Mercedes-Benz CLA Review, Better than the A-Class? Find Our In Our Expert Verdict

Rear

At the back, the car then looks wide and powerful, which is great to see, and these features include new two-piece LED taillights that wrap around the corners, making the car easy to spot at night as well.

The bumper then has a new 'diffuser' at the bottom too, which adds to the sporty finish while also smoothing out the airflow under the car to help it grip the road better and improve your fuel efficiency at higher speeds.

Paint Options

For your paint options, here is a great range of colours to choose from.

While classic Iridium Silver and Cosmos Black remain popular, there are striking new choices like Hyper Blue.

For those who want a modern look, the Mountain Grey Magno (a matte finish) is a real head-turner in our opinion here as well.

For instance, common paint options can include:

Wheel Options

The wheels can completely change the look of any car; with your CLA, this is just the same.

As a result, most models here come with 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, and you can choose from sporty five-spoke AMG designs or black-tinted alloys if you opt for the Night Edition pack as well, to help you easily choose the wheels to finish off the look you are also going for.

Front Seats

The front sports seats are also a highlight, in our view.

As here they are designed to hold you firmly in place around corners but remain soft enough for long-distance comfort at the same time.

On top of this, they also come with plenty of adjustments, so it is easy to find your perfect driving position.

Rear Seats

Because of that stylish, sloping roofline, the rear is best suited for children or teenagers, which you would expect for a car of this type.

While there is plenty of legroom, very tall adults might find the headroom a bit tight on longer journeys. But, for a young family, or as an executive car, it is still perfectly practical in our view.

Space

Up front, the CLA feels very roomy with plenty of elbow room, and in the back, it feels a bit more "cosy" due to the smaller windows, but it still feels like a premium space for all passengers.

Technology

Here, as mentioned above, the MBUX system features a clever voice assistant.

For example, you can just say "Hey Mercedes, I'm cold," and the car will automatically turn up the heating for you - which is nice to see.

It also features wireless charging for your phone and multiple USB-C ports to keep everyone's devices powered up as well throughout the cabin as well.

Storage

Inside the cabin, there are also plenty of places to tuck things away, and you will find large door bins, a deep storage area under the central armrest, and a pair of cupholders that can be hidden away under a sliding lid when you are not using them as well.

Engine Choices, Petrol, Diesel, or Hybrid?

The new CLA really does offer something for every driver, in our opinion.

For instance, here you can get a petrol 180 and 200 models, which really are great for city driving, while the 220d diesel remains the king of the motorway.

For those looking to save on tax and fuel, the CLA 250e plug-in hybrid offers you up to 50 miles of pure electric range, which is a must for many drivers, and will be the choice for business drivers here to help lower your BiK Tax rate by benefiting from that hybrid engine, or why not go to the new all electric CLA to get the most benefit here - more on that shortly.

Mercedes Hybrid vs. Mercedes Electric, Which is right for you?

As we all move towards a greener future, the new CLA actually gives you two main ways to switch to electric power. For instance, deciding between the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and the Fully Electric (EV) model really depends on your lifestyle.

The Mercedes CLA 250e (Plug-in Hybrid)

The Hybrid, for instance, is the "best of both worlds" in our opinion, as it has that petrol engine which is then combined with an electric motor, allowing for roughly 40-50 miles of pure electric driving.

Then, when the battery runs low, the petrol engine takes over automatically.

Best for

Short daily commutes with the occasional long-distance road trip.

Key Benefit

No "range anxiety" on long journeys.

How to Charge Your CLA, Home vs. On the Road?

Whether you choose the Hybrid or the Full Electric model here, Mercedes-Benz, in our view, has made the process as simple as charging your smartphone.

For instance, here you can