“Very reliable, awesome features and overall look, definitely recommend the vehicle.”
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA carries over with no major product changes from 2018. Its main significance is that it is the final model year of the first-generation CLA before the 2020 redesign.
About the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA
1st gen (C117), final U.S. model year before the all-new 2020 C118 redesign
Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a style-first compact luxury car with the look of a four-door coupe, the response of a turbo engine, and the feel of a premium front-seat cabin. Its appeal is less about roomy back-seat practicality and more about dramatic design, sporty road manners, and recognizable Mercedes character in a smaller package. Against rivals, it leans hardest on its sleek shape, sporty driving flavor, and upscale presentation.
The CLA 250 is a style-led compact four-door with front-wheel drive, a 208-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. It has power front sport seats, an 8-inch central display, selectable drive modes, and automatic emergency braking. The CLA 250 4MATIC keeps the same core equipment but adds all-wheel drive for better traction.
2019 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 |
| Alarm System | ||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||
| Park Assist | ||
| Rear View Camera | ||
| Alloy Wheels | ||
| LED Headlights | ||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||
| Rear Spoiler | ||
| Roof Rails | ||
| 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 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA compared with the 2018 model?
No major product changes were made to the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC retained the same powertrain, cabin layout, styling, safety equipment, and core technology as the 2018 versions.
Was the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA redesigned?
No, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA was not redesigned. It was the final model year of the first-generation CLA, with the all-new second-generation model arriving for 2020.
What is the difference between the 2019 CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC?
The main difference is the drive system. The 2019 CLA 250 has front-wheel drive, while the CLA 250 4MATIC has all-wheel drive; both use the same 208-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Does the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA have automatic emergency braking?
Yes, the 2019 CLA 250 and CLA 250 4MATIC have forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. They also include a driver-attention monitoring system.
Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA meaningfully different from the 2018 model?
No, the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA is not meaningfully different from the 2018 model. Because it is a carryover year, a used shopper should focus more on condition, mileage, maintenance history, and equipment than on model-year changes.
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
4.2
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA
(123 reviews)
“Very happy with almost all aspects of the car. Love the Interior and exterior, safety features, how the car handles, comfortable for front passengers not so much for rear. Could use a better sound system and the fact that there is no warning sound when backing up bothers me couldn't have cost that much more to add it. Overall love my purchase”
“Love the styling of the vehicle - the base model is certainly missing some features you would assume come standard (i.e., keyless entry).”