles equipped with a panoramic sunroof. The front roof panel located between the windshield and the panoramic sunroof may not have been bonded correctly to the vehicle during a prior repair.
- Defect Consequence:
- The adhesive bonding of the front panel might deteriorate, possibly causing the front panel to detach from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front panel, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V072000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 58
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 13, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V058000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021020025
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1292258
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
- Recall Number:
- 19V892000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2020060012
- Manufactured from:
- 2015-01-19 to 2017-10-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 129
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2015-2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC, and 2017-2018 CLA45 AMG vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may have been improperly calibrated, which may prevent the proper deployment of the front passenger air bag.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash, if the air bag does not deploy as designed, the front seat passenger has an increased risk of an injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger seat cushion, free of charge. The recall began July 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020060012.
- Recall Number:
- 19V131000
- Manufactured from:
- 2018-02-09 to 2018-02-12
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 12
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 CLA250 and CLA250 4MATIC vehicles. The tail lights and the side marker lights may flicker or fail, affecting the vehicle's visibility.
- Defect Consequence:
- Reduced visibility increases the risk of crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected light bulb sockets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on April 26, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 18V514000
- Manufactured from:
- 2018-01-10 to 2018-02-03
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 86
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, and CLA45 AMG 4Matic vehicles. The Occupant Classification System (OCS) may not be properly calibrated, resulting in the front passenger air bag not being deactivated if a child seat is in the front seat.
- Defect Consequence:
- If a child seat is in the front seat and the passenger air bag is not deactivated, in the event of a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat cushion, free of charge. An interim notification was mailed to owners October 2, 2018. A second notification will be sent when the repair is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 17V627000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 495290
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling these vehicles: 2014-2018 CLA250, CLA250 4Matic, CLA45 AMG 4Matic, 2015-2018 GLA250, GLA250 4Matic, GLA45 AMG 4Matic, C300 4Matic, C63S AMG, 2012-2014 C250, C350, C300 4Matic, E550 4Matic, 2013-2014 C63 AMG, 2012-2015 C250 Coupe, C350 Coupe, C63 AMG Coupe, 2013-2015 C350 4Matic Coupe, GLK250 4Matic BlueTec, GLK350, GLK350 4Matic, 2016-2017 C350e, C43 AMG, 2015 C400 4Matic, 2016-2018 C63 AMG, GLC300, GLC300 4Matic, 2017-2018 C300 Coupe, C300 4Matic Coupe, C43 AMG, C63 AMG Coupe, C63S AMG Coupe, C300 Cabriolet, C300 4Matic Cabriolet, C43 AMG Cabriolet, C63 AMG Cabriolet, C63S AMG Cabriolet, GLC300 4Matic Coupe, GLC43 AMG, GLC43 AMG Coupe, 2014 E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic Coupe, E350 Cabriolet, E400 Hybrid, 2015-2017 E400 Coupe, E400 4Matic Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, 2014-2017 E550 Coupe, E550 Cabriolet, B250e, 2014-2016 E250 BlueTec, E63 AMG 4Matic Wagon, 2012-2013 E350 BlueTec, 2012-2016 E350, E350 4Matic, 2015-2016 E400, E400 4Matic, 2012 E63 AMG, 2014-2015 E250 4Matic BlueTec, 2013-2016 E350 Wagon, 2017 GLC300d 4Matic, and 2018 GLC350e 4Matic. The driver's air bag may unexpectedly deploy due to insufficient grounding of the steering components if an electrostatic discharge occurs and the air bag clockspring is broken.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the driver air bag inadvertently deploys, it can increase the risk of injury and a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will add sufficient grounding to the steering components, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2017. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(46%)
4(28%)
3(6%)
2(9%)
1(11%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Perfect car for me
5 out of 5 starsJulie V., 08/18/2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Over the years I have driven a bmw, Porsche, Saab, and several infinitis, the last a g35 coupe. It was a great, fun, fast car, but also uncomfortable inside and a gas guzzler. My new mercedes cla 250 doesn't have nearly the power, and the transmission in the economy mode is clunky, but it handles nicely, gets good gas mileage (I'm averaging 26.5 in the city), and is a great looking … little car. If you turn off economy mode, the car is perkier and handles just fine. I hardly ever drive with anyone in the back seat, so its cramped nature bothers me not, especially after the coupe! At this stage in my life I don't want a big gas guzzling car, just a spiffy, well made, fun machine, and this one fits the bill.
After one year I still love this car. We just returned from a 1,600 mile road trip, averaging 40 mpg! One day we even got 48. My husband, who drives a big SUV, really enjoyed the car on the highway. It is plenty peppy for passing, handles well and smoothly and is quiet.
One year
Another year has gone by and I’m still happy with my purchase. I should mention that I’m not that interested in the car’s technology, which I understand is sub par for a Mercedes. Also, this car is not for someone who wants speed. This is a small, unpretentious car with great handling and excellent fuel mileage....just what I want. Plus, it’s quite nice to look at.
