Mercedes-Benz CLS vs Mercedes-Benz CLA
Overview | |
Years produced2005-2023 | Years produced2014-Present |
MSRP$69,200 | MSRP$42,750 |
Listings776 | Listings4559 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryWhen Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains. | |
Reviews SummaryIn 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 | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine3.0L 362 hp I6 | Engine2.0L 221 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower362 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City24 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name3.0L 362 hp I6 | Engine Name2.0L 221 hp I4 |
Torque369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | Torque258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower362 hp @ 5500 rpm | Horsepower221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City24 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsStandard | Leather Seats |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space11.9 cu ft | Cargo Space11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight4134 lbs | Curb Weight3494 lbs |
Height55.3 in | Height56.7 in |
Length199.1 in | Length184.6 in |
Width81.5 in | Width78.7 in |
Wheelbase115.7 in | Wheelbase107.4 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1059 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2005-2023 | 2014-Present |
MSRP | $69,200 | $42,750 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS in 2004, the curvy 4-seater was the most radical-looking sedan the company had ever made. The world had witnessed more obscure sedans with extreme style—the Rover SD1, Citroën DS, and Aston Martin Lagonda—but never from the conservative designers at Mercedes-Benz. It was genuinely shocking but in a very good way. Today, despite having inspired all sorts of competition, the third-generation 2019 CLS is just as striking. And while it remains a rarer sight on the road, the new CLS claims to lead among luxury cars with superior technology and powertrains. | 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 | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 3.0L 362 hp I6 | 2.0L 221 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
MPG City | 24 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 3.0L 362 hp I6 | 2.0L 221 hp I4 |
Torque | 369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm |
Horsepower | 362 hp @ 5500 rpm | 221 hp @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 24 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Standard | |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 11.9 cu ft | 11.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4134 lbs | 3494 lbs |
Height | 55.3 in | 56.7 in |
Length | 199.1 in | 184.6 in |
Width | 81.5 in | 78.7 in |
Wheelbase | 115.7 in | 107.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1059 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.









































