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Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Sedan Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is a small coupe-style sedan available in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The AMG versions are more powerful and sportier but otherwise the trims generally have the same standard and optional features. All-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is optional for the CLA 250 and standard on the CLA 35 and 45. Feature highlights include:

CLA 250
Comes reasonably well equipped with:

  • Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
  • Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
  • LED headlights
  • 18-inch wheels
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Heated side mirrors
  • Keyless entry and push-start ignition

Interior features include:

  • Simulated leather upholstery
  • Power-adjustable sport front seats with memory function
  • 40/20/40-split folding rear seats
  • Dual-zone climate control               
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Customizable ambient cabin lighting

The CLA 250 also has:

  • 7-inch touchscreen and gauge cluster displays
  • Touchpad controller
  • Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
  • Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration
  • Blind-spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
  • Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

AMG CLA 35
Besides a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, the AMG CLA 35 adds:

  • Upgraded engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft)
  • 18-inch AMG wheels
  • Sport-tuned suspension
  • 10.25-inch touchscreen and gauge cluster displays

AMG CLA 45
Bundles the features from both lower trims and adds:

  • Boost to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft
  • Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • Performance-oriented all-wheel drive
  • 19-inch AMG wheels
  • Hands-free opening trunk
  • Power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors
  • Unique AMG body styling

The CLA offers dozens of optional features. Notable extras for the base CLA 250 include:

  • AMG Line package
    • AMG body kit
    • 18-inch AMG wheels
    • Diamond-pattern grille
    • Sport steering wheel
    • Sport-tuned suspension
  • Exterior Lighting package
    • Adaptive cornering headlights
    • Automatic high beams
  • Premium package
    • 10.25-inch displays
    • Auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors
    • Power-folding side mirrors
  • Multimedia package
    • Navigation system with enhanced video overlay
    • Speed limit alert
  • Driver Assistance package
    • Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CLA and the car in front)
    • Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
    • Lane change assist (during cruise control, can automatically change lanes after driver activates turn signal for several seconds)
    • Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the CLA to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)
    • Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
  • Parking Assistance package
    • 360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car's surroundings)
    • Automated self-parking system (can self-park in and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces)

There are also stand-alone options, such as:

  • Gloss black and carbon-fiber-style body trim
  • Leather upholstery
  • Heated and ventilated front seats      
  • Multi-contour front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Hands-free opening trunk
  • Wireless charging pad
  • Dashcam
  • Burmester surround-sound system

The CLA 35 can be equipped with the above packages (minus the AMG Line) and stand-alone options, and also offers:

  • AMG Night package
    • Gloss black trim
    • 18-inch AMG wheels with black accents
  • AMG Aerodynamics package
    • Performance-oriented body kit
  • AMG Performance Seat package
    • AMG multi-contour heated front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support
  • Adaptive sport suspension
  • Sport steering wheel
  • Head-up display
  • Onboard performance data recorder

The CLA 45 can also be equipped with all above packages and options, along with:

  • AMG Dynamic Plus package
    • Electronically adjustable sport suspension
    • Driver-selectable performance modes
    • Upgraded brakes

Which CLA-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?

Unless you thirst for more than 300 horsepower (a wholly reasonable thirst, but overkill in a small car like the CLA), go for the CLA 250. It comes loaded with standard features, including class-leading infotainment and essential driver safety systems. It also offers most available options in the CLA range, allowing you to tailor your car to taste.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Worcester, MA
Vehicle
CLA-Class CLA 250
CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC
CLA-Class AMG CLA 35
CLA-Class AMG CLA 45
Vehicle
CLA 250 4MATIC
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM
See all CLA-Class CLA 250 4MATIC for sale
1 for sale near you
AMG CLA 35
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM
See all CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 for sale
AMG CLA 45
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM
See all CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 for sale
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Features