I still enjoy this car at 6 years old. It just turned over 30,000 miles and has been trouble free and pleasant to drive. I just drove it on a 1400 mile road trip, averaging 39.2 mpg!
My car is now 8 years old and still a peach. Trouble free, only 36,000 miles, in great condition. I could drive it for a long time more although I am getting that new car itch….but why buy?
2nd CLA
4 out of 5 starsnamegoeshere, 04/28/2016
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
We bought a bare-bones CLA the first year it came out. We were so impressed with it that after two years, we traded it in for a 2016 adding all the features we think it needs. We also bought it using European delivery and is currently waiting for it's arrival in Baltimore. First of all, the design of the car is what got us. We had E-classes before so weren't looking for an entry into … the luxury segment. This is a car that seems to be designed as a unit as opposed to say the new C-class where the front and the rear look like they are from two separate cars. Our original was in a stunning Jupiter red with sun roof, Bi-xenon lights, the Becker GPS, walnut trim. The 2016 has several standard options which were not standard before but instead part of an expensive package Our new car is 4-matic (wasn't available before), same sun roof, walnut (with beige interior, wish there was a lighter color option) bi-xenon, rear-view camera (really missed this as we have it in our other cars), Apply-Carplay (wasn't available before), Garmin GPS (hated the Becker unit and looking forward to seeing Garmin maps but after playing with Apply Carplay in Germany when we picked it up, we might use Google map instead so the Garmin may not be necessary), the sport suspension package (out other car is a 911 so anything that hints at better handling would be great) and Blind Side assist. The BSA is really important because when my wife moves her seat to a comfortable position, it completely blocks the view from the rear side window and with the sloping roof, this is a problem. Also, the driver side pillar blocks cars as well which is not good.
When we drove it in Germany, it feels faster than ours and much smoother. There is plenty of power and driving-wise much faster than what I expect a 200hp car has. What we will really really miss about our first CLA is the gas mileage. My wife and I really enjoy seeing our MPG at 38-39 which is remarkable. I understand with 4-matic that will likely go down quite a bit but with the aerodynamic of the car, this car cruises down a hill really fast and we end up using the brakes a lot because you end up passing most cars and going too fast on downhills. On thing that we hate about the 2016 are the standard rims that go with the 17inch wheels. They are butt-ugly and look like simple cut-outs from a sheet of metal. Guess that's how they get you to upgrade to 18inch wheels. Don't want 18 inch as we do highway driving and don't want low profile tires and also we had a set of 4 17inch Blizzaks at home that we plan to use. We decided to buy a new set from Tire Rack
Overall, my wife and I really love this car. it's meant to my wife to drive around town but we ended up using it for all our long trips and now with 4-matic, we can do this over the winter also. With this purchase, we plan to keep this car for a long time.
The two destinies
5 out of 5 starsL, 01/06/2018
2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
The CLA does not seem to garner much praise or love . It’s often disparaged as a poor rendering of the rest of the Mercedes family . It’s the black sheep of the family people would have you believe . I am a car guy , always have been since I was a small boy dreaming of the kind of fun , and cool car I would own when I was old enough . I have owned over 30 cars in my time , all sorts of … Volvo’s including the Bertone , every BMW , all sorts of Mercedes my favorite being a 1989 560 sec that I had for a long time . Wagons , sedan , coupes even an SUV . I bought the Mercedes CLA while looking for a replacement SUV ... I drove the car and fell in love with the way it looked ... After all we love everything with our eyes first and that was no different with the CLA .There is an expectation that the CLA should drive and feel like an E class sedan , well it doesn’t , I had one and it’s wonderful but an E class isn’t as nimble or as fun and it’s more isolating and numb .. That’s not a bad thing but you can’t compare the CLA to an E class or a CLS or anything else . The CLA is quick, nimble , and a blast to drive , add the panoramic roof the upgraded sound and the 4 matic and you have a great car ... Yes it thumps over bumps , it turns quickly , goes fast , it more sport than sedan...so give it some love .... it’s a great car, and today , it’s about value , the CLA is value , and it’s under appreciated , but not by me !
Lovin my MB 250 CLA
5 out of 5 starsNancy Fortner, 08/24/2017
2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I find the driver's seat somewhat hard...............suggestion, use leather as opposed to "Leatherette." Other than that, i'm very satisfied so far.........
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CLA-Class since its last redesign.
2018 CLA-Class Highlights
Sedan
CLA 250
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,700 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $152/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.1 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the CLA-Class models:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns of an impending front collision and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react.
- Blind Spot Assist
- Displays a warning triangle in the mirror if a car is in your blind spot and beeps if you activate a turn signal.
- Attention Assist
- Uses many sensors and other data to tell if a driver is getting fatigued and suggests a rest stop.
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