2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA
Overview
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA straddles categories to offer an unusual and practical luxury car package. This “four-door coupe” is more stylish than a traditional sedan but offers versatility—including a usable back seat—that regular coupes can only dream of. On top of that, the CLA is efficient, small, and affordably priced—not words you often hear associated with Mercedes-Benz.
Available in two trims, the CLA 250 and the AMG® CLA 45, the base CLA starts at $32,700,* but even the “standard” vehicle is anything but ordinary. A generous variety of standard features can be found inside, including dual-zone climate control (to keep you comfortable no matter where you roam), selectable drive modes (to ensure your experience is just how you like it), Bluetooth® connectivity (making your daily playlist that much easier to listen to), and more.
Mercedes-Benz understands exactly what drivers are looking for in a luxury experience, which is why the CLA comes prepared to deliver the perfect combination of style and performance.
The Perfect Ride for…
Buyers who believe luxury doesn't necessarily mean excess. The CLA is a different kind of Mercedes-Benz, one with less of a footprint than the automaker’s traditional sedans and that uses smaller, more efficient engines. Despite this, the CLA still offers the combination of performance, comfort, and premium quality you expect from the Mercedes-Benz name.
Drive & Handling
The CLA 250 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. The CLA 250 comes standard with front-wheel drive but is also offered with the manufacturer's 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
Want to kick things up a notch? Consider the Mercedes-AMG® CLA 45, a bona fide hot rod with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 375 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to a special AMG® Speedshift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an available front limited-slip differential, it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
EPA-rated fuel economy for the CLA 250 is 29 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway) with front-wheel drive, and 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway) with all-wheel drive.** The CLA 45 is rated at 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).**
Key Features
mbrace® Connect
With this five-year complimentary service, you'll have remote access to your vehicle from your phone or desktop computer. Multiple services are included in mbrace® Connect, including Remote Start, Vehicle Finder, Infotainment, Speed Alert, Roadside Assistance Connection, Driving Journal, and more. You can set alerts, save time when servicing, and easily call roadside assistance if needed. You'll certainly love having this feature available to you!
Parking Pilot
The available Parking Pilot will help you find parking spaces and guide you into them. With the help of the reversing camera, you can easily see where you are headed and how far away from other parked vehicles you are. You can switch between manual and automatic maneuvering at any time so you always have the level of control that you desire. The Parking Pilot will provide active steering intervention as well as gear changes and speed control if needed.
Alternative Options
For those desiring a bit more room and a bit more speed, the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is up for the task. With nine different speeds and five driving modes, you'll never get bored when taking this sleek vehicle out for a spin (even if it's simply down the road). Or you might be interested in the GLE, a gorgeous vehicle that offers advanced power options, an adaptable cabin and cargo space, and agile handling. Whichever Mercedes-Benz model you choose, you'll know you're riding in style, luxury, and comfort.
* Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $995 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
** EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
Image Credit: Mercedes-Benz