First Drive: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Is Short on Value and Big on Compromises
Entry-level no more, the redesigned CLA has been promoted above its abilities
The new, second-generation CLA luxury sedan has been moved up in the Mercedes-Benz hierarchy, granting its former entry-level position to the A-Class.
The CLA was billed as an affordable sport sedan when it debuted in 2013. But after the automaker introduced the all-new A-Class as its lowest-priced car earlier this year, it repositioned the CLA as a slightly more luxurious compact four-door “coupe," even though the term is traditionally used to describe two-door vehicles.
Mechanically speaking, the cars are fraternal twins. Aside from more horsepower, a lower rear roofline, and higher price, the CLA shares many of the A-Class’ strengths and weaknesses. Prices for the CLA range from $36,650 for the base CLA 250 to over $53,100 for the AMG CLA 45, which features a more powerful engine.
Update: Since this first drive was originally published in October 2019, we finished testing the CLA.
See the complete Mercedes-Benz CLA road test.
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What we bought: 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4MATIC
Powertrain: 221-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $38,650
Options: $4,455 (Natural grain wood trim, blind spot warning, upgraded audio system, multicolored ambient interior lighting, power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors, 10.25-inch center display and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster)
Destination fee: $995
Total cost: $44,100
