The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is the sportier version of the A-Class sedan, displaying a coupe-like silhouette while retaining four doors.
Offered with a choice of front-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), the CLA 250 is ideal for those who need the year-round traction of a small SUV but prefer the ride and handling only a low-slung car can provide.
Alongside the CLA 250 are two AMG versions delivering even more power and performance.
The CLA-Class looks pretty good when facing off against rivals like the Audi A3, BMW 2 Series, and Acura Integra. However, without an electric or hybrid option in the lineup, shoppers seeking a greener alternative might be happier in a Tesla Model 3.
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250: $39,350
Pulled by its front wheels, the base 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA features a 221-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD is a $2,000 option.
In a nod to better performance, the CLA 250 includes an advanced torque-vectoring system that uses braking to help move power to the front outside wheel, a procedure that improves the car’s ability to stay on the intended cornering line at high speeds.
The Dynamic Select system gives the driver more say in how the car performs, regulating throttle input, shifting, and steering input via one of three modes: Comfort, Sport, or Eco.
The CLA 250’s sleek exterior comes fitted with heated power side mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, a panoramic glass moonroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing wipers.
Mercedes-Benz is known for its commitment to safety, so it should come as no surprise the CLA 250 offers a wide variety of standard and optional equipment.
Standard safety systems include a forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor, a driver-attention monitor, and Crosswind Assist. A rearview monitor also comes as part of the deal.
While the standard driver-assist systems may seem lacking, Mercedes-Benz allows buyers to add more.
Opting for the Driver Assistance Package adds Distronic adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and front and rear cross-traffic detection with emergency braking.
Active blind-spot assist, active lane-change assist, and the Pre-Safe accident preparedness system, which can anticipate and prepare the cabin when a collision is imminent, are all available.
Inside the CLA 250, you’ll find a cabin that punches above its weight. The sophisticated dash features dual 7-inch screens, one for the instrument cluster and the other for infotainment. A center trackpad allows fingertip operation of the center screen, which also operates via voice commands or direct touch.
Sixty-four colors of available ambient lighting adds a distinctive touch, displayed in the air vents, footwells, dash illumination, and door panels.
The infotainment setup includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth phone and music streaming. An AM/FM/HD Radio audio system with six speakers comes standard, but Mercedes offers a premium upgrade in the form of a 12-speaker, 590-watt Burmester audio system.
Phone charging is easy, with four USB-C ports — two in the front and two in the rear seat area. A wireless charging pad is optional.
Those seeking an even more high-tech look can opt for the Premium Package, which upgrades to dual 10.25-inch screens, auto-dimming and power-folding side mirrors, a Keyless-Go proximity key fob, and a hands-free power trunk.
MB-Tex, a tough faux leather, covers the seats, but you can upgrade to actual leather upholstery. The CLA 250’s front sport seats include 12-way power adjustment with 3-position memory, adjustable lumbar support, and extendable lower seat cushions.
A 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allows passengers and cargo to share the same space, with trunk-mounted seatback releases for easy operation.
Wrapping up the CLA 250’s luxury credentials are one-touch up/down power windows, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate controls, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
Options for the CLA 250 include several exterior styling packages, including the AMG Line Package, which adds a lowered suspension, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG exterior body styling, a sport steering wheel, and aluminum shift paddles.
The Exterior Light Package adds adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam headlights.
The Multimedia Package brings speed limit assist and augmented video navigation, which overlays turn arrows, street names, and addresses over a real-time video image captured by a front-facing camera.
The Parking Assistance Package adds parallel and perpendicular self-parking features and a 360-degree surround view monitor.
Standalone options include a lighted 3-point grille star, 18-inch and 19-inch wheel upgrades, a carbon-fiber spoiler, heated or heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and an interior assistant that detects hand motion and activates whichever system the occupant is reaching.
Buyers can also opt for rear side-impact airbags.
With the $1,150 destination fee, the base 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 costs $40,500. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $728. See 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 includes:
- 12-way power front seats – The CLA 250’s supportive sport seats include 12-way adjustment. Heat and ventilation are optional.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – Dual-zone climate controls allow driver and passenger to choose their climate settings.
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto – It’s easy to bring along your favorite music, apps, navigation, and phone assistant, all controlled via the CLA’s infotainment center.
2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: $49,500
AMG is Mercedes-Benz’s in-house performance tuner. When they lay their hands on a CLA 250, it turns into an AMG CLA 35.
Under the hood resides a 302-hp, AMG-tuned version of the 2.0-liter turbo and an AMG-spec 4Matic AWD system. AMG also tunes the transmission, suspension, brakes, and steering.
The CLA 35’s Dynamic Select gets revised mode settings for Comfort, Slippery, Sport, and Sport+.
Exterior styling upgrades include 18-inch AMG wheels, a sculpted front air dam, flared side sills, dual round chrome tailpipes, and a deep rear valance. Up front, large lower air intakes help route air to the running gear.
Building off the CLA 250 4Matic, the CLA 35 adds dual 10.25-inch displays and sport seats with integrated headrests.
Options for the CLA 35 include AMG-oriented exterior upgrades (think carbon-fiber mirror caps and an aerodynamics package), an AMG sport steering wheel, and an AMG Track Pace addition for the MBUX user interface that keeps records of track performance.
The AMG Performance Seat Package brings multicontour sport seats, with or without heat.
Available AMG Ride Control adapts suspension damping to various road surface conditions, with further changes to steering adaptions based on the Dynamic Select setting.
There’s also an AMG Drive Unit on the steering wheel that allows for a quick switchover to all the sportiest drive settings.
With the $1,150 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 costs $50,650. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $910. See 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 includes:
- AMG-tuned 2.0-liter – With 302 hp, the AMG 2.0-liter propels the CLA 35 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds.
- 10.25-inch screen – The combined 10.25-inch cluster and infotainment screens make for a beautiful single glass expanse covering more than half the dash.
- Available multicontour seats – With adjustable side bolsters, these form-fitting sport seats can accommodate just about anybody.
2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45: $57,800
One step up from the CLA 35 is the CLA 45. It features a handcrafted 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing a ridiculous 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. The CLA 45 gets an 8-speed DCT and AMG-enhanced 4Matic+ AWD.
Building off the CLA 35, the CLA 45 adds 19-inch AMG alloy wheels, AMG sport seats, Keyless-Go, and the AMG Line Package.
One package not offered on any other CLA-Class model is the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which includes AMG Ride Control, AMG high-performance composite brakes, AMG Performance steering wheel, AMG Drive Unit, AMG Track Pace, plus Race and Drift modes.
The CLA 45’s top speed increases to 167 mph when equipped with this package.
If you don’t want to shell out money for the above package, a single option boosts top speed to 167 mph.
Buyers can also opt for AMG illuminated door sills, black or red seatbelts, and AMG design interior trim.
With the $1,150 destination fee, the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 costs $58,950. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $1,059. See 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 models for sale near you
2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 includes:
- High-performance engine – The AMG-tuned 2.0-liter pumps out nearly 200 hp per liter, making it one of the most powerful internal combustion 4-cylinders money can buy.
- Dual-clutch automatic transmission – The 8-speed DCT delivers split-second gearshifts and features an additional gear.
- Available 167-mph boost – More speed means more fun. On a closed circuit, of course.
