2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Finally Wins Over Buyers
Price Range: $19,995 - $38,590
View 253 more photos
View 253 more photos
View 253 more photos
View 253 more photos
View 253 more photos+249
Price & Payment
Changing year will take you to a new page
Average price: $25,709
$
to$
Price
Pros
- Generous list of standard features
- Luxury badging without the premium price
- AMG CLA 45 trim's impressive acceleration and handling
- Sharp-looking infotainment system with excellent voice controls
Cons
- Less rear headroom than the entry-level A-Class
- Mediocre in-cabin storage for small items
What's new
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA is redesigned for 2020
- New looks, more power and more interior space
- Addition of Mercedes' class-leading MBUX infotainment system
- Launches the second CLA generation for 2020
Redesign turns entry luxury into value
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a sedan that's styled to look like a coupe and priced to attract new buyers to the brand. As an entry-level luxury sedan, it offers sleek looks and a big three-pointed star on the nose without quite the typical hit to the pocketbook associated with the German automaker. But when it was introduced in 2014, we weren't big fans of the CLA. The stiff seats and poor ride quality, along with the limited cabin space, made it hard to love. But it's been completely redesigned for 2020. It's now more practical and modern, and it's poised to become one of our favorite vehicles in the class.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
23 listings
- $19,995good price$2,419 below market
- 72,758 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 25 City / 35 Hwy MPG
- Auto Buying Service (18 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
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:
28 Combined MPG (25 City/35 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1K5J4GB0LN082276
Stock: ABS9180
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-20-2026 - $21,950good price$1,519 below market
- 97,877 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 23 City / 29 Hwy MPG
- Prime Motors (24 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Arlington, VA
Distinguished 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupe 4DThis 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupe 4D exemplifies refined design and sophisticated engin...
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:
25 Combined MPG (23 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: W1K5J5BB7LN087472
Stock: 087472
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Underneath this new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA are bones that are shared with the new, even more entry-level A-Class. The CLA also gets the same brilliant infotainment interface and its generally high standard of build quality. It also gains some headroom in the rear seat. The trunk is marginally smaller, but that's the price you pay for sleek styling. What's more, the CLA now offers two high-performance trims (the AMG CLA 35 and the AMG CLA 45) to complement the well-equipped base model. And for buyers who want to customize their car, Mercedes has a long list of available options to choose from.
With this long list of improvements, this new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA stands a much better chance against rivals from BMW and Audi. If you're shopping entry-level luxury sedans, the CLA should be one of your top considerations.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim level differences
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is offered in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The base CLA 250 is powered by turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque) and paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It comes standard with front-wheel drive but is available with all-wheel drive (4Matic). The AMG CLA 35 also uses a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (302 hp and 295 lb-ft) and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch as well. The CLA 45 gets the biggest power bump to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (382 hp and 354 lb-ft), which is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the CLA 45. Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which CLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
With the abundant standard equipment on the base CLA 250 and the long list of available options, we think it's a smart choice. It comes standard with the class-leading MBUX infotainment system and safety features, including forward collision mitigation, but you can tack on all sorts of AMG-styled exterior options and upgrades such as navigation or a surround-view camera system.

Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

The Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs of 2026

2026 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: Exterior and Interior Photo Gallery

Best Electric Luxury Cars of 2026
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$211/mo for CLA-Class CLA 250
CLA-Class CLA 250
vs
$222/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 16 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
16 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:
- 24V445000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2024100002
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 22422
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLS 53 4MATIC, 2019-2023 E 53 4MATIC Cabriolet, E 53 4MATIC Coupe, E 53 4MATIC Sedan, 2021-2024 GT 43 4MATIC, and 2019-2025 GT 53 4MATIC vehicles. The transmission wiring harness connection might not have been correctly wired during a prior recall repair, and during production. which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.
- Defect Consequence:
- An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the two-part wiring harness and connector, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 9, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-496-3691. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024100002/3. This recall supersedes recall 22V-533. Vehicles repaired under the prior recall will still need to have the new remedy performed.
- Recall Number:
- 23V732000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 42742
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A220, 2020 CLA250, GLB250, AMG A35, AMG CLA45, AMG CLA35, and 2021 GLA250 vehicles. The vehicles may not be equipped with an inspection gauge to check the wear of the rear brake pads. In addition, information for using this inspection gauge might not be included in the owner's manual. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
- Defect Consequence:
- Driving with worn brake pads can reduce braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will install an inspection gauge and provide supplemental owner's manual information, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 31, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 22V733000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022100009
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 19968
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.
- Defect Consequence:
- The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
- Recall Number:
- 22V533000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022080010
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 16977
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2021-2022 AMG GT43, 2019-2022 AMG E53, E53 Coupe, E53 Cabriolet, AMG GT53, and 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 vehicles. The transmission wiring harness may be misrouted, which can expose the electrical connector to corrosion, and result in an electrical short-circuit.
- Defect Consequence:
- An electrical short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and repair the electrical connector, as necessary. Dealers will also reroute the harness and install an additional bracket. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022080010.
- 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:
- 22V232000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060007
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 126443
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
- Recall Number:
- 22V125000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022030006
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 4
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 AMG CLA 35 and 2021 GLA 250 vehicles. The rear brake caliper housing fasteners may be loose, which can reduce brake performance or cause rear brake components to detach from the vehicle.
- Defect Consequence:
- Reduced brake performance can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, detached brake components can create a road hazard, and increase the risk of a crash for other drivers.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners on the rear brake caliper housings, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 25, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V989000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021120016
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling one 2020 CLA250 vehicle. The power supply connection to the electric power steering may have been contaminated with melted adhesive, which can cause the power steering assist to fail while driving.
- Defect Consequence:
- A sudden loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- A dealer will inspect and repair the power supply connection, as necessary, free of charge. The owner notification letter was mailed January 21, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021120016.
- Recall Number:
- 21V961000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022030003
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 139
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019 AMG G63, C300, E300, G550, AMG GT63, AMG GT53, 2019-2020 A220, GLA250, GLC300, 2016 C300, 2020 AMG A35, AMG C43, AMG C63, CLA250, E350, E450, GLB250, GLE450, GLS450, GLS580, S560, and SL550 vehicles equipped with a gasoline engine. During the manufacturing process, particles may have been trapped between the fuel rail and injectors, which can cause a fuel leak.
- Defect Consequence:
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine or exhaust components, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will replace the fuel rail and fuel injectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 22, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for the recall is 2022030003.
- Recall Number:
- 21V354000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021050012
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 343191
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe and Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, and AMG GT-Class 4-door Coupe vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The MBUX multimedia system software may cause the display to remain black, or reboot after startup. This could result in the rearview camera image not displaying properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- A backup camera that displays a blank image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The multimedia system software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 28, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6373. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021050012.
- Recall Number:
- 21V124000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 7
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA45 AMG vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder gasoline engines. Incorrect spark plugs may have been installed, which could come apart over time and cause engine damage.
- Defect Consequence:
- Engine damage may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spark plugs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 27, 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:
- 20V089000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2020030019
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2101
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 CLA250, CLA250 4MATIC and CLA35 AMG 4MATIC, 2020-2021 GLE350, GLE350 4MATIC, GLE450 4MATIC, GLS450 4MATIC and GLS580 4MATIC and 2021 GLE53 AMG Coupe, GLE63S AMG 4MATIC, GLS63 AMG 4MATIC and Maybach GLS600 4MATIC vehicles. The instrument cluster software may deactivate the illumination of certain interior switches (switch bar, overhead control unit, steering wheel) if the hazard lights are turned on and the ignition switch is in the 'off' position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
- Defect Consequence:
- If the interior switches are not illuminated, they may be more difficult to find and operate, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030019.
- Recall Number:
- 20V068000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2020030016
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 239
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2020 C300 Cabrio, C300 Cabrio 4MATIC, C300 Coupe, C43 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, C43 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, C63S AMG Cabrio, CLS53 AMG 4MATIC, E350, E350 4MATIC, E450 Cabrio, E450 Cabrio 4MATIC, E450 Coupe, E450 Coupe 4MATIC, E450 4MATIC, E53 AMG Cabrio 4MATIC, GLC300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC300, GLC300 4MATIC, GLC63 AMG Coupe 4MATIC, AMG GT63 4-Door 4MATIC, and AMG GT63S 4-Door 4MATIC vehicles. An electrical circuit inside the Emergency Call System (eCall) communication module may be damaged, potentially relaying an inaccurate vehicle location.
- Defect Consequence:
- An inaccurate vehicle location may delay emergency responders, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the communication module, free of charge. The recall began April 14, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020030016.
- Recall Number:
- 19V685000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2019100001
- Manufactured from:
- 2018-09-14 to 2019-09-24
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 2222
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 A 220 and A 220 4MATIC, 2020 CLA 250, CLA 250 4 MATIC, GLC 300 Coupe 4MATIC, GLC 300 and GLC 300 4MATIC vehicles. The driver's side front airbag modules may not have been properly bolted down.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's front airbag, the airbag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver airbag module and replace it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2019. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2019100001.
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(62%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(38%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Great Car
5 out of 5 starsthis 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
A COMPLETELY NEW CLA
5 out of 5 starsTOM, 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 … smoother ride. The interior is plush and tops in its class. The user interface is incredible and you talk to "Mercedes" to accomplish tasks, etc. And make sure you get the ambient lighting package which is just simply cool. I recently went on an extended road trip and got 37-41 MPG at 74-84 mph on cruise control. Not bad. It all boils down to personal preference for sure but most drivers will really enjoy and appreciate this car!
Awesome Car
5 out of 5 starsPharoah 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
Worst car I have ever owned
1 out of 5 starsPeter , 04/19/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
I have always been a fan of Mercedes brand. In 2016 I had a first chance to spent some time with Mercedes GLA, which I leased for one year. I was very disappointed by the car in most aspects. The build quality was poor, but by far the worst part was the extremely noisy diesel engine (its impressive how Mercedes managed to develop 2,2 diesel with all the modern common rail technology … that sounded like the tractor from the 60´s). The dual clutch transmission was also not far from tragic.
In 2019 I got an interesting offer for the new CLA 220 petrol- I liked the way it look and even the unpleasant experience with GLA did not ruin my love for the Mercedes brand so I bought it
I have about 6k miles (10k km) on it now and I unfortunately have to say I really hate the car.
Let me start with positives:
• the car looks really good, especially from the front (the back is more controversial, the car still has the same problem as the previous generations – thin tires makes it look like its a cheap sedan version intended for the developing markets).
• The new MBUX infotainment system is quite good, I really love those large displays and its also a one of the “wow” factors.
• I paid extra for the multibeam headlighs, which in most cases work as they should and the amount of light it provides is just amazing.
• The engine is really good - Im very surprised – the car is very dynamic and I enjoy driving it fast.
The negatives:
I know that a lot of people will say - “you bought a cheapest Mercedes, so what do you expect?” but I paid double the price of well equipped VW Golf so I would expect to get at least the quality of the Golf. Unfortunately I don't.
Things I hate
• double clouch transmission is a joke-I have never in my life had such a bad transmission in a car and my cars included cheapest budget brands. Unfortunately I realized that it is the same transmission I had the experience with in GLA. You can feel each and every downshift and up-shift. Traffic jams are hell on earth with it-it shifts up and down so roughly that I feel like Its having its first driving lesson. When you slowly arrive to the red light and want to accelerate again, you get kicked so badly that I´m some times almost worried that the engine will stall.
• Interior rattling – the interior rattles as on 15 years old car. The rattles in the driver side B-pillar started during the first miles. Then the rattling from the passenger back door appeared, then the rattling from the sunglasses compartment, from the passengers B pillar, from the passenger doors.It appears under different temperatures and under different humidity. And of course as it appears randomly and I am not able to replicate it to the dealer.
