2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$32,700 to $50,400

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(20 reviews)
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Preview summaryImage

Fresh from a 2017 refresh, the compact Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class remains largely unchanged for 2018. Still the baby of the Benz lineup, the entry-level CLA 250 “4-door coupe” is the least expensive Mercedes you can buy, although options and the available AMG trim will set you back far more than the $32,400 starting price.

The base front-wheel-drive (FWD) CLA 250 comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission and good for 208 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims it can hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg city, 36 highway, 29 combined, and premium gas is required. 17-inch alloy wheels come standard, and the interior gets MB-Tex upholstery and an 8-inch screen in the center of the dash. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version, the CLA 250 4MATIC, starts at $34,400. It receives the same 7-speed automatic transmission and boasts a slightly faster 0-to-60 time of 6.8 seconds, although fuel economy drops to 23, 32, and 27.

On both CLA 250 variants, a wide range of options are available—either grouped in packages or as standalone upgrades. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof ($1,480), a Smartphone Integration package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility ($350), heated front seats ($580), Keyless-Go keyless entry and proximity key ignition ($550), a Harmon Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound system ($850), an adjustable suspension ($850), the Parking Pilot self-parking system ($970), and blind-spot detection ($550). An $1,800 Premium package bundles blind-spot assist, Keyless-Go, heated front seats, and SiriusXM radio. For $1,500, the Driver Assistance package will add Distronic adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist to contents of the the Premium package. The Convenience package ($400) comes with auto-dimming side and rear-view mirrors and a garage-door opener, and the Multimedia package ($2,300) includes the Smartpone Integration package and Mercedes’ Comand navigation system. Finally, a $1,650 Interior package adds leather upholstery and multicolor ambient lighting.

For the exterior, you don’t have to spring for the CLA 45 AMG trim to get some AMG-like embellishments. For $2,400, the AMG Line Exterior package adds AMG body styling and wheels in addition to upgraded perforated front brakes. The Night package includes all features from the AMG Line Exterior package as well as gloss-black exterior trim. Finally, the $4,000 AMG Line package brings AMG syling along with a performance suspension, steering, and exhaust; a flat-bottom steering wheel; and brushed aluminum pedals.

But the only way to get true AMG performance is to go for the CLA 45 AMG, which starts at $49,950. Like all AMG cars, it features a handcrafted engine—in this case, a twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder rated at 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. It’s good for a 4.1-second sprint to 60 mph and gets fuel-economy numbers of 23, 30, and 26. A 7-speed AMG dual-clutch transmission is standard, as is 4MATIC AWD.

Entertainment and convenience packages for the CLA 45 AMG trim remain largely the same as on the base CLA 250, but it does get a few special options of its own. The AMG Dynamic Plus package ($2,800) adds an AMG-specific sport suspension and a limited-slip front differential, the AMG “Red Cut” Exclusive package ($1,650) comes with higher-end black leather and red seat belts, and the AMG Dinamica Interior package ($850) adds upgraded trim and a performance steering wheel. As a stand-alone option, Recaro front seats will cost you $2,250, while a $4,000 AMG Performance Studio package combines upgraded interior trim, Recaro seats, and a Dinamica steering wheel. Carbon-fiber mirror covers cost $1,200, and a performance exhaust system is an extra $650.

Published May 31, 2022 by Keith Barry

User reviews for 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Write a review
User rating:
by Oluwafemi A
Sep 14, 2024
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 impresses with its sleek design, premium feel, and advanced technology. Sep 14, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 22, 2023
The Mercedes CLA 250 is an excellent car in terms of luxury and style.Jul 22, 2023
by Pat M
Nov 19, 2022
Very reliable and economical. High tech features like wide screen display, navigation system, sport functions and excellent gas mileage. I love it. Nov 19, 2022

2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Pricing

Original MSRP
$32,700 to $50,400
Price range
$15,451 to $16,322
Average price on CG
$15,451
YoY price change
$16,121 to $15,451

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.13

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.13 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: front

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 13.8 · Front brake width: 1.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 13.0 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Cargo area floor mat material: carpet · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 8

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 2.44 · Limited slip differential: center

Engine

Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: black · Window trim: black

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: integrated headrests · Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Kit: tire sealant

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Phone: hands free · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: mbrace · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (3)