Introduced in 2014, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is an entry-level luxury sedan styled like a coupe and priced to sway new buyers from Audi and BMW.
Redesigned for 2020, criticisms of poor ride quality, stiff seats and limited interior room have been addressed.
Key Takeaways
- $38,650 base price; eight optional packages pushed the top-line CLA250 to $54,110.
- AMG CLA 35: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch.
- AMG CLA 45: turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 382 horsepower and 354 lb-ft, an eight-speed dual-clutch and standard all-wheel drive.
- Rivals named: Audi and BMW.
- Redesign: Redesigned for 2020, criticisms of poor ride quality, stiff seats and limited interior room have been addressed.
- Cons: Less rear headroom. Decreased interior space.
In addition to the CLA 250, the new generation of the sedan is now also available in AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 trims. The AMG CLA 35 also uses a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (302 hp and 295 lb-ft) and is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch as well.
Three Trims
The CLA 45 gets the biggest power bump to its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (382 hp and 354 lb-ft). It’s connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. All-wheel drive is standard with the CLA 45.
With its new sleeker styling, truck space is slightly smaller. But the CLA 250 has more headroom and it’s slighter longer and wider. The result is a more modern and versatile small sedan with its share of sex appeal.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Verdict
With its base price of $38,650, the new CLA250 is particularly appealing with its entry-level status. A host of eight optional packages pushed the top-line CLA250 to $54,110.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Redesigned for 2020 as the second generation. Increase power, more attractive, more interior room. High-performance trims added. MBUX infotainment system added. Lots of standard features.
Cons
Less rear headroom. Decreased interior space.
Facts & Figures: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $38,650 |
| As-Tested Price | $54,110 (top-line CLA250 with eight optional packages) |
| Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 221 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, front-wheel drive) | 25 city / 35 highway / 28 combined mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, 4Matic) | 23 city / 33 highway / 27 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.