Name: Mercedes-Benz CLA Review
Item: Mercedes-Benz CLA
Author: Gumtree.com

Like the look of the Mercedes A-Class but concerned it’s not quite stylish enough? Then take a look at its sister, the CLA. On the inside, things are pretty similar to the car it’s based on, with the limousine layout and high-quality finish. Viewed from the outside though, it’s a very different creature. Designer Gordon Wagener reckons it could even become a ‘modern design icon’. With a long bonnet, low profile and intelligent blend of curves and hard lines, it proves you can take a family hatchback and turn it into a thing of beauty.

Visit the Mercedes-Benz CLA model page to explore available cars and learn more about the specs.

What we think about the Mercedes-Benz CLA

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the most fashion-forward cars the maker has ever produced, a stylish makeover of the renowned A-Class.

Pros

Gorgeous lines

Powerful engines

Luxurious interior

Cons

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Tight headroom in the rear

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Small boot

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Rival coupes offer more driving fun

The Mercedes-Benz CLA was launched in 2013 and got an update in 2016. Then an all-new, second-generation CLA was unveiled in 2019, featuring a much longer wheelbase and even lower profile, further accentuating the dramatic look. It’s available in three trim options: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus.

Driving performance of the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

Both generations of the CLA come with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The quickest of the petrol engines will take you from 0 to 60 in 4.6 seconds, but if fuel economy and price are more important to you, the diesels are likely to be better options. Steering offers plenty of grip and is nicely weighted as you turn into corners, though the firm suspension in Sport mode bounces around a bit over undulations in the road. Sport mode also sees the automatic gearboxes hold on to gears for longer than seems necessary, but flip it back into normal mode and it’s not a problem.

Safety and reliability of the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Safety Rating10 / 10

Mercs have pretty impeccable safety credentials, and the CLA is no exception. It was awarded the full five stars from Euro NCAP in 2019, along with its ‘Advanced Rewards’, recognising the car’s advanced safety technologies. The new CLA has all the safety tech you might expect, such as an anti-lock braking system, tyre pressure warning and a reversing camera. There are also a bunch of more advanced features such as cross-wind assist, traffic sign assist and a wet weather brake drying function.

Under the bonnet of the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

In the 2013-2019 model, the entry level 120 bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine feels somewhat flat at low revs. The 208 bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre engine will probably be more satisfying for most people, or there’s a 355 option if you really want to sprint up to 60 mph. The diesels are fairly noisy at low revs but unsurprisingly more economical, with the 168 bhp engine offering far more torque low down than the 134 bhp option. The diesels in the new CLA are much quieter, and the petrol engine in the CLA 250 is quick, smooth and quiet. The 134 bhp petrol engine in the CLA180 is the weakest engine available, and you can tell. However, this engine also shows up in the CLA 250e plug-in hybrid, where the electric motor offers an impressive boost to performance.

What you'll find in the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Design Rating9 / 10

With design being such a major selling point of the CLA, it’s unlikely anyone buying it is going to be disappointed with this aspect. The look is targeted at a demographic for whom style and aesthetics are a priority. The dimensions and lines have been expertly strung together, which is particularly apparent when the car is viewed from the rear. The sloping turret, the boot space and rear guards all hang together in a way that seems to give the car perfect balance and poise. To top things off, the 18-inch rims add just a hint of macho flair.

Comfort and interiors in the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

Of course, effortless style and practicality don’t always go hand in hand, and if you have tall passengers wanting to ride in the back seat, they’ll pay a price for that attractively sloping roofline. There are three belted positions on the rear seat, but if you fill them all with adults it’s going to be a squeeze. The wow factor of the exterior continues inside though. There’s ambient lighting, showy air vents and classy wood or metal finishes. The CLA is more of a showstopper inside than any of its main rivals, even if it does feel less robustly put together than the Audi A5’s interior.

What features you'll find in the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The entry-level AMG Line trim comes with accessories like LED headlights, heated front seats, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with DAB radio and sat nav. The graphics are sharp and the menus intuitively laid out, and the ‘Hey, Mercedes’ voice control is set up to recognise natural speech rather than requiring you to parrot set phrases. Step up to the Line Premium trim and you’ll get a larger instrument display, keyless entry and an upgrade to the stereo. The top end Premium Line Plus trim includes a panoramic sunroof as standard, though this does compromise headroom even further.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

With the car aimed at a slightly younger demographic than normal, Mercedes has put some thought into bringing the running costs down. They state 62.8 mpg efficiency for the CLA 220 CDI trim, with the petrol model managing 50.4 mpg. The hybrid, of course, is the option for those with an eye on the future, and can cover up to 44 miles on its electric power alone.

Running costs of the Mercedes Benz Cla

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Mercedes’ three-year warranty is no longer competitive with its rivals, with most now offering five years and some stretching to seven. However, the carmaker enjoys a good reputation for reliability, and many parts are shared with other Mercs, so CLA owners shouldn’t expect too much trouble as long as they get a regular service. Insurance groups range from 27 up to 43, and the CLA should hold more than half of its value after three years.

Our verdict of the Mercedes Benz Cla

4.5 / 5 Gumtree rating

The Mercedes CLA is a sophisticated and beautifully engineered slice of style that doubles as a premium family car – at least until the kids grow too long-limbed.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Review