Mirroring much of the A-Class sedan’s equipment and features, the CLA coupe is a sportier version, although contrary to its name, it still has four doors. The CLA is a front-drive car, with the option of 4Matic all-wheel drive.
While the base 2022 CLA 250 has more horsepower than the A 220, the coupe offers two AMG models versus one for the A-Class. The AMG CLA 45 pumps out an impressive 382 horsepower, while the CLA 35 mirrors and A 35’s 302 ponies.
Other than styling and interior dimension, the A-Class sedan and CLA coupe pretty much have the same content, although some optional features on the sedan are standard on the coupe.
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 (Starting at $38,200, FWD), ($40,200, 4Matic AWD)
The stylish CLA 250 comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 221 horsepower. A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic is standard on both the front-drive and AWD 4Matic models. The CLA 250’s engine does have the annoying Eco Start/Stop system that shuts the engine off every time you stop but can be disabled.
Helping with the CLA 250’s performance are several enhancements, starting with the Dynamic Select system. With Comfort, Sport, and Eco settings, the drive modes vary throttle input, steering feel, and transmission shift points, allowing the driver more say in the car’s response.
The Direct Steer system varies the degree to which the steering responds depending on how far you turn the wheel. Torque vectoring brakes help marginalize understeer by applying brake force to the inner front wheel, forcing more torque to the outside wheel for better traction.
The CLA 250 rides on 18-inch wheels, features heated power side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, and a panoramic glass sunroof, all standard. The headlights and taillights use LED bulbs, as do the daytime running lights.
Open the CLA 250’s front door, and you’ll find 12-way adjustable sport seats covered in MB-Tex faux leather. The front seats offer 4-way power lumbar, and both feature memory with three stored positions. The front seats also feature adjustable lower cushion length for improved thigh support and large side bolsters.
From the driver’s seat, the Smart Key fob allows engine ignition at the push of a button. Owners can also start the CLA 250 remotely via the Mercedes Me mobile app. A tilt/telescoping steering column helps find the perfect driving position and features buttons for the cruise control, Bluetooth, and audio.
Directly in front of the driver is a pair of 7-inch digital screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment system. The infotainment screen operates in three ways: by touching the screen, via steering wheel buttons, or using a center console touchpad.
The CLA 250 comes standard with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD radio, and Bluetooth streaming. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system includes casual voice recognition software that lets you speak commands for the audio, phone, and optional navigation. There are three USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear. The CLA 250’s rear seat is divided into a 20/40/20 configuration, allowing numerous passengers and longer cargo that won’t fit into the trunk. The seats can be lowered from inside the car or via trunk-mounted release levers.
Other luxury features include power windows with one-touch operation, power door locks, dual-zone automatic climate controls, and 64-color ambient lighting with dash vents, footwells, door panels, and dashboard illumination.
The CLA 250’s standard driver-assist list is a bit Spartan, especially when compared to lesser cars like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. However, Mercedes does offer an extensive list of optional driver aids, so it’s nice you have the choice. Standard safety systems include a blind-spot monitor, rear backup camera, Attention Assist (monitors the driver for drowsy or inattentive driving), Crosswind Assist (helps keep the car stable in sudden crosswinds), and Hill Start Assist that prevents unwanted rollback when stopped on a steep incline.
Some of the CLA 250’s most desirable features are bundled into packages, although a few come as standalone items.
Several exterior styling upgrades include chrome door handle inserts, a lighted Mercedes-Benz grille star, various colors and materials for the rear spoiler, a carbon fiber front spoiler, and a few 18- and 19-inch wheels upgrades.
The AMG Line Package includes a lowered suspension, 18-inch AMG wheels, AMG exterior styling cues, a sport steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles, and brushed stainless steel pedals.
The Exterior Lighting Package adds adaptive headlights that rotate in the direction of the steering wheel and automatic high-beam headlights.
Buyers can opt for leather seats in various colors, including a fixed headrest and a sportier seat design. Also available are a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, or heated and ventilated front seats.
The Premium Package replaces the CLA 250’s 7-inch digital screens with two 10.25-inch screens, then adds SiriusXM, power-folding mirrors, and an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror.
The Multimedia Package adds navigation, speed limit assist, and an augmented video system that overlays street names and numbers on a video image captured by a front-mounted camera.
