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2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Sedan practicality with coupe-like design
  • Agile steering
  • Impressive fuel economy

Cons

  • Ride could be too firm for some
  • Limited rear headroom
  • Interior could use a refresh

Mileage (EPA estimate)

24 city, 32 highway, 27 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a value-conscious small luxury sedan

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury sedan that continues to offer a lot of car for your money. The CLA provides seating for five and a reasonably roomy trunk, but its defining feature is its shapely coupe-like profile. There is a choice of two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines and each is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The entry-level CLA 250 is front-wheel-drive and offers optional all-wheel drive, whereas the performance-minded CLA AMG 45 has all-wheel drive standard.

Sharp steering makes the CLA fun to drive no matter which powertrain you choose. The cabin has an overall quality feel, though the infotainment system is starting to feel outclassed by the competition. Rivals to the CLA include the Acura ILX, Audi A3, Cadillac ATS, and Infiniti Q50. Among this company, the CLA remains a solid and stylish choice.

All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years

What is new for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?

  • Leatherette & Cloth features are now available as options on select trims.

2018 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:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250

What We Like

Fuel economy: The CLA 250 posts impressive fuel economy figures, particularly in standard front-wheel-drive configuration. In a mix of city and highway driving, it returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg combined

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Performance: Acceleration is fine with the CLA 250, and downright wild in the AMG 45 model. With its 375-hp turbo four-cylinder and standard all-wheel drive, this version of the CLA has excellent passing power and tenacious grip.

Steering feel: The suspension and steering make the CLA feel light on its feet. These nimble driving manners are present in either the standard CLA 250 or the chest-thumping AMG 45.

What Needs Improvement

Diet of premium gasoline: Keep in mind, the CLA 250 has good fuel economy, but it requires premium fuel to keep it chugging along. This offsets some of this pint-sized luxury sedan's mpg bragging rights.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a small, sporty car that customers love. Customers like the car's smooth and comfortable driving experience. They also love the exterior and interior of the car.
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

2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ

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