Mercedes-Benz CLA
For decades, German automaker Mercedes-Benz offered its vehicles with two drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. However, in late 2013, the CLA-Class became the first Benz vehicle to have engine power go to the front wheels. The first production cycle ran until the 2020 model year, when Mercedes-Benz redesigned the CLA-Class for a second go-round. Designed as a four-door fastback coupe, the CLA-Class is geared toward customers who want a blend of sportiness and luxury that's relatively affordable.
For decades, German automaker Mercedes-Benz offered its vehicles with two drivetrain configurations: rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. However, in late 2013, the CLA-Class became the first Benz vehicle to have engine power go to the front wheels. The first production cycle ran until the 2020 model year, when Mercedes-Benz redesigned the CLA-Class for a second go-round. Designed as a four-door fastback coupe, the CLA-Class is geared toward customers who want a blend of sportiness and luxury that's relatively affordable.
Abundance of Standard Features
True to its luxury marquee, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has several premium amenities that include synthetic leather upholstery, 14-way power adjustable front seats, Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free phone calling and audio streaming, HD Radio digital tuning, and the COMAN infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. There are also driver-assistance technologies that include driver drowsiness monitoring, forward collision warning, active brake assist, and automatic emergency braking. Go with a model no older than 2017, and you can expect a standard rearview camera.
Powerful Engines
With any given model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has presented a pair of turbocharged engines that deliver remarkable acceleration ability. Most impressive during the first production cycle is the 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that powered the performance-enhanced AMG 45 model, which has Mercedes-Benz's 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as its standard drivetrain. At its height, the enginewhich had an output of 375 horsepower starting from the 2016 model yearcan make the CLA go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Athletic Handling
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a suspension that's tuned for a tight, exciting ride. Such an attribute is optimized when you change the drive mode to Sport. However, the AMG 45 model improves handling considerably by sending engine power to the rear wheels in addition to the front ones for a more balanced ride.
Ride Quality
Since it's a standard front-wheel-drive car, the CLA-Class has its engine power go to the front wheels. Couple that with the engine placed in front, and you have a vehicle that doesn't quite handle the same way as rear-wheel-drive entries such as the BMW 3 Series.
Rear Seat Room
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has a sloping roofline, which cuts into the passenger space in the rear. As a result, the back row can feel cramped. Ultimately, the CLA-Class is not a vehicle ideal for carpooling.
Cabin Materials
Despite the Mercedes-Benz name attached to it, the CLA is designed and marketed as a small budget-friendly luxury vehicle. Understandably, the cabin is not as plush as it could be. A few plastic pieces here and there keep it from exuding a high level of luxury found in its larger siblings, such as the C-Class and the E-Class.
Popular Trims
Mercedes-Benz CLA Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2014
4.4
80 verified owner reviews
Top 2014 Reviews
Callie W. from CA
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
I love this brand and I will continue to support it.
David D. from AZ
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
It's a Mercedes- Benz, what's not to love!
Corazon H. from CA
Verified Owner · Mar, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
I love my car. The problem that I had is something that could not be fixed. It is the jerk movement when I shift from stop/neutral to drive on ECO mode. The problem with my new vehicle is the ECO MODE. The car has a jerk movement from stop.
Pamela H. from NC
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
The car is a bit noisy in idle and the manual doesn't fit in the glove box.
Juanita D. from CA
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
The only problem I am experiencing is that the car slips and slides too much on the highway during a downpour and it makes my husband and I feel nervous about driving it during these times.
Neelima C. from AZ
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
Thank you!!! Cla250 made my first ever car experience memorable.
Ashley K. from FL
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
I wish there was a spot for a cell phone and a spot for sunglasses. They fly all over my car as it is.
Matheus B. from NY
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
USB cable is not easy to access. Cable that came with the car is for out-of-date iPhones (why would they use a cable for iPhone 4, while there is already an iPhone6+?!).
James F. from OK
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 FWD
The only 2 challenges I have with the car thus far is the knob where you change your stereo settings. My arm keeps hitting it. Also the console between the seats moves forward when leaning on it. It's meant to move, however it happens quite a bit when entering the car.
Tae L. from FL
Verified Owner · Feb, 2015
2014 Mercedes CLA250 4Matic
I use I phone for connecting music to my car and sometimes it comes out circle instead of letter on the screen