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2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is mostly a carryover, with the Ice Edition special model as the main addition. The regular CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC return with no major changes to their standard hardware.
About the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA
1st generation CLA for the U.S. (2014-2019), in the facelifted phase introduced for 2017; 2018 sits in the middle of that updated run.
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a compact four-door with coupe-like styling, a strong turbo engine, and the look and feel of a Mercedes in a smaller footprint. The appeal is style first, but not style only: the brochure leans on brisk torque, advanced safety features, and an upscale cabin with sport seats and memory settings. For most shoppers, the CLA is the brand’s sleek entry point rather than a traditional small luxury sedan.
The CLA 250 is the style-focused entry to the range, pairing a coupe-like four-door body with a 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed automatic. The CLA 250 4MATIC adds all-wheel drive for better traction, while both versions feature an 8-inch infotainment display, power front sport seats with memory, and Active Brake Assist.
What changed, by category
Styling
An Ice Edition special model joined the range. The regular CLA models carried over without a broader exterior update.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd Double Clutch | Automatic, 7-Spd Double Clutch |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 37 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | 208 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.1 cu-ft | 13.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 27.1 in | 27.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||
| Alarm System | ||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Navigation System | ||
| Premium Audio | ||
| Smartphone Interface | ||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||
| Heated Front Seats | ||
| Leather Seats | ||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||
| Remote Start | ||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA?
The main change for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA is the addition of the Ice Edition special model, along with some reshuffling of optional package contents. The regular CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC are otherwise largely unchanged from 2017.
Was the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA redesigned?
No, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA was not redesigned. It belongs to the first U.S. generation and uses the refreshed design introduced for 2017.
Did the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA get a new engine?
No, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA did not get a new engine. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC retain a 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
What is the difference between the 2018 CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC?
The 2018 CLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive, while the CLA 250 uses front-wheel drive. Both have the same 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA receive new safety features?
No, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA received no major lineup-wide safety update. Active Brake Assist carried over after being added for the 2017 model year.
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
4.2
2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA
(239 reviews)
“My 2018 CLA250 was my first Mercedes I've purchased and I will never buy another brand besides Mercedes from now on. This car is one of the smoothest rides I've ever had, can make U-turns very easily, and had all the features that you would look for in a luxury vehicle. I would definitely recommend.”
“I love it, it's very sexy like me and smooth and fun, and gets a lot of attention. It matches me.”