The Mercedes-Benz CLA debuted in 2014 as a new entry-level model below the C-Class in the German automaker’s lineup. Looking very much like a scaled-down version of the larger, E-Class-based CLS of the time, the CLA made waves with its “four-door coupe” styling and a major advertising campaign highlighting a starting price of less than $30,000.
Unlike traditional Mercedes-Benz sedans, the CLA-Class is based on a front-wheel-drive chassis, but that doesn’t mean it's not a true Benz. In fact, the 2014 CLA offered about as much room inside as the contemporary C-Class sedan, and didn’t look out of place sharing showroom space with its more expensive siblings. High-performance models wore the coveted AMG badge, and were fast and grippy through bends.
The second-generation CLA arrived for the 2020 model year, bringing a similar design and ethos. There was a slight shift in emphasis for the third-generation CLA that debuted for the 2026 model year, labeled as a sedan rather than a coupe. It was introduced as a pure-electric model, but a hybrid version will join the range for the 2027 model year, replacing the gas-powered second-generation models that were still on sale in mid-2026.
Our Mercedes-Benz CLA buying guide has full details of the three model generations available, including which are the best and worst versions to buy, and how much shoppers can expect to pay for one.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years are the best?
First-generation CLA models (2014–2019) earn average reliability scores from J.D. Power. Several second-generation (2020–present) CLA models with gas engines don’t have reliability ratings, but the 2023’s “Great” score of 83 from J.D. Power suggests it could be one of the best years.
Which Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class years are the worst?
As is often the case, early teething problems make the initial model years the worst for reliability. CarComplaints.com data shows that CLA 250 models from 2014 have more complaints than any other model year. Although the total number of complaints is relatively low, cited problems include more than one blown engine, but issues steadily decreased over time.
Is a used Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class a good deal?
A used Mercedes-Benz CLA is slightly cheaper than an equivalent BMW 2 Series—its closest rival—but the Audi A3 generally undercuts both according to CarGurus pricing data. Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 models from the second (and current) generation strike a good balance between luxury features, solid performance, and reasonable pricing. A low-mileage example shouldn’t be hard to find in the $30,000–$35,000 range, which represents a very large savings over the average new car’s transaction price of around $50,000 in 2026.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Multiple powertrain options
Fun to drive
Impressive technology
Cons:
Cramped back seat (early models)
Poor value for money
Some advanced safety features are not standard
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Generations
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Third Generation (2026-Present)
Mercedes-Benz launched an all-new CLA-Class for the 2026 model year. It is currently available only as a pure-electric model called the CLA-Class with EQ Technology, and for now remains on sale alongside gas-powered versions of the second-generation model.
The latest CLA is based on an all-new platform and is slightly longer and wider than the previous version. It’s been designed to accommodate electric or gas power from the outset, and a hybrid version that combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gas engine with an electric motor is due to go on sale for the 2027 model year, replacing the second-generation gas models.
The two EV models currently available are the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology is powered by a single electric motor that sends 268 horsepower to the rear wheels, and its range is estimated at 374 miles per charge. The CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology uses two electric motors, one for each axle, to provide all-wheel drive (AWD). It makes 349 hp and has an estimated range of 312 miles.
Due to its 800-volt electrical system, the CLA with EQ Technology can charge very quickly. With the proper charger, it’s possible to add more than 200 miles of range in about 10 minutes and, because it uses a NACS charging port, the CLA EV can be charged at Tesla charging stations.
Despite the all-new platform and powertrain lineup, the new CLA has a similar look to the second-generation model. There’s a sleeker shape and flush door handles to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve battery range, and for the first time, there’s an additional (third) side window in the C-pillar. It also features the German automaker’s latest styling flourishes, which means three-pointed stars in the grille, the lighting clusters, and pretty much anywhere else they’ll fit, along with illuminated exterior elements such as the large grille emblem.
The new CLA uses the latest and greatest MB.OS operating system that includes a voice assistant with access to artificial intelligence tech. The dashboard consists of a sleek panel that spans the width of the car, incorporating a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14-inch central display as standard. A third, passenger-side 14-inch screen is available as part of the MBUX Superscreen system, creating the impression of one huge infotainment display. A head-up display is also optional. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and a fancy augmented-reality navigation system is a technological highlight.
Several advanced driver assistance systems are standard in the latest CLA, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitors with exit assist, emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. Other advanced tech is optional, such as steering assist and lane-change assist. Interestingly, rear-seat side-impact airbags are also an optional extra.
For the 2026 model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA lineup starts at $48,600 (including destination) in CLA 250+ form. Options include a $200 Night Package that adds blacked-out exterior trim, an AMG Line kit that adds sportier exterior bits, 18-inch AMG wheels, sport seats, a sports steering wheel, and upgraded interior trim. The two packages are combined in the $3,100 AMG Line Plus with Night Package, which also gets 19-inch wheels, a rear lip spoiler, and red seat belts.
Two optional trim level packages are available. For an extra $2,250, the CLA 250+ Exclusive Trim gains dual-zone climate control, a rear-center armrest, 64-color LED ambient cabin lighting, a wireless charger, keyless entry, and MB.Drive Parking Assist. For $5,850, the CLA 250+ Pinnacle Trim benefits from a slew of desirable options, such as a head-up display, the MBUX Superscreen, and the MB.Drive Parking Assist surround-view camera system.
