2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Sedan practicality with coupe-like design
- Agile steering
- Impressive fuel economy
Cons
- Ride could be too firm for some
- Limited rear headroom
- Interior could use a refresh
Mileage (EPA estimate)
24 city, 32 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $20,998*
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The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a value-conscious small luxury sedan
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury sedan that continues to offer a lot of car for your money. The CLA provides seating for five and a reasonably roomy trunk, but its defining feature is its shapely coupe-like profile. There is a choice of two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and each is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level CLA 250 is front-wheel-drive and offers optional all-wheel drive, whereas the performance-minded CLA AMG 45 has all-wheel drive standard.
Sharp steering makes the CLA fun to drive no matter which powertrain you choose. The cabin has an overall quality feel, though the infotainment system is starting to feel outclassed by the competition. Rivals to the CLA include the Acura ILX, Audi A3, Cadillac ATS, and Infiniti Q50. Among this company, the CLA remains a solid and stylish choice.
All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years
What is new for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- Leatherette & Cloth features are now available as options on select trims.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims
Curious how Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 208-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Smart Key
- Rear Defroster
- Cruise Control
- Power Seats
- Memory Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Traction Control
- Leatherette Seats
- View our Mercedes-Benz CLA250 inventory
What We Like
Fuel economy: The CLA 250 posts impressive fuel economy figures, particularly in standard front-wheel-drive configuration. In a mix of city and highway driving, it returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined
.Performance: Acceleration is fine with the CLA 250, and downright wild in the AMG 45 model. With its 375-hp turbo four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, this version of the CLA has excellent passing power and tenacious grip.
Steering feel: The suspension and steering make the CLA feel light on its feet. These nimble driving manners are present in either the standard CLA 250 or the chest-thumping AMG 45.
What Needs Improvement
Diet of premium gasoline: Keep in mind, the CLA 250 has good fuel economy, but it requires premium fuel to keep it chugging along. This offsets some of this pint-sized luxury sedan's mpg bragging rights.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.6 out of 5
14 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 11 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 2 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
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 CLA2502018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 offers 24 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as 5 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250:
- Leatherette & Cloth
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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