“I LOVE MY NEW CAR VERY STYLISH. NICE TO LOOK AT. I WISH IT HAD BETTER PICKUP THOUGH LIKE MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE OTHER THAN THAT VERY SATISFIED. ALSO MY COWORKER HAS SAME CAR AND HER REAR BUMPER DIFFERENT I LIKE HERS MORE THAN MINE BUT OTHER THAN THAT VERY SATISFIED.”
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a light equipment update, not a redesign. The main change is more standard comfort, tech, and collision-prevention equipment across the lineup.
About the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA
1st generation CLA (C117), second U.S. model year, before the later midcycle refresh.
Mercedes-Benz positioned the CLA as a sleek four-door coupe that brought the brand’s design, turbo performance, and advanced safety tech into a smaller package than the C-Class. The appeal was style first: a low roofline, frameless-door look, and dramatic shape. But Mercedes also sold it as more than a fashion piece, backing that shape up with strong turbo power, available all-wheel drive, and safety features that were uncommon in small luxury sedans at the time.
The CLA 250 is the style-focused everyday model, with a 208-hp turbo four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive; the CLA 250 4MATIC pairs the same engine with all-wheel drive for better poor-weather traction. The CLA 45 AMG is the performance standout, with a handcrafted 355-hp turbo engine, performance all-wheel drive, a firmer sport suspension, and sport seats.
What changed, by category
Tech and convenience
Keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a 7-inch center display became standard across the lineup.
Safety
Collision Prevention Assist was upgraded to Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which added brake support.
Ride and handling
The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC switched from a standard sport suspension to a softer comfort suspension. The CLA 45 AMG retained its AMG sport suspension.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd Dbl Clutch | Auto, 7-Spd AMG DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 24 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 38 mpg | 32 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp | 355 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| HID Headlights | |||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | |||
| LED Tail Lights | |||
| Panorama Moon Roof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Front Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Remote Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA redesigned?
No. The 2015 CLA remained part of the first generation and received a light equipment update rather than a full redesign.
What became standard on the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch center display, and Collision Prevention Assist Plus became standard across the 2015 CLA lineup.
Does the 2015 CLA 250 ride more softly than the 2014 model?
Yes. The 2015 CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC replaced the previous standard sport suspension with a softer comfort setup. The CLA 45 AMG kept its firmer AMG sport suspension.
Did the 2015 CLA receive major engine changes?
No. The CLA 250 models retained their 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the CLA 45 AMG kept its handcrafted 355-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.
Did every 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA have all-wheel drive?
No. The 2015 CLA 250 used front-wheel drive, while the CLA 250 4MATIC and CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC used all-wheel drive.
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
4.3
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA
(185 reviews)
“Navigation should be included. Wider tires needed to match the sporty aggressive styling.”
“Great car that's good on gas and sporty. The engine/exhaust provides a nice growl but the car enthusiast while the overall appearance says prestige and status.”