2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewPros
Multiple powertrain options
Fun to drive
Impressive technology
Cons
Cramped back seat
Poor value for money
It may be small, but the CLA is worthy of the Mercedes-Benz badge.
The entry-level luxury car market has come a long way in the past decade. When upscale automakers first went downmarket, they tended to miss the mark and fail to reach the level of quality that buyers associate with their badges. But they have often come around and finally started producing compact cars with legitimate luxury credentials. One such comeback story is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
When the CLA was first introduced as a 2014 model, it did not live up to the Mercedez-Benz reputation for luxury. It was underpowered, had a harsh ride, and had a low-grade interior. That all changed with the arrival of its replacement for the 2020 model year. The coupe-like sedan was a significant improvement and it carries over to the 2021 model year. The current CLA has sharp styling, energetic performance, and a high-class interior that’s outfitted with an advanced user interface.
We call the CLA “coupe-like” because it is a four-door car with a rakish rear window. We refuse to call it an actual coupe because coupes have two doors and in these unsure times, some things are still sacred. Nonetheless, the CLA has a very sharp design that is more eye-catching than the affordable A-Class sedan it shares basic underpinnings with.
But the cabin is where the CLA really shines. It’s modern, functional, and elegant. The standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and 7-inch center touchscreen are combined in one continuous bezel that dominates two-thirds of the dash. Trims for the CLA class are CLA 250, AMG CLA 35, and AMG CLA 45. Standard features on the CLA 250 include dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, five USB ports, power-adjustable sport seats, and HD radio.
An available Premium Package upgrades the instrument panel and infotainment unit to larger 10.25-inch screens. It also adds satellite radio. The AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 feature all the equipment of the CLA 250, as well as the Premium Package.
All versions of the CLA feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine of varying outputs. The CLA 250’s engine makes 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to front-wheel drive (FWD) or available 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). The AMG CLA 35 makes 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, routed through that same seven-speed transmission to standard AWD.
The range-topping AMG CLA 45 also features a turbo-four that puts out an impressive 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It routes that power through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and also gets standard AWD. This setup yields a zero-to-sixty time of just four seconds, according to Mercedes.
The CLA has taut, playful handling. The steering is well-weighted and turn-in is quick. The downside is that the ride can feel stiff at times, especially if you’re used to the gracefully composed ride quality of other Mercedes models. The available adaptive damping suspension helps somewhat in this regard, but the overall ride quality still trends towards firm.
Being a subcompact sedan, there are some pros and cons to the CLA. On the plus side, the CLA is very maneuverable in tight spaces and it has surprisingly spacious front seats. The downside is it has tight rear seats and a small trunk. Its trunk provides 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is small, even for the subcompact car segment.
Due to its coupe-like profile, the CLA is lacking when it comes to rear headroom and legroom. The only way to get any usable rear-seat space is to slide the front seat forward a good amount. You know what? It does sound a lot like a coupe after all!
The CLA makes solid use of its front-seat space. Thanks to the ergonomic controls layout, there is plenty of usable space to put items. The cupholders are also a decent size for a small car, and there are large in-door cubbies for water bottles.
The standard MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system can be controlled via the center touchscreen, a dial in the center console, or through voice recognition. Both the touchscreen and instrument cluster can be controlled via small touch-sensitive toggles on the steering wheel as well. There is a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it allows you to do a lot with minimal distraction.
MBUX has a sensible layout and includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless device charging is optional, but wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. The one major setback for American drivers might be that the CLA exclusively uses USB-C outlets. Not everyone has made the move over to USB-C, and they might be disappointed to be paying for a premium sedan, only to find they need to spend even more to get an adaptor cable. You'll have to go out and buy an adaptor yourself, or wait for the 2022 model year CLA, which will come with the adaptor.
The CLA-Class comes with a solid list of standard driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. The CLA also comes with a crosswind assist, which (as the name implies) can compensate for hard gusts in highway driving.
While that’s a solid list, there are a whole host of additional safety features that require selecting one or more packages. The Driver Assistance package ($1,700) adds adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. This package also includes Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound, which emits a noise-canceling tone to protect your ears in event of a crash. You can add adaptive headlights for $900. For $1,100 you can add a parallel park assist and surround-view parking monitor.
The base FWD CLA 250 returns an EPA-estimated 25 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, making it a standout among small luxury cars. The CLA 250 4Matic returns a still-respectable 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Fuel economy for the AMG CLA 35 is 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. The least-efficient version is the high-performance AMG CLA 45, which returns 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined.
Base MSRP for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is $37,850. Adding 4Matic AWD brings the price to $49,850. The sporty Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 starts at $47,850 and the potent AMG CLA 45 starts at $55,350.
Both the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A3 have a lower starting price, and the recently updated Audi RS 3 offers similar performance to the top AMG CLA 45 (at a similar price). The Gran Coupe does not offer a dedicated M-branded model, but it’s also a car that we would not recommend as a serious competitor. The CLA stands out for its interior aesthetic, ride quality, and seamlessly integrated technology. The CLA-Class has proved that luxury brands are finally getting their heads around what’s important in an entry-level luxury subcompact car.
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2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Pricing
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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · 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 folding with pass-thru · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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 · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · 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: paddle shifter · Storage: sunglasses holder · 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: 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: adjustable · 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: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off · 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 pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · 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: reclining · 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 read function · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Mercedes me · Smart device app function: vehicle location · 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 · 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 · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · 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 · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · 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: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · 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: 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: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 7 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
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: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: 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): rear
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: engine start · Wifi: hotspot compatible
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: multi-spoke
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 · 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 with cupholders · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · 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 · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): USB-C rear · 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: phone · Storage: door pockets · 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 with chrome accents · 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: 10.25 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/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: anti-trapping feature · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · 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: 4-way power lumbar · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: contrast stitching
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): rear
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: engine start · 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 · 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 with cupholders · Dash trim: aluminum · Door trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · 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 · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: passenger seat · 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: audio · 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 with chrome accents · 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 search · Infotainment: MBUX · Infotainment screen size: 10.25 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 10.25 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
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 · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · 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: 4-way power lumbar · 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): rear
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: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 5
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse