Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 2021 Review

Given the history and prestige of the Mercedes badge, you'd be surprised to learn you can buy a brand-new Benz for about the price of a loaded popular midsize family sedan. While you probably wouldn't choose the diminutive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA as your primary family car, this entry-level Benz otherwise delivers many of the same qualities found on bigger and more expensive sedans.

If you think the CLA strongly resembles another car — the Mercedes A-Class, for example — you're not wrong. The two are strikingly similar, but with some key differences. The CLA, first introduced to the U.S. in 2014, was once a quick and responsive car with awful comfort and ride quality, opposite of what you'd expect from Mercedes. The A-Class arrived a few years later with a more conventional sedan look and set a new benchmark for small luxury sedans.

This current, second-generation CLA uses the A-Class underpinnings and represents a comprehensive improvement on the earlier model. Compared to the A-Class, the CLA is the rowdier sibling. The base trim CLA offers about 30 more horsepower than its A-Class counterpart, and the CLA range tops out at 382 hp, compared to A-Class' 302 horsepower. The CLA also offers more trunk space, making it slightly more practical for cargo, if not passengers.

Picking between the A-Class or CLA might be one decision you'll have to make. But there are other challengers that include the Audi A3, BMW's 2 Series Gran Coupe and possibly even the Mazda 3, which is competitive in its loaded-up trim levels. But packed with features and personality, and backed by an impeccable pedigree, the CLA makes a fitting entry into Mercedes-Benz ownership.

Which CLA-Class does MatoCar recommend?

Unless you thirst for more than 300 horsepower (a wholly reasonable thirst, but overkill in a small car like the CLA), go for the CLA 250. It comes loaded with standard features, including class-leading infotainment and essential driver safety systems. It also offers most available options in the CLA range, allowing you to tailor your car to taste.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan is a small coupe-style sedan available in three trim levels: CLA 250, AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The AMG versions are more powerful and sportier but otherwise the trims generally have the same standard and optional features. All-wheel drive (Mercedes calls it 4Matic) is optional for the CLA 250 and standard on the CLA 35 and 45. Feature highlights include:

CLA 250 Comes reasonably well equipped with:

• Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (221 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
• Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• LED headlights
• 18-inch wheels
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Heated side mirrors
• Keyless entry and push-start ignition

Interior features include:

• Simulated leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable sport front seats with memory function
• 40/20/40-split folding rear seats
• Dual-zone climate control               
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Customizable ambient cabin lighting

The CLA 250 also has:

• 7-inch touchscreen and gauge cluster displays
• Touchpad controller
• Mercedes' MBUX infotainment interface
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Blind-spot monitor (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)

AMG CLA 35 Besides a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, the AMG CLA 35 adds:

• Upgraded engine (302 hp, 295 lb-ft)
• 18-inch AMG wheels
• Sport-tuned suspension
• 10.25-inch touchscreen and gauge cluster displays

AMG CLA 45 Bundles the features from both lower trims and adds:

• Boost to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft
• Eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Performance-oriented all-wheel drive
• 19-inch AMG wheels
• Hands-free opening trunk
• Power-folding, auto-dimming side mirrors
• Unique AMG body styling

The CLA offers dozens of optional features. Notable extras for the base CLA 250 include:

• AMG Line package
• AMG body kit
• 18-inch AMG wheels
• Diamond-pattern grille
• Sport steering wheel
• Sport-tuned suspension

• Exterior Lighting package
• Adaptive cornering headlights
• Automatic high beams

• Premium package
• 10.25-inch displays
• Auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors
• Power-folding side mirrors

• Multimedia package
• Navigation system with enhanced video overlay
• Speed limit alert

• Driver Assistance package
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the CLA and the car in front)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Lane change assist (during cruise control, can automatically change lanes after driver activates turn signal for several seconds)
• Enhanced blind-spot monitoring (can steer the CLA to help avoid a collision with a vehicle in your blind spot)
• Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)

• Parking Assistance package
• 360-degree surround-view system (uses cameras in all four directions to compose a single image of the car's surroundings)
• Automated self-parking system (can self-park in and out of parallel and perpendicular parking spaces)

There are also stand-alone options, such as:

• Gloss black and carbon-fiber-style body trim
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats      
• Multi-contour front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support
• Heated steering wheel
• Hands-free opening trunk
• Wireless charging pad
• Dashcam
• Burmester surround-sound system

The CLA 35 can be equipped with the above packages (minus the AMG Line) and stand-alone options, and also offers:

• AMG Night package
• Gloss black trim
• 18-inch AMG wheels with black accents

• AMG Aerodynamics package
• Performance-oriented body kit

• AMG Performance Seat package
• AMG multi-contour heated front seats with adjustable lumbar, side and shoulder support

• Adaptive sport suspension
• Sport steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Onboard performance data recorder

The CLA 45 can also be equipped with all above packages and options, along with:

• AMG Dynamic Plus package
• Electronically adjustable sport suspension
• Driver-selectable performance modes
• Upgraded brakes