Other options worth mention include Keyless Go with hands-free access that allows the power trunk to open by swiping your foot under the rear bumper.
An impressive 590-watt 12-speaker Burmester audio system, a wireless charging pad, a garage door opener, and the MBUX assistant brings gesture control to the MBUX system.
When it comes to advanced safety systems, you can load up your CLA 250 simply by checking the box for the Driver Assistance Package box. Highlights of the package include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane centering, lane-departure warning, front and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking, active blind-spot assist, and adaptive cruise control.
The Parking Assistance Package adds parallel and perpendicular park assist and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 costs $39,250. On a zero-down loan for 60-months at 3%, the monthly payment comes to $705. See 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 includes:
- Dual-zone climate control – gives the driver and front passenger the ability to create individual temperature zones.
- 12-way power sport seats – feature additional side bolstering to help hold occupants in place, with power-adjustable lumbar and manual thigh extensions.
- 64-color ambient lighting – this very cool feature lets you change interior LED lighting on the dash, behind the vents, in the floor wells, and door pockets.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – allows full integration of an Apple or Android smartphone into the car’s infotainment system, giving access to popular apps, navigation, messages, and phone contacts.
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 ($47,900)
The CLA 35 coupe adds performance and visual enhancements by famed in-house tuner AMG. It comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive and a more powerful 302-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the CLA 250.
The AMG treatment also applies the dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, the suspension, the steering, and the brakes. The CLA 35’s Dynamic Select gets revised mode settings for Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+.
With additional AMG exterior styling treatments, the CLA 35 gains some of the CLA 250’s optional equipment, such as the dual 10.25-inch displays, sport seats with integrated headrests, and AMG 18-inch alloy wheels.
Above the optional entertainment, safety, and interior packages of the CLA 250, the CLA 35 includes a USB-C cable, more wheel and paint choices including Rose Gold, and a revised AMG Night Package Plus that includes black badging and louvers on the AMG grille.
The AMG Performance Seat Package adds deeply-sculpted multicontour AMG sport seats with or without heat, while additional AMG specific options include an AMG Track Pace feature that records and keeps track of your stats after a day at the track. The three-stage variable AMG Ride Control suspension adapts to various road conditions and adjusts according to the Dynamic Select settings.
Standalone items include an AMG sport steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather or Dinamica suede, heated and ventilated front seats, and an AMG Drive Unit that allows for quicker preset drive settings.
With the $1,050 destination fee, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 costs $48,950. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $880. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 includes:
- 302-horsepower engine – with enhancements to the stock 2.0-liter engine, the AMG version pumps out 81 more horses, giving it a zero to 60 time of just 4.8 seconds.
- Available multicontour seats – provide a better fit by allowing for adjustment of the lumbar and side bolsters.
- 10.25-inch infotainment screen – allows easy control of numerous systems and looks impressive next to the equally sizeable 10.25-inch instrument cluster screen.
- AMG Dynamic Select – provides enhanced drive modes for performance-styling driving.
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 ($55,900)
The CLA 45 builds off the CLA 35, gaining a hand-crafted 382-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, AMG modified 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, and more standard features.
Above what the CLA 35 offers, the CLA 45 adds 19-inch AMG wheels, Keyless Go, AMG Line Package, and sport seats with integrated headrests.
Unique to the CLA 45 is the AMG Dynamic Plus Package that adds AMG performance steering wheel, Race and Drift modes, AMG Drive Unit, AMG Track Pace, AMG high-performance composite brakes, AMG Ride Control, and a 167-mph top speed.
With destination, the 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 sells for $56,950. On a 60-month loan at 3% and zero down, the monthly payment comes to $1,023. See 2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 models for sale
2022 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 includes:
- Hand-crafted engine – the CLA 45’s 2.0-liter engine produces 382 horsepower, an impressive feat for any motor, let alone a 4-cylinder.
- 8-speed transmission – this dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly, with an additional gear to help deal with its lofty top speed.
- AMG 4Matic – a specially designed all-wheel-drive system that emphasis better performance on wet and dry pavement.
- 19-inch AMG wheels – 19-inch wheels mean 19-inch tires. The CLA 45’s wider tire provides better traction, while the smaller sidewall lessens body roll and improves cornering.
