The Mercedes CLA 250 is a compact luxury sedan that offers a balance of sleek styling, agile handling, and potent performance. As an entry-level model in the Mercedes lineup, the CLA 250 delivers an appealing combination of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics. This detailed review of the CLA 250 will examine its standout features, performance capabilities, and reasons it continues to impress drivers.
The CLA 250 debuted in 2014 as an all-new model for Mercedes. Lower priced than the C-Class sedan, the CLA 250 targeted younger buyers looking for an affordable way into the Mercedes brand. Despite its compact size, the CLA 250 retains the elegance and refinement expected from a Mercedes vehicle.
Key highlights of the CLA 250 include:
- Sleek, coupe-like styling that turns heads
- Turbocharged 2.0L engine delivering potent acceleration
- Quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Available 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced grip
- Leading technology and safety features
- Luxurious cabin with high-end materials
- Engaging handling and sporty driving dynamics
Offered as both a front-wheel drive and a 4MATIC all-wheel drive model, the CLA 250 balances athleticism, comfort, and Mercedes prestige in an elegant package.
Styling and Exterior Design
The most immediate impression made by the CLA 250 is its eye-catching coupe silhouette. Lower and more comprehensive than a traditional sedan, the CLA 250 has a sleek, athletic shape that makes it appear ready to leap off the line.
Fluid Body Lines
Sweeping character lines flow from front to rear, conveying motion even when the CLA 250 is parked. The sloping roofline and frameless side windows complement the coupe-inspired shape. Despite its compact footprint, the CLA 250 retains a look of elegance with LED accent lighting and polished exterior details.
Sporty AMG Line Trim
The available AMG Line trim enhances the CLA 250’s bold styling. AMG upgrades include:
- AMG front and rear bumpers
- Diamond grille with Mercedes star
- 18” AMG alloy wheels
- Lowered sport suspension
With the AMG Line package, the CLA 250 looks ready to deliver on its aggressive appearance.
Modern Color Choices
Mercedes offers the CLA 250 in a range of eye-catching exterior colors, including Jupiter Red, Night Black, and Cirrus White. Vibrant paint colors and sweeping body lines give the CLA 250 head-turning curb appeal.
Engaging Driving Dynamics
Despite its small size, the CLA 250 delivers an enriching driving experience. Comfortable yet athletic, the CLA 250 provides agile handling and a refined ride.
Responsive Steering and Handling
The CLA 250 has a quick, direct steering feel that provides ample feedback from the road. The standard lower sport suspension ensures controlled body motions when cornering. Adaptive dampers are available to enhance ride and handling further. With its sport-tuned chassis, the CLA 250 changes direction eagerly and hugs the road through twists and turns.
All-Wheel Drive Grip
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system actively varies torque distribution between the front and rear wheels for maximized traction and control in all conditions. The CLA 250 4MATIC maintains grip and composure even in wet weather or snow. The 4MATIC system also improves acceleration while reducing understeer during spirited driving.
Braking Performance
Large ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs provide strong and consistent braking power. The CLA 250’s standard brake assist system helps shorten stopping distances in emergencies. This winning blend of secure braking and sharp handling gives the CLA 250 sport sedan abilities exceeding its small size.
Turbocharged Power and Performance
The heart of any Mercedes is its engine, and the CLA 250 is no exception. Despite its reasonable price point, the CLA 250 packs a punch with its turbocharged engine.
Potent 2.0L Turbo Engine
Under the hood lies a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that churns out 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This willing powerplant delivers satisfying acceleration whether merging onto highways or dashing up to speed on rural roads. Turbo lag is minimal thanks to the engine’s twin-scroll turbocharger design.
Quick-Shifting Transmission
Putting the power to the pavement is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that provides rapid, crisp gear changes. The powertrain’s responsiveness heightens the CLA 250’s sporty character.
Strong Acceleration
The CLA 250’s front-wheel drive accelerates to 60 mph in only 6.9 seconds, while its all-wheel drive with 4MATIC requires just 6.6 seconds. Passing and merging are effortless, while in-town drivability remains smooth and unstrained. With ample low-end torque, the CLA 250 pulls hard across the rpm range.
ECO Start-Stop Function
This helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions during idling. Despite the fuel savings, the system operates unobtrusively, restarting before the driver releases the brake.
Luxurious and Tech-laden Cabin
Stepping inside the CLA 250 reveals an inferior belying its affordable pricing. High-end materials, user-friendly tech, and Mercedes craftsmanship come together in the well-designed cockpit.
Premium Appointments
Even base CLA 250 models include MB-Tex faux leater upholstery that looks and feels upscale. Available leather seating and authentic wood trim further enhance the luxury appeal. Double topstitching on the dashboard and doors adds to the crafted, tailored look. While snug, the cabin uses space efficiently for good room front and rear.
State-of-the-Art Techno ogy
A centrally mounted 8-inch screen handles the CLA 250’s infotainment system and can be controlled via touchpad or voice commands. Bluetooth, HD radio, and mobile app integration come standard, while navigation and premium audio are available. Other available technology aids include parking assist, blind spot m monitoring, and wireless phone charging.
Helpful Driver Assistance Features
Going beyond the expected, Mercedes eq ips the CLA 250 with numerous advanced driver assistance systems. Highlights include:
- Collision prevention assist
- Attention Assist
- Adaptive braking technology
- Lane-keeping assist
- Rear camera
These systems can intervene to help avoid accidents in critical situations.
Key Reasons to Choose the CLA 250
The Mercedes CLA 250 warrants strong consideration thanks to its compelling blend of virtues:
- Athletic handling – Eager steering and confident grip make the CLA 250 a joy to drive on curvy backroads. The lowered sport suspension enhances agility.
- Potent turbo engine – The 2.0L turbo generates plenty of punch for merging and passing, even at highway speeds—all-wheel drive improves acceleration and grip.
- Upscale interior – With a beautifully crafted, tech-loaded cabin, the CLA 250 punches above its price class in terms of luxury feel. Refinement is comparable to pricier Mercedes sedans.
- Head-turning style – The swooping coupe-like shape attracts attention everywhere it goes. The AMG Line package further amplifies sporty allure.
- Leading technology – From advanced driving aids to the intuitive infotainment system, the CLA 250 delivers the innovation drive expected from a Mercedes.
For drivers seeking a balanced blend of prestige, performance, and practicality, the Mercedes CLA 250 hits the sweet spot.
What is the gas mileage of the CLA 2 0?
With its efficient turbo engine and Eco Start-Stop system, the CLA 250 achieves up to 26 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. Adding 4MATIC all-wheel drive only slightly reduces highway mileage to 36 mpg.
Does the CLA 250 come with a sunroof?
A power tilt/sliding panorama sunroof is available on CLA 250 mo els. The sunroof provides abundant light and adds an extra dose of style.
What safety ratings does the CLA 250 earn?
The CLA 250 achieves top scores in IIHS and NHTSA crash testing, including a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Mercedes also equips the car with its latest accident prevention technology.
Conclusion
With the CLA 250, Mercedes has created an impressively well-rounded compact luxury sedan. One thrilling package combines a red-carpet interior, head-turning style, engaging performance, and sophisticated technology. The turbo engine delivers a pleasing punch, while the ort-tuned chassis provides athletic moves.
Offering luxury car refinement at an attractive price point, the CLA 250 represents accessibility to the Mercedes brand for younger buyers. Five years after its introduction, the Mecedes CLA 250 remains a standout that melds substance and style seamlessly.