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2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Lithe feel and sharp steering
  • Elegant cabin design
  • High performance with AMG models

Cons

  • Lack of rear headroom
  • Modest trunk volume
  • AMG versions are expensive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined

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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a choice of three turbocharged engines

The Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan enters the 2021 model year with one significant update: the addition of blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. Other than this added driver aid, the CLA is the same attention-grabbing and reasonably priced small luxury sedan we’ve come to admire.

The sleek shape does limit headroom in the second row. If you routinely drive with a full complement of adults, it might be worth taking the time to make certain everyone fits comfortably inside. From behind the wheel, the CLA impresses with its agility and nicely controlled suspension. There is a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including two AMG versions that turn the CLA into a true sports sedan due to their rapid acceleration. The entry-level CLA 250 can be had in front- or all-wheel-drive configuration, while the AMG 35 and AMG 45 have all-wheel drive standard.

Pitted against rivals like the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series, the CLA is a tempting choice if you don’t need a roomy rear seat.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

What is new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

  • CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment this year.
  • Seat Massagers and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims

Curious how Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

What We Like

Quick steering reflexes: Driving the CLA is enjoyable due to its sharp steering and agility in all types of driving situations. This makes it equally at home zipping along curvy country roads, navigating dense city traffic, or squeezing into snug curbside parking spots.

Standard features: Thankfully you don’t have to go heavy with options to make the CLA feel like a proper Mercedes sedan. Standard features include a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather seat upholstery, and five USB ports.

Distinctive shape: You can’t deny the CLA has some serious design swagger. Compared to more upright lines of Mercedes’ own A-Class and C-Class sedans, the CLA has a sportier silhouette that’s distinctive without being too over-the-top.

What Needs Improvement

Cramped rear seat: Kids will be fine in the CLA’s rear seat, though adults could find their heads brushing the headliner of this small Mercedes sedan. That’s one serious drawback caused by the CLA’s slippery shape and tapered roofline. If you need a spacious second row, consider upsizing to the Mercedes GLA SUV or C-Class sedan.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

3.8 out of 5

4 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

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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