2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Consumer Reviews
Pricing
Styling, Hi-Tech Sold Me
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.
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Great Car
easy driving, comfortable, good pick up, looks great
A COMPLETELY NEW CLA
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!
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Awesome Car
This car is really great so far. Swift acceleration, loaded with technology, and beautiful looking body
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Beautiful but not for Long Term Ownership
In the compact luxury entry level class I believe the is the most beautiful car out there. No complains with the power and ride . Mine is a stunning blue with ceramic tinted windows which make it handsome. BUT, with only 3K MILES The A/C at 95 degrees outside sometimes turns the heater all the way up and I'm not referring to the compressor off it is the full blown heater. Dealer has been unable to replicate and no codes are stored in the A/C module. It works fine after you turn off and start the car. Another issue is the seat trim on the driver's seat is fading where you sit and it is starting to peel at only 3 month old. Sometimes the windows where the frameless door meet which go up a little when you close the door don't close the gap. Not to mention all the rattles on the door panels and pilars. I really like the car, but in such a brief ownership time I dont think it will be very reliable so I will have to trade it in once the warranty is out. Don't want to be in a money pit.
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