2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$36,650 to $54,800

Original MSRP

7.7
of 10

expert review

4.8

avg user rating

(10 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Great ride quality

  • Voice commands work well

Cons

  • Headrests can't be adjusted

  • Overly aggressive lane-keep assist

  • Cramped back seat

7.7
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
10/10
Technology
9/10
Performance
9/10
Safety
7/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Test Drive Review summaryImage

The new CLA-Class (and its price tag) disprove the notion that "subcompact" means "budget."

In recent years, first-time luxury shoppers have had plenty of choices, but those choices haven't always been great. In the past decade, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi have offered “fun-size” subcompact luxury cars and crossovers. But “subcompact” is typically synonymous with “budget,” and the German Big Three have had a hard time rectifying “small” with “upscale.” Look no further than the woeful Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class or the underwhelming BMW X1. These cars might have luxury badges on their hoods, but they hardly live up to them.

As subcompact luxury cars go, a “4-door coupe” like the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class makes a lot more sense than I initially expected. For commuters and first-time luxury buyers who simply want a comfortable place to sit on their way to work, and who occasionally need a backseat for guests or kids, the CLA makes more sense than paying a premium for a crossover or larger sedan. It has the lines of a coupe but is more sensible than one.

The CLA has been redesigned for 2020, and as Mercedes has unveiled a more affordable A-Class sedan, the CLA is no longer the most affordable vehicle in the German luxury brand’s US lineup. This allows the CLA to grow in new and interesting ways, becoming a more dramatic performance luxury car. Read on to learn if the CLA-Class is the right choice for your first luxury car as well as which specific trim CarGurus recommends.

10/10

The first things you’ll notice when comparing the new CLA-Class to its predecessor are the headlights. Gone are the massive eagle-eye headlight clusters, replaced with far more elegant units. These wedge-like headlights are designed to more closely connect the CLA with its larger sibling, the CLS (another 4-door coupe).

The roof and trunk finish elegantly and remind me of the full-size Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (which was once called the CL-Class). Those features give the CLA an almost boat-like appearance, and while they restrict the car's functionality to a degree, they certainly look dramatic and live up to the luxury billing.

But the real treat is inside the CLA, where the driver and front passenger are treated to a comfortable, modern, and upscale cabin with a dramatic multi-tier dash and vintage-looking climate vents. At night, it all comes alive with available ambient cabin lighting, which individually illuminates the various tiers and vents. In fact, when you change the climate control, it will illuminate red or blue as you raise or lower the temperature, respectively.

The instrument screen and new infotainment screen form a single panel that sweeps across two-thirds of the dash area. This falls in line with the new Mercedes design approach, and while the panel is comprised of two screens, it looks like one sweeping, stunning display.

The brushed aluminum panels are complemented by the steering wheel, which has similar brightwork on it. Together with the other various details, the CLA has an instantly timeless cabin that stands with the current Mazda3 as one of the best small-car interiors on the market.

There are four variants of the CLA: the CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic, and the performance-oriented AMG CLA 35 4Matic and 45 4Matic. Standard equipment on the CLA 250 includes LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic moonroof, push-button start, dual-zone climate control, sport bucket seats, and a new infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen and center-console trackpad.

Our test model came with such options as the AMG appearance package, a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, heated front seats, the ambient lighting package, a Burmester sound system, and a wireless charging pad for cell phones. Our test car also came with the AMG Line multi-contour front seats, with a combination of leather and suede, as well as fetching red stitching.

The CLA's different tiers each include a different powertrain, and the options and packages are more a la carte. That makes it a bit more difficult for CarGurus to recommend a specific trim, but we’d suggest going for the CLA 250 4Matic, like our test model, and spec'ing it to your needs.

Passive entry is among the long list of optional features. Passive entry allows you to keep your keys in your pocket when you grab the handle to open the door. The car senses the keys and unlocks the car just based on the touch of your hand. This feature is optional on many cars, but it also comes standard on plenty of vehicles out there, too. We would have loved to see this feature come standard on a car as technologically impressive as this Mercedes-Benz.

George Kennedy
Published May 25, 2021 by George Kennedy
From open-wheel racecars to specialty off-road vehicles, George Kennedy has driven it all. A career automotive journalist, George has been a contributor, editor, and/or producer at some of the most respected publications and outlets, including Consumer Reports, the Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, Autoblog.com, Hemmings Classic Wheels, BoldRide.com, the Providence Journal, and WheelsTV.

User reviews for 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Mar 17, 2024
Fully loaded mb CLA 250 4matic is really good Mar 17, 2024
by Anonymous
Jul 24, 2023
The car drove nice and gentle on the eye. It had a broken Mercedes emblem, and I wasn’t a fan of the display. Jul 24, 2023
by Ataliah L
Jan 24, 2023
Needs more power, comparable to bmw 2 series Jan 24, 2023

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Pricing

Original MSRP
$36,650 to $54,800
Price range
$24,243 to $25,789
Average price on CG
$24,586
YoY price change
$25,413 to $24,586

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: element · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · 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

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · 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: 12

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.46

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 with chrome accents · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt/slide · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · 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: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube 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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

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: element · Voice recognition audio system · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · Touch screen display radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 13.0 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.6 · Rear brakes: 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

Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver 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 · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46

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 with chrome accents · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

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

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.4

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: twin-tube 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 · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

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: element · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear power outlet: 115V · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.46

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: integrated exhaust · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

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

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · 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

Suspension

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

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: painted aluminum

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: with safety reverse

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: element · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Rear view camera: multi-view · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.46

Engine

Alternator: 115 amps · Battery: maintenance-free · Exhaust: performance

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: sensor-activated · 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

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 12

Rear Seats

Type: 40-20-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · 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 and rear · 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 Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Front shock type: monotube · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Rear shock type: monotube · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: horn/light operation · Wifi: hotspot compatible

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: multi-spoke

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)