The 2026 CLA 350 4Matic carries a starting MSRP of $51,150 and is offered with the same packages and trim levels as its rear-wheel-drive sibling. The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA went on sale in the U.S. in early 2026. As yet, it’s too early for any robust data regarding used prices or long-term reliability.
## Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Second Generation (2020-Present)
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class debuted in 2019 for the 2020 model year with sleek new looks, more space, and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 221 hp (an increase of 13 hp over the previous model) for the CLA 250. In addition to the standard CLA 250, Mercedes also offered the all-wheel-drive CLA 250 4Matic. Buyers looking for even more horsepower could choose the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and its 302-hp engine or the CLA 45 that produced an impressive 382 hp. The CLA 250 and the AMG 35 used seven-speed automatic transmissions, while the AMG 45 featured an eight-speed unit. Both AMG-badged CLA models came standard with 4Matic AWD.
Mercedes-Benz refers to the second-generation CLA—which is still on sale in 2026 alongside the new CLA EV—as a coupe, due to its dramatically sloping roof. While the roofline looks pretty, it results in limited rear-seat headroom, and its 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space was less than the outgoing CLA's.
Inside, Mercedes-Benz equipped the 2020 CLA-Class with its contemporary MBUX infotainment system, displayed on a standard 7-inch digital touchscreen that was positioned next to another 7-inch display that served as the CLA’s digital gauge cluster. A larger pair of 10.25-inch digital screens was optional. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard.
Standard safety features for the 2020 CLA-Class included automatic emergency braking, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist, crosswind assist, and a driver-attention monitor. An optional package added a host of other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
For 2021, Mercedes-Benz made blind-spot monitors standard for the CLA-Class. For the 2022 model year, a new AMG Night Package Plus that added black exterior highlights was introduced, while a Rose Gold paint option became available for AMG models.
Mercedes-Benz refreshed the CLA-Class lineup for the 2023 model year with new front and rear styling, improved LED headlamps, a leather steering wheel, and a larger standard 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The 2023 CLA 250 and AMG CLA35 received upgraded powerplants with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that added a 13-hp boost for short periods. A new Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S model debuted with 416 hp, an increase of 34 hp over the previous CLA 45. The MBUX infotainment system was upgraded for 2024, too, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be operated wirelessly.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 starts at $44,100 (including destination), while the AMG CLA 45 tops the range at $68,900. On the used market, CarGurus pricing data suggests a 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 can be found for less than $20,000 with reasonable mileage. The AMG-badged CLA 35 adds several thousand dollars to that sum, and the CLA 45 carries a premium with pricing near $40,000. The latest version of the gasoline-fueled CLA, which was refreshed for 2024, is decent value in the $30,000 range. AMG 35 models from 2024 and 2025 can be found for well under $50,000, while the AMG 45 S can run closer to $60,000.
## Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class First Generation (2014-2019)
Mercedes-Benz launched the first CLA-Class model in 2014 to slot below the C-Class which, by that point, had outgrown its position as the entry-level sedan in the German automaker’s lineup. Unlike traditional sedans wearing the three-pointed star, the CLA was based on a front-wheel-drive chassis and, despite its four-door layout, was referred to as a coupe. Although it was a similar size to the C-Class, the CLA’s low, plunging roofline made it less practical.
Two versions of the CLA-Class were available in 2014. The entry-level model was the CLA 250, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sending 208 hp to the front wheels or, when optionally equipped with 4Matic, all four wheels. The other model was the sportier Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, which featured a 355-hp turbocharged engine and standard all-wheel drive. Both were equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Much of the CLA-Class’ most useful safety equipment was optional and accessed via expensive packages. Adaptive cruise control, a collision prevention assist plus package, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist were all extra-cost options. Even a rear-view camera was an optional extra.
For 2015, Mercedes-Benz softened the CLA’s standard suspension in response to criticism of the 2014 model’s harsh ride. More features became standard, including dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition, and a 7-inch infotainment screen. The CLA’s suspension was modified again for 2016, and an optional selective damping system became available. That same year, Mercedes added a blacked-out Night Package and offered a limited-run “Edition: Orange” version of the CLA 250.
A mid-cycle refresh for the 2017 model year brought fresh styling to the CLA-Class, and the cabin was upgraded with an 8-inch infotainment screen, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. A rear-view camera and automatic emergency braking became standard in 2017. The AMG 45 model received a power boost to 375 hp, a 20-hp improvement over the 2016 model.
First-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 models from 2014–2017 typically cost less than $15,000 on the used market, according to CarGurus pricing data. It’s not difficult to find AMG-badged CLA 45 models in the $20,000 range, though cars with particularly low mileage can add several thousand dollars to that price.
Jeremy Korzeniewski grew up as the son of an automotive engineer in a family obsessed with cars and trucks and turned that passion into a career in 2006 when he accepted a position with Autoblog. Over the next 18 years, Jeremy published more than 8,000 articles while serving as a Senior Editor and has contributed to respected brands that include Yahoo, Edmunds, Robb Report and AutoGuide. Jeremy is also an avid motorcyclist and spends the majority of his evenings at home with his wife hoping to cook up a delicious meal for dinner.
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