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
standard
standard
Navigation
optional
optional
optional
optional
Satellite radio
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
optional
optional
optional
optional
Parking assistance
optional
optional
optional
optional
Upholstery
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
leatherette
Heated seats
optional
optional
optional
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not Available
Not Available
optional
optional
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
standard
standard
Sunroof
standard
standard
standard
standard
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
front wheel drive
all wheel drive
all wheel drive
all wheel drive
Engine power
221 hp @ 5,500 rpm
221 hp @ 5,500 rpm
302 hp @ 5,800 rpm
382 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Engine torque
258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
258 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
295 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
354 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
2.0 l
2.0 l
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
inline 4
Transmission
7-speed automated manual
7-speed automated manual
7-speed automated manual
8-speed automated manual
Tire size
225/45R18
225/45R18
235/40R18
255/35R19
Wheel size
18 X 7.5-in
18 X 7.5-in
18 X 8.0-in
19 X 9.0-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
standard
standard
standard
Not Available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
25 / 35 / 29 MPG
24 / 33 / 27 MPG
22 / 29 / 25 MPG
20 / 29 / 23 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
13.5 gal.
13.5 gal.
13.5 gal.
13.5 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
338 / 473 miles
324 / 446 miles
297 / 392 miles
270 / 392 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (required)
premium unleaded (required)
premium unleaded (required)
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
36.1 ft.
36.1 ft.
N/A
N/A
Curb weight
3,362 lb.
3,483 lb.
3,505 lb.
3,660 lb.
Ground Clearance
4.3 in.
4.3 in.
3.6 in.
3.4 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
78.7 in.
78.7 in.
78.7 in.
78.7 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
72.0 in.
72.0 in.
73.1 in.
73.1 in.
Height
56.3 in.
56.3 in.
55.3 in.
55.4 in.
Length
184.6 in.
184.6 in.
184.8 in.
184.8 in.
Wheelbase
107.4 in.
107.4 in.
107.4 in.
107.4 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
11.6 cu. ft.
11.6 cu. ft.
11.6 cu. ft.
11.6 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
38.5 in.
38.5 in.
38.5 in.
38.5 in.
Front Leg Room
41.8 in.
41.8 in.
41.8 in.
41.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.1 in.
55.1 in.
55.1 in.
55.1 in.
Rear Head Room
35.7 in.
35.7 in.
35.7 in.
35.7 in.
Rear Leg Room
33.9 in.
33.9 in.
33.9 in.
33.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
54.0 in.
54.0 in.
54.0 in.
54.0 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$51,914
$53,437
$60,025
$64,323
Average Cost Per Mile
$0.69
$0.71
$0.8
$0.86
Depreciation
$11,465
$11,587
$14,232
$17,036
Financing
$4,415
$4,493
$5,537
$6,282
Taxes & Fees
$1,533
$1,556
$1,860
$2,077
Fuel
$11,364
$12,221
$13,188
$14,331
Insurance
$7,025
$7,231
$8,867
$8,867
Maintenance
$9,283
$9,123
$9,115
$8,504
Repairs
$6,829
$7,226
$7,226
$7,226
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Colors

Colors

Interior
Neva Grey/Black, leatherette
Macchiato Beige, leatherette
Black, leatherette
Titanium Grey/Black, leather
Black w/DINAMICA Red Stitching, leatherette/sueded microfiber
Black, leather
Classic Red/Black, leather
Bahia Brown, leather
Neva Grey/Black, leatherette
Macchiato Beige, leatherette
Black, leatherette
Titanium Grey/Black, leather
Black w/DINAMICA Red Stitching, leatherette/sueded microfiber
Black, leather
Classic Red/Black, leather
Bahia Brown, leather
Titanium Grey/Black, leather
Black w/DINAMICA Red Stitching, leatherette/sueded microfiber
Black, leather
Classic Red/Black, leather
Bahia Brown, leather
Neva Grey/Black, leatherette
Titanium Grey/Black, leather
Black w/DINAMICA Red Stitching, leatherette/sueded microfiber
Black, leather
Classic Red/Black, leather
Bahia Brown, leather
Exterior
Patagonia Red Metallic
Digital White Metallic
designo Mountain Grey Magno
Iridium Silver Metallic
Mountain Grey Metallic
Denim Blue Metallic
Night Black
Polar White
Mojave Silver Metallic
Sun Yellow
Cosmos Black Metallic
Patagonia Red Metallic
Digital White Metallic
designo Mountain Grey Magno
Iridium Silver Metallic
Mountain Grey Metallic
Denim Blue Metallic
Night Black
Polar White
Mojave Silver Metallic
Sun Yellow
Cosmos Black Metallic
Patagonia Red Metallic
Digital White Metallic
designo Mountain Grey Magno
Iridium Silver Metallic
Mountain Grey Metallic
Denim Blue Metallic
Night Black
Polar White
Mojave Silver Metallic
Sun Yellow
Cosmos Black Metallic
Patagonia Red Metallic
Digital White Metallic
designo Mountain Grey Magno
Iridium Silver Metallic
Mountain Grey Metallic
Denim Blue Metallic
Night Black
Polar White
Mojave Silver Metallic
Sun Yellow
Cosmos Black Metallic