2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Specifications
Engine
Gas
Horsepower
221 - 382 hp
MPG
23 - 29 combined
Seating
5
Cargo Capacity
11.6 ft³
Basic Warranty
4 years / 50k miles
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Specs & Features
Trims
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA trim comparison
* Additional Options Available
* Additional Options Available
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
MPG
Engine
Drive Type
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Premium Audio
MPG
MPG
MPG
Engine
Engine
Engine
Drive Type
Drive Type
Drive Type
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
Parking Sensors
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Premium Audio
Premium Audio
Premium Audio
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
Eco Mode
Sport Mode
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
Engine Type
Engine Type
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque
Torque
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Cylinders
Cylinders
Aspiration
Aspiration
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
Compression Ratio
Eco Mode
Eco Mode
Eco Mode
Sport Mode
Sport Mode
Sport Mode
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
Start/Stop System
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

Overview
Eye-catching exterior resembles a coupe; Smooth powertrain and agile handling; Polished interior design; High-performance AMG trims
Limited rear-seat space; Could use more in-cabin storage; Options quickly raise the price
The CLA is a great entry point for first-time Mercedes-Benz buyers, displaying impeccable engineering and craftsmanship for under $40,000. The four-door coupe conveys glamour at a standstill, and three powerful engine options ensure that it is equally engaging on the road. Passengers get an elegant cabin with many high-end optional amenities. Rear-seat space is snug for adults due to the CLA’s sleek roofline design, but kids will fit comfortably.
What's New for 2021
Trims and Pricing
The CLA is not Mercedes-Benz’s least-expensive sedan -- that designation goes to the A-Class -- but the entry-level CLA 250 still comes in at under $40,000, which is competitive for the segment. Front- and all-wheel-drive systems are available.
Customers get features on the CLA 250 to improve the driving experience, like automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The upscale passenger compartment is trimmed in premium synthetic leather. Front-row passengers have 14-way power front seats with memory settings. The CLA has helpful tech like dual-zone climate control, remote engine start, keyless entry/ignition, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Mercedes-Benz also offers two high-performance trims customized by AMG, the German automaker’s in-house tuning outfit. The AMG CLA 35 ($48,000) features a more potent engine, all-wheel-drive, a sport-tuned suspension, LED headlights, sport bucket seats, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The AMG CLA 45 ($55,500) is even more race-oriented, with a 382-hp engine, heated front seats, a hands-free trunk, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and unique style cues.
Mercedes-Benz provides customers with another level of luxury, thanks to an assortment of high-end tech and performance options for the CLA. The AMG Line package adds black trim accents throughout the vehicle, matching the stealthier design with sturdier sports seats and a Nappa leather steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz offers a suite of driver safety technologies in the Driver Assistance package, which is nicely complemented by the Parking Assistance package. A Burmester surround-sound system is available, as are ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, a lowered suspension, and much more. This level of personalization allows each buyer to configure the CLA to their discerning tastes.
Engine and Performance
Most shoppers will opt for the entry-level CLA 250, which comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It accelerates briskly, getting up to highway speeds in little time. That impressive power is balanced by great fuel efficiency; the EPA estimates the CLA 250 should return 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg highway. Premium fuel is recommended, and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission comes standard. It offers quick shifts, and drivers get paddle shifters attached to the steering column for the ability to change gears manually.
The AMG trims also have 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engines and an automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The AMG CLA 35 produces 302 hp and 295 lb-ft, offering improved acceleration and speed, along with enhanced agility. The ride is noticeably stiffer than the CLA 250, but changing the driving mode to the comfort setting relaxes the ride considerably.
For the most performance-oriented driving experience, the AMG CLA 45’s 2.0-liter inline-four churns out 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate quicker than many sports cars. The EPA estimates it should return 23 mpg in mixed driving.
Interior
Though the CLA is smaller and less expensive than most Mercedes-Benz cars, it feels like a proper luxury vehicle. Three large turbine-style air vents dominate the center stack, lending the vehicle an elegant appeal. There are a few buttons for the driver, but they are sleek and understated. An extended panel stands on top of the dashboard, housing the digital gauge cluster and infotainment screen. This dual-display setup adds a streak of high technology to the CLA’s cabin. Users can operate the infotainment system via touch or a console-mounted controller; the optional 10.25-inch MBUX system also comes with gesture controls for hands-free operation.
The CLA comes standard with premium-feeling leatherette upholstery, with 14-way power front seats and memory settings. The seats are supportive for long-distance comfort. Heated and ventilated seats are optional. The AMG trims swap out the front seats for sports seats, which are bolstered for better support during hard cornering.
The front seats have plenty of space for taller passengers to sit and relax. There is adequate in-cabin storage, though some rivals offer more cubbies and cup holders for securing small items. The back seats are supportive and nicely trimmed, but there is not enough headroom or legroom for lanky passengers to sit comfortably. The CLA’s sloping roof and coupe-like proportions leave it wanting more back-seat space, but it should be enough room for kids. There is also good trunk space, with 11.6 cubic feet available.
Owner Reviews
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Owner Ratings & Reviews
2nd Generation Mercedes-Benz CLA
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