Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) review | Stylish, upmarket alternative to an A-Class hatchback
Mercedes-Benz CLA cars for sale
3.0
Expert review
Pros
Stylish and eye-catching
High-quality cabin
Solid reputation for reliability
Cons
The ride is too firm
Looks compromise practicality
Uninvolving to drive
The CarGurus verdict
Whether you choose the saloon or Shooting Brake estate, the Mercedes-Benz CLA still looks distinctive today, offering a sense of style that’s missing from many similarly priced family cars. Inside, the cabin feels far more glamorous than most mainstream rivals, even if some buyers may find the design slightly over the top.
The CLA is not the most comfortable or practical car in its class, and rear-seat space is tighter than in more conventional alternatives. However, most buyers are likely to choose it for its styling, premium badge and upmarket feel rather than outright practicality.
It also helps that the CLA is reasonably economical to run, offers a wide range of engines and generally has a solid reliability record. If you want a stylish compact Mercedes-Benz and can live with a few compromises, the CLA makes a strong case as a used buy.
What is the Mercedes-Benz CLA?
Originally launched in the UK in 2013, the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA was an attempt by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer to attract younger and more style-conscious buyers to the brand. Inspired by the larger Mercedes-Benz CLS, the CLA combined compact dimensions with a low roofline and what Mercedes-Benz described as ‘four-door coupe’ styling.
Whether you see it as a coupe-inspired saloon or simply a sleeker alternative to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, there’s no denying the CLA still looks distinctive today. The cabin also introduced a more modern and premium feel than many rivals of the period.
Mercedes-Benz later expanded the range with the CLA Shooting Brake, which added extra practicality without losing the car’s stylish appearance. Indeed, it could be argued that the Shooting Brake is more appealing than the saloon.
How practical is it?
The swooping roofline gives the first-generation CLA a more distinctive look than most conventional saloons and estate cars, but it does compromise rear headroom slightly. Access to the back seats is also a little tighter than in more traditionally shaped rivals because of the narrow rear door openings.
Things improve slightly in the CLA Shooting Brake, although this is still a car that prioritises style over practicality. Front-seat occupants fare much better, with supportive sports seats fitted across the range and a dashboard inspired by sportier Mercedes-Benz models.
Boot space is respectable, however. The standard CLA offers 470 litres for luggage, which is 130 litres more than the A-Class and only just shy of the capacity of a Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Predictably, the CLA Shooting Brake is even more practical, offering 495 litres of boot space in standard form, or 595 litres with the optional Load Compartment Package.
What's it like to drive?
The original CLA’s engine range included a variety of petrol and diesel options, from economical four-cylinder diesels to the high-performance CLA 45 AMG. Most versions offer strong real-world performance – a CLA diesel is an excellent motorway companion, for example – while the AMG models are properly quick.
Despite its sporty styling, the CLA is more of a refined cruiser than an outright driver’s car. The steering is light but accurate, there’s plenty of grip, and motorway refinement is generally good.
Ride quality can feel firm on larger alloy wheels, particularly on AMG Line and full-fat AMG models, while some diesel engines become noticeably noisy when pushed hard. However, buyers are far more likely to choose the CLA for its styling, image and premium feel than for outright driving enjoyment.
Technology, equipment & infotainment
Standard equipment levels on the CLA are generous, with most models featuring dual-zone climate control, cruise control, parking sensors, automatic wipers, smartphone connectivity and part-leather upholstery. Mercedes-Benz has also fitted the CLA with an array of electronic safety and driver assistance systems.
The infotainment system now feels slightly dated compared with newer Mercedes-Benz models where the entire dashboard is dominated by screens. However, it is straightforward to use. Higher-spec cars may also feature upgraded satellite navigation, premium audio systems and a reversing camera.
There was also a long options list for the CLA when new, including items such as larger alloy wheels, adaptive lighting and a full-length panoramic glass sunroof. The latter helps brighten up the cabin for rear-seat passengers.
Mercedes-Benz CLA running costs
Mercedes-Benz offered servicing plans for the CLA when new, but most used examples are now more likely to be maintained by independent Mercedes specialists. These are usually considerably cheaper than main dealers and should have no difficulty servicing the CLA’s engines and transmissions.
Diesel versions are impressively efficient, especially the CLA 180d BlueEfficiency, which officially returned more than 70mpg while also benefiting from low CO2 emissions and relatively cheap tax. The CLA 200d and CLA 220d offer a better balance of performance and economy for many buyers.
Petrol models are naturally more expensive to run, although even the most powerful versions can still deliver respectable fuel economy in everyday driving. Insurance and servicing costs rise significantly on Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 models, which are best viewed as performance cars first and sensible transport second.
Mercedes-Benz CLA reliability
The CLA generally has a decent reputation for reliability, particularly compared with some older Mercedes-Benz models. However, buyers should ensure all recall work has been completed, especially on earlier diesel cars.
Reported issues include occasional faults with stop-start systems, parking cameras and panoramic roof mechanisms, while some owners have also experienced lacquer peel on alloy wheels and minor trim deterioration. Diesel models can sometimes suffer from turbo actuator problems, which may trigger the slow-and-steady ‘limp home’ mode.
Overall, the CLA appears to be a relatively robust used buy, provided it has been properly maintained and serviced to the recommended schedule. A full service history and evidence of completed recall work are strongly recommended.
- Aerodynamics played a big role in the CLA’s development. At launch, Mercedes-Benz claimed a drag coefficient of just 0.22 Cd, making it one of the most aerodynamic production cars in the world at the time. Features such as active grille shutters, carefully shaped mirrors and airflow management around the rear wheels all contributed to impressive efficiency.
- In addition to regular Sport and AMG Line trims, Mercedes-Benz offered several special editions throughout the CLA’s lifespan, including the Night Edition, OrangeArt and WhiteArt models. These typically added distinctive styling details, coloured trim highlights and upgraded equipment.
- The range-topping Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is the most extreme version of the car. Its hand-built turbocharged engine produced enormous performance from a relatively small capacity, helping it stand out as a genuinely serious performance car rather than simply a styling exercise. It can hit 62mph in around 4.5 seconds and has the performance to rival cars such as the Audi RS3 and Volkswagen Golf R.
- Best blend of performance and economy: Introduced as part of the 2016 facelift, the CLA 220d automatic combines strong performance and impressive fuel economy. It feels effortlessly quick in everyday driving, while still returning excellent fuel efficiency on the motorway. If possible, look for a car fitted with the Comfort suspension package.
- Best for low running costs: The CLA 180d BlueEfficiency is the efficiency champion of the range, offering low road tax (VED) costs and excellent fuel economy. Performance is modest rather than exciting, but there’s enough low-down torque to make it feel relaxed in everyday use.
- Best petrol model: While the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 is hugely tempting, the CLA 250 offers a better balance of performance and running costs for most buyers. The CLA 200 is also worth considering if ride quality matters more than outright pace, especially on cars fitted with the Comfort suspension setup.
- Best for all-weather reassurance: Several CLA models were available with Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic four-wheel-drive system, which improves traction in poor weather without compromising everyday usability. Most examples work best with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which suits the CLA’s relaxed character.
