CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.8%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,500
Average Price: Around £20,500

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stylish and eye-catching design	The ride is too firm
High-quality cabin	Sleek looks compromise practicality
Solid reputation for reliability	Uninvolving to drive

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) is a stylish, compact saloon that combines distinctive four-door coupe design with a premium cabin feel. Originally launched to attract younger, style-conscious buyers to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the CLA offers a more glamorous alternative to conventional family cars. The swooping roofline and sleek proportions give it a distinctive appearance, whilst the interior features a modern, upmarket design with supportive sports seats and quality materials. A Shooting Brake estate variant was later introduced, offering improved practicality without sacrificing the car's stylish appeal.

The CLA prioritises style and refinement over outright practicality and driving engagement. Rear headroom is compromised by the low roofline, and boot space, whilst respectable at 470 litres, is the main practical consideration. The engine range includes economical diesels and petrol options, with the CLA 180d BlueEfficiency offering impressive efficiency. Running costs are reasonable, especially for diesel versions, and the car benefits from a solid reliability record. Most buyers choose the CLA for its distinctive styling, premium badge and upmarket feel rather than practicality or driving dynamics.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a premium, distinctive compact saloon or estate, those wanting a glamorous alternative to mainstream family cars, and buyers prioritising image and refinement.

Not ideal for: Those requiring maximum rear-seat space or boot capacity, drivers seeking engaging handling, or buyers wanting a firm, comfortable ride on larger alloy wheels.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLA if: You're seeking a stylish, distinctive compact saloon or estate with premium appeal, prioritising image and refinement over practicality, or wanting a glamorous alternative to mainstream family cars.

Consider alternatives if: You require maximum rear-seat space or boot capacity, seek engaging handling characteristics, or prefer a more comfortable ride on larger alloy wheels.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) stands out in the compact premium segment for its distinctive styling and high-quality cabin, earning strong user ratings. Whilst the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 offer superior driving dynamics and slightly better value propositions, the CLA's unique design and premium feel make it an appealing choice for style-conscious buyers. The Volvo V40 matches the CLA's user rating but offers different styling priorities. The CLA's solid reliability record and reasonable running costs, particularly for diesel versions, strengthen its case as a used purchase for those valuing aesthetics and refinement.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from June 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.

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