The first thing people notice about the CLA is its unique styling. Mercedes-Benz classifies the car as a 4-door coupe, much like its older sibling, the CLS. The comparison is apt, as the CLA borrows much of its design language from its bigger brother. However the base price of a CLA is less than half that of a CLS, making the CLA quite a bargain from a styling standpoint.
The CLA utilizes a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine in the base trim, which makes 208 horsepower and a very healthy 258 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is standard, with Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as an option. The only transmission choice is a 7-speed dual-clutch unit, providing the efficiency of a manual with the functionality of an automatic. Performance is sprightly with good acceleration, while fuel economy is also respectable thanks to one of the most aerodynamic bodies ever sold in the U.S.
In the entry-level CLA250, standard equipment includes 14-way power adjustable front seats, an 8-speaker CD/MP3/Radio sound system, rear seat armrest with cup holders, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain sensing wipers, heated mirrors, a 5.8-inch color screen, Bluetooth and an integrated garage door opener.
Options are plentiful on the CLA250 and include items like a panoramic sunroof, HID headlights, a navigation system, heated front seats, PARKTRONIC parking assist, a rearview camera, and a blind spot assist system. Equipment packages include a sports package with unique exterior details and upgraded brakes, an interior package with leather seating surfaces, a premium package with keyless entry and an uprated stereo, and a multimedia package featuring a larger screen and a 6-disc CD changer.
The high-performance AMG CLA45 features a hand-built turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 that produces a stout 355 horsepower -- enough to propel the car from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The CLA45 is clad in unique exterior body styling, and inside there's Recaro performance front seats among other AMG-specific amenities.
With the CLA-Class being a bit smaller than typical Mercedes-Benz models, safety was a point of emphasis for the company. Optional safety equipment includes Distronic Plus, a radar-based cruise control system that can automatically apply the brakes if it senses a collision, as well as lane-keeping assist and blind spot assist. Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes and traction control as well as stability control and several airbags for both the front and the sides of the car.
Efficient Usage Of Space, Beautiful Styling, Economical Pricing, Good Performance, Optional All-wheel Drive
The Mercedes-Benz CLA gets a few new options and a new special edition for 2016. The new Edition: Orange differentiates itself with orange accents on the grill, wheels and side mirrors. Inside the theme continues with orange accents around the dashboard on sporty striped seats. Also new for 2016 is a Night Package, which adds contrasting stitching on the interior and a "welcome light show" when the door is opened. Furthermore, adaptive dampers join the option list on the CLA for 2016.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the German automaker's attempt to compete with the likes of the diminutive Audi A3 and the BMW 1-series. As the price of gasoline continues to rise, compact luxury cars get more and more popular. Buyers will continue to want all of the technology and luxury features of larger cars without the size or fuel consumption. Mercedes-Benz hopes that attractive styling, a low base price, an upscale name and lots of luxury know-how will be enough to convince buyers to take a serious look at the CLA.