• I got window airbag warning light on twice already. First it was on passenger side, got it fixed by the dealer. A week later the same thing appeared on the drivers side. When I had a test drive in B-class before I bought this car, It had the exact same error on the screen, so apparently this is some kind of whole small platform issue
• The rain sensor is very poor. Mercedes has only 2 levels of sensitivity – 1) does not work almost at all, 2) works randomly and usually very bad. Especially at night I end up pushing the manual wipers button all the time
• One of the frame-less windows stucked and ended up not going down when opening the doors. The next day from some reason it worked again.
• I got already about 5 warnings that the “service A” is due (which is not true and the dealer did not know why the warnings are popping up)
• Line assistant in new Mercedes cars (not only a CLA case) is insane – every time you approach the solid line, the car rapidly engages the breakes on the opposite side . This is so rapid that it can cause a heart attack as it feels like you hit some one. As I´m driving in the city, I simply sometimes have to cross the solid line meaning at least 3 times per week I got this shock from the car.
• I paid extra for the improved audio system which is still mediocre at best. The subwoofer in the trunk is covered by plastic made out of yogurt caps and every time you play something with a bit of a bass in it, it rattles.
• Got plenty of false positive warnings from the parking sensors when arriving to the junctions.
• Keyless locking mechanism does not work from time to time
• I expected the to be safety benchmark, but its far from that – try to find moose test on YouTube – far bellow average.
• the car sits so low you have to almost stop in front of every speed bump
• the key is designed in the way that I accidentally open the trunk every time when having it in my pocket and just bent (ok this may be my fault)
My passion for Mercedes is definitely gone now. I will never in my life buy another product from this brand, even though I believe that the rest of their portfolio may better.
2020 CLA-Class Features & Specs
Sedan
CLA 250
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $36,650 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $211/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.6 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.
People who viewed this also viewed
| Starting at $49,650 |
| 5.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
| Starting at $41,500 |
Related Used 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class info
Shop by model trim
- 2020 Mercedes Benz A Class A 220 4Matic for sale
- 2020 Mercedes Benz A Class A 220 for sale
- 2020 Mercedes Benz A Class Amg A 35 for sale
- 2020 Mercedes Benz C Class Amg C 43 for sale
- 2020 Mercedes Benz C Class Amg C 63 S for sale
Vehicle reviews of used Mercedes-Benz models
- Mercedes Benz A Class 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz A Class 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz Amg GT 2020 Review
- Mercedes Benz Amg GT 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz C Class 2020 Review
Shop similar used models
- Used Mercedes-benz Cla-class 2025
- Used BMW 2-Series-Gran-Coupe 2026
- Used Audi A4 2025
- Used Audi S3 2026
- Used Mercedes-benz C-class 2026
- Used Jaguar Xe 2020
- Used BMW 3-Series 2026
- Used BMW 4-Series-Gran-Coupe 2026
- Used Alfa-romeo Giulia 2026
Shop used vehicles in your area
Research newer models of Mercedes-Benz
- New Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2026
- 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
- New Mercedes-Benz GLB
- New Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Other models
- Used Fiat 500X in Greeley, CO 2023
- Used Honda Civic in Riverdale, GA 2026
- Used Pontiac Gto in Belton, TX 2006
- Used Nissan Nv-Passenger in Nutley, NJ 2021
- Used Mini Cooper-Clubman in Simi Valley, CA 2016
- Used Mazda CX-90 in Egypt, AR 2026
- Used Mercedes-Benz Gla-Class in Wyoming, MI 2025
- Used Mercedes-Benz Slc-Class in Toledo, OH 2020
- Used Porsche 718-Cayman in Santa Ana, CA 2025
- Used Pontiac G6 in Amelia, OH 2010
- New Jeep Wagoneer-S for Sale in Hixson, TN
- New Jeep Gladiator for Sale in Watertown, SD
- New Kia Seltos for Sale in Mountain Home, AR
- New Lexus Es for Sale in Copperas Cove, TX
- New Lexus NX for Sale in Dover, NH
- New Chevrolet Tahoe for Sale in Chantilly, VA
- New Toyota Gr-Corolla for Sale in Olathe, KS
- New Ford Mustang for Sale in Dallas, GA
- New Cadillac Escalade-Iq for Sale in Mount Pleasant, TX

