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2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard driver-assist technology is impressive
  • Commendable power and sharp handling
  • Abundance of luxury features

Cons

  • Ride may be too harsh for some
  • Rear seat is cramped
  • Some interior surfaces feel low-quality

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 32 highway, 27 combined

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The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan has fresh looks and more features

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA has an attention-grabbing design with nimble driving manners that make it a compelling choice among small luxury sedans. Under the hood of the CLA 250 is a turbocharged four-cylinder that sends power to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is optional if the standard front-wheel-drive format doesn’t suffice. Acceleration is brisk, if not exactly speedy. The handling is precise, however, and the subcompact dimensions of the CLA make it adept at squeezing through traffic.

The cabin is a mixed bag of pros and cons. Overall the design of the dashboard is attractive, but some cheap-looking trim pieces are out of tune with the CLA’s premium image. Headroom in the second row is tight due to the coupe-like design and low roofline. Given its size, the trunk has a reasonable amount of volume.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

What is new for the 2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

  • CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
  • Remote Start, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto features are now available as options on select trims.

What We Like

Performance and economy: The CLA does a nice job at providing decent levels of acceleration and strong fuel economy figures. It has a Mercedes logo on its front grille, but the CLA has the fuel-sipping skills of a budget-minded economy car.

Quick steering reflexes: Its small size and light steering are great for coping with city traffic or taking the long way home on an empty road full of curves.

Standard features: Mercedes makes sure the CLA lives up to its luxury badge by offering standard or available features like an eight-inch infotainment screen, smartphone connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and a surround-sound stereo.

What Needs Improvement

Hit-and-miss cabin quality: There is room for improvement when talk turns to the CLA’s interior. The rear seat is cramped, the infotainment system has a learning curve, and bargain-looking plastic parts can be spotted throughout the cabin.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Mercedes-Benz CLA250 6th out of 25 among Luxury Compact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Mercedes-Benz CLA250

2017 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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