2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 review
Mercedes-Benz CLA250 highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Lithe feel and sharp steering
- Elegant cabin design
- High performance with AMG models
Cons
- Lack of rear headroom
- Modest trunk volume
- AMG versions are expensive
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 33 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Shop with your budget in mind
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a choice of three turbocharged engines
The Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan enters the 2021 model year with one significant update: the addition of blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. Other than this added driver aid, the CLA is the same attention-grabbing and reasonably priced small luxury sedan we’ve come to admire.
The sleek shape does limit headroom in the second row. If you routinely drive with a full complement of adults, it might be worth taking the time to make certain everyone fits comfortably inside. From behind the wheel, the CLA impresses with its agility and nicely controlled suspension. There is a choice of three turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including two AMG versions that turn the CLA into a true sports sedan due to their rapid acceleration. The entry-level CLA 250 can be had in front- or all-wheel-drive configuration, while the AMG 35 and AMG 45 have all-wheel drive standard.
Pitted against rivals like the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series, the CLA is a tempting choice if you don’t need a roomy rear seat.
All Mercedes-Benz CLA250 years
What is new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
- CLA250 trims have been upgraded with Head Up Display and Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment this year.
- Seat Massagers and Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 trims
Base:
- 221-hp, 258-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
- Memory Seats
- Rear Defroster
- Power Seats
- Rear View Camera
- Smart Key
- Cruise Control
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- View our Mercedes-Benz CLA250 inventory
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
What We Like
Quick steering reflexes: Driving the CLA is enjoyable due to its sharp steering and agility in all types of driving situations. This makes it equally at home zipping along curvy country roads, navigating dense city traffic, or squeezing into snug curbside parking spots.
Standard features: Thankfully you don’t have to go heavy with options to make the CLA feel like a proper Mercedes sedan. Standard features include a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather seat upholstery, and five USB ports.
Distinctive shape: You can’t deny the CLA has some serious design swagger. Compared to more upright lines of Mercedes’ own A-Class and C-Class sedans, the CLA has a sportier silhouette that’s distinctive without being too over-the-top.
What Needs Improvement
Cramped rear seat: Kids will be fine in the CLA’s rear seat, though adults could find their heads brushing the headliner of this small Mercedes sedan. That’s one serious drawback caused by the CLA’s slippery shape and tapered roofline. If you need a spacious second row, consider upsizing to the Mercedes GLA SUV or C-Class sedan.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
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 CLA2502021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 FAQ
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 offers 25 MPG City and 35 MPG Highway. It is important to remember factors such as driving style, weather conditions, and the use of features such as Eco mode can impact fuel efficiency.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as 5 out of 25 among Luxury Compact Car
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 has received an average 3.7 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250:
- Seat Massagers
- Full Roof Rack
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.