Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
$37,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
$37,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview

MSRP

$69,200

MSRP

$37,850

Average price

$30,254

Average price

$27,835

Listings

1047

Listings

3556
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.7 out of 10
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor value for money

Reviews 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.

Reviews Summary

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.

No video found
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 362 hp I6

Engine

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

362 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

24

MPG City

MPG Highway

31

MPG Highway

2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
$37,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
$69,200MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
$37,850MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
Overview
MSRP
$69,200
$37,850
Average price
$30,254
$27,835
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.8
Expert reviews

8.2 out of 10

Read full review

7.7 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Great ride quality
  • Standard advanced safety features
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Unintuitive technology
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Fun to drive
  • Impressive technology
Cons
  • Cramped back seat
  • Poor value for money
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.

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.

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
3.0L 362 hp I6
Drive Train
RWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
MPG City
24
MPG Highway
31
CarGurus logo

By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.