Mercedes-Benz CLA
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a premium saloon that combines sleek coupe styling with practical four-door convenience? The Mercedes-Benz CLA might be exactly what you’re looking for. This stylish compact saloon offers a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, refined luxury, and eye-catching design that makes it stand out in car parks everywhere. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want the prestige of the three-pointed star without stepping up to larger, more expensive models.

From the moment you see it, the CLA commands attention with its swooping roofline and aggressive front grille. This is a car that looks more expensive than it actually is, offering genuine visual drama that rivals like the BMW 3 Series or Audi A3 struggle to match. The interior continues this premium theme with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment technology, and the kind of attention to detail you’d expect from Mercedes-Benz. The cabin feels sophisticated and modern, with everything positioned exactly where you’d expect it to be.

Driving the CLA is a refined and engaging experience. The range of engines offers something for everyone, from efficient four-cylinder units to the thunderous AMG variants that deliver genuine sports car performance. It handles with precision and composure, making both daily commutes and weekend drives equally enjoyable. While it commands a premium price over some alternatives, you’re investing in Mercedes-Benz’s renowned build quality, advanced safety systems, and a driving experience that feels special every time you get behind the wheel.

What's the Mercedes-Benz CLA Like to Drive?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA range offers impressive versatility across its engine lineup. The entry-level CLA 200 delivers around 163 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, providing smooth and refined performance that’s perfectly suited to daily driving. For those wanting more excitement, the CLA 250 pushes out 224 horsepower and can sprint from 0-60mph in just 6.3 seconds. At the top of the range, the thunderous CLA 45 AMG produces over 380 horsepower, transforming this elegant compact saloon into a genuine performance machine.

Where the CLA truly excels is in its driving refinement and composure. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering excellent feedback without being overly heavy in town driving. The suspension setup strikes an excellent balance between comfort and control, soaking up road imperfections while maintaining impressive body control through corners. Even the most powerful AMG versions remain surprisingly civilised for everyday use, with multiple driving modes allowing you to tailor the experience to your mood. The result is a car that feels sophisticated and engaging, whether you’re navigating city traffic or enjoying a spirited country road drive.

How Comfortable Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Step inside the CLA and you’re immediately struck by the premium ambience and attention to detail. The dashboard features Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX infotainment system, complete with twin high-resolution screens that dominate the centre console. The materials throughout feel genuinely luxurious, with soft-touch plastics, brushed aluminium trim, and optional leather upholstery that rivals cars costing significantly more. The build quality is exceptional, with every switch and control operating with satisfying precision and solidity.

The front seats offer excellent support and comfort, with multiple adjustment options helping you find the perfect driving position quickly. Road noise is impressively well-controlled, creating a serene cabin environment that makes longer journeys feel effortless. Standard equipment is generous, including smartphone integration, climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety systems. Higher specification AMG Line models add sportier styling touches, ambient lighting, and upgraded sound systems that enhance the already impressive interior ambience. The CLA successfully creates that special Mercedes-Benz atmosphere that makes every journey feel more refined.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA succeeds in delivering genuine premium appeal in a compact and relatively affordable package. Its combination of striking looks, luxurious interior, and refined driving experience makes it stand out in the competitive compact executive saloon market. The build quality and attention to detail are exemplary, creating a sense of occasion that transforms even mundane journeys into something more special.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA Expensive to Run?

As a premium German saloon, the CLA comes with running costs that reflect its upmarket positioning, though they remain competitive within its class. The more efficient petrol engines can achieve real-world fuel economy in the low to mid-40s MPG range, helping to keep fuel bills manageable despite the car’s performance focus. Insurance groups vary significantly across the range, with entry-level models sitting in reasonable groups while the high-performance AMG variants command higher premiums that reflect their considerable power output.

The initial purchase price represents the biggest consideration, with the CLA commanding a premium over mainstream rivals due to its luxury badge and superior interior quality. However, Mercedes-Benz models typically hold their value well, which helps offset higher upfront costs when it comes to resale time. Servicing should be carried out at Mercedes-Benz specialists to maintain warranty coverage, though car finance options can help spread the costs more manageably. Overall, while the CLA won’t be the cheapest compact saloon to run, its combination of luxury, performance, and desirability helps justify the additional expense for many buyers.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Practicality & Boot Space

For a saloon with such dramatic coupe-inspired styling, the CLA proves surprisingly practical for everyday use. The 460-litre boot is a decent size for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shopping trip or several large suitcases for holiday travel. The rear seats fold down to extend cargo capacity when you need to carry longer items, though the sloping roofline does limit headroom for taller items. Interior storage is well thought out, with plenty of cubbyholes, door pockets, and cup holders to keep everyday items organised and within easy reach.

The main compromise comes with rear passenger space, where the stylish sloping roofline reduces headroom for taller adults. While children and average-height passengers will be comfortable enough on shorter journeys, the rear seats are best reserved for occasional use rather than regular long-distance travel. For couples or small families who prioritise style over maximum space, the CLA strikes an appealing balance. Its compact external dimensions make it easy to park and manoeuvre in urban environments, while still offering enough space for most real-world needs. Compared to other used Mercedes-Benz cars, it represents an excellent entry point into the brand’s premium world.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA stands out as a genuinely desirable compact executive saloon that successfully combines coupe-inspired styling with four-door practicality. It delivers the premium Mercedes-Benz experience in a more accessible and manageable package, offering exceptional build quality, advanced technology, and a refined driving experience that makes every journey feel special. While it commands a premium price over mainstream alternatives, the superior interior quality and prestigious badge help justify the additional cost.

You choose the CLA because you want a compact saloon that doesn’t feel like a compromise on luxury or style. Its distinctive looks, impressive interior, and smooth performance make it perfectly suited for both urban commuting and longer trips. For buyers seeking to enter the Mercedes-Benz family without the size and cost of larger models, the CLA offers an appealing combination of prestige and practicality. With flexible Bad Credit Car Finance Guide options available, it’s more accessible than many people initially assume.