Mercedes-Benz CLA250: Comprehensive Review of Luxury, Performance & Value

Powertrain and Performance

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while Mercedes' sophisticated 4Matic all-wheel drive system is available as an option. For those seeking more power, the high-performance AMG CLA45 offers significantly enhanced capabilities (which we cover separately on MotorVero).

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While the engine delivers respectable power on paper, the driving experience reveals some compromises. The turbocharged four-cylinder provides strong low-end torque, with noticeable acceleration available as low as 2,000 rpm. However, the powertrain suffers from:

• Throttle lag when initially pressing the accelerator
• Transmission hesitation in normal driving modes
• Turbo lag that's more pronounced than in competitors

Sport driving modes improve responsiveness by maintaining lower gears, but they don't completely eliminate the delayed throttle response. The CLA250 eventually delivers satisfying acceleration, but accessing its full performance requires patience.

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Exterior Design and Styling

Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA250 as a four-door coupe, though its silhouette clearly follows traditional sedan architecture. The design language borrows heavily from Mercedes' larger CLS-Class, creating a distinctive, if somewhat polarizing, appearance.

Key Exterior Features

• Standard 17-inch alloy wheels with optional 18-inch upgrades
• Revised bumper designs for improved aerodynamics
• Available AMG Line styling packages for sportier appearance
• Sleek, coupe-like roofline with frameless doors

The CLA250's exterior dimensions contribute to its athletic stance:

Driving Dynamics and Handling

The CLA250 delivers a driving experience that prioritizes comfort over sportiness, though with some notable compromises:

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Ride Quality

Even with the optional adaptive suspension set to comfort mode, the CLA250 transmits more road imperfections than expected from a luxury vehicle. The 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires on our test vehicle likely contributed to this characteristic. Standard 17-inch wheels with higher-profile tires may improve ride comfort.

Handling Characteristics

The front-wheel-drive-based chassis demonstrates:

• Predictable understeer at the limit
• Minimal body roll in normal driving
• Vague steering feedback on initial turn-in
• Slow steering ratio that requires more input for tight maneuvers
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The optional Sport Package Plus addresses some of these concerns with a performance-tuned suspension, revised steering calibration, and enhanced transmission programming for Sport mode.

Interior Quality and Comfort

The CLA250's cabin presents a mix of premium materials and cost-saving measures typical of entry-level luxury vehicles:

Seating and Space

• Narrow cabin with prominent center console
• Limited headroom, especially with optional panoramic moonroof
• Modest rear legroom that challenges adult comfort
• Low seating position that affects outward visibility
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Materials and Build Quality

While certain surfaces feature soft-touch materials and metallic accents, other areas reveal harder plastics that detract from the premium experience. This inconsistency is common among entry-luxury competitors like the Audi A3 and Acura ILX.

Technology and Infotainment

The CLA250 features Mercedes-Benz's COMAND infotainment system with:

Available Upgrades

• Navigation system with real-time traffic
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability

Safety Features and Ratings

The CLA250 offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies:

Standard Safety Equipment

• Attention Assist drowsiness monitoring
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
• Backup camera (newly standard)
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Available Driver Assistance Features

• Full-speed adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

Pricing and Value Proposition

The CLA250 positions itself as an accessible entry point to Mercedes-Benz ownership:

Price Range

• Base front-wheel drive model starts around $33,000
• Fully loaded 4Matic AWD versions approach $53,000
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Key Competitors

At various price points, shoppers might consider:

• Audi A3: Similar size with available Quattro AWD
• BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Sportier driving dynamics
• Acura TLX: More spacious interior for similar money
• Volvo S60: Superior interior materials and safety tech
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Final Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 succeeds as a stylish, technology-rich entry into luxury car ownership, but makes compromises in driving dynamics and interior space. Its strongest attributes include:

• Distinctive coupe-like styling
• Strong brand cachet
• Comprehensive standard features
• Available 4Matic all-wheel drive

However, shoppers should carefully consider whether the CLA250's limitations in ride quality, rear seat comfort, and material consistency align with their luxury vehicle expectations at this price point.