Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Mercedes-Benz A-Class

2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
$33,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
$33,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

2019-2022

Years produced

2014-Present

MSRP

$33,650

MSRP

$42,750

Listings

639

Listings

4559

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Impressive technology

  • Great safety ratings

  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Poor value for money

  • Irritating transmission

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Reviews Summary

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic sedan is a compact four-door with all-wheel drive (AWD), joined in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class lineup by the front-wheel-drive (FWD) A 220 sedan and AWD A 220 4Matic sedan. As the performance version of the A-Class, the A 35 packs a more potent engine, a sport suspension, the latest technology, and tons of standard features, along with a Mercedes-estimated 0-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds—2.5 seconds quicker than the other A-Class models. New for the 2020 model year, the A 35 continues into 2021 with incremental upgrades.

Reviews Summary

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 188 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 221 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

188 hp @ 5800 rpm

Horsepower

221 hp @ 5500 rpm

MPG City

25

MPG City

26

MPG Highway

36

MPG Highway

36
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
$33,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class
$33,650MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA
$42,750MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
2019-2022
2014-Present
MSRP
$33,650
$42,750
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.8

4.7

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

8.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Impressive technology

  • Great safety ratings

  • Fun to drive

Cons

  • Uninspired styling

  • Poor value for money

  • Irritating transmission

Pros

  • Premium interior materials

  • Quiet cabin

  • Impressive technology

Cons

  • Underwhelming base powertrain

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Advanced safety features are not standard

Summary
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic sedan is a compact four-door with all-wheel drive (AWD), joined in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class lineup by the front-wheel-drive (FWD) A 220 sedan and AWD A 220 4Matic sedan. As the performance version of the A-Class, the A 35 packs a more potent engine, a sport suspension, the latest technology, and tons of standard features, along with a Mercedes-estimated 0-60-mph time of 4.6 seconds—2.5 seconds quicker than the other A-Class models. New for the 2020 model year, the A 35 continues into 2021 with incremental upgrades.

In the past, if you’ve wanted an all-electric Mercedes-Benz sedan, you had your choice of the EQE or EQS. Not only are both these cars on the larger side, the design language is an acquired taste. Not ugly by any stretch of the imagination, but still not the prettiest in the bunch. Oh, and they’re pricey to boot.

But for the 2026 model year, Mercedes is launching the third generation of the compact CLA-Class with an electric powertrain. Officially called the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, this entry-level fastback sedan (to be joined by a gas-powered version at a later date) offers impressive range and all the tech you’ve ever wanted in a compact luxury car.

Verdict: The new Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an exciting next step in the development of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles. The base model is not the quickest car in the stable, but it provides comfortable, easy transportation.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.0L 188 hp I4
2.0L 221 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
188 hp @ 5800 rpm
221 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
25
26
MPG Highway
36
36
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