2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Given the history and prestige of the Mercedes badge, you'd be surprised to learn you can buy a brand-new Benz for about the price of a loaded popular midsize family sedan. While you probably wouldn't choose the diminutive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA as your primary family car, this entry-level Benz otherwise delivers many of the same qualities found on bigger and more expensive sedans.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$160/mo  for CLA-Class CLA 250

　　CLA-Class CLA 250

　　CLA 250 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) (Most Popular) - $37,850 MSRPCLA 250 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $39,850 MSRPAMG CLA 35 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $47,850 MSRPAMG CLA 45 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $55,350 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　If you think the CLA strongly resembles another car — the Mercedes A-Class, for example — you're not wrong. The two are strikingly similar, but with some key differences. The CLA, first introduced to the U.S. in 2014, was once a quick and responsive car with awful comfort and ride quality, opposite of what you'd expect from Mercedes. The A-Class arrived a few years later with a more conventional sedan look and set a new benchmark for small luxury sedans.

　　This current, second-generation CLA uses the A-Class underpinnings and represents a comprehensive improvement on the earlier model. Compared to the A-Class, the CLA is the rowdier sibling. The base trim CLA offers about 30 more horsepower than its A-Class counterpart, and the CLA range tops out at 382 hp, compared to A-Class' 302 horsepower. The CLA also offers more trunk space, making it slightly more practical for cargo, if not passengers.

　　Picking between the A-Class or CLA might be one decision you'll have to make. But there are other challengers that include the Audi A3, BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe and possibly even the Mazda 3, which is competitive in its loaded-up trim levels. But packed with features and personality, and backed by an impeccable pedigree, the CLA makes a fitting entry into Mercedes-Benz ownership.

　　

Which CLA-Class does zzdcar 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.

　　

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class models

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 ignitionInterior 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 lightingThe 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 displaysAMG 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 stylingThe 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 systemThe 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 recorderThe 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

　　

2021 CLA-Class Highlights

Type: AMG CLA 45AMG CLA 35SedanSedan

　　Trim: CLA 250CLA 250 4MATICAMG CLA 35AMG CLA 45CLA 250

　　

Base MSRP	$37,850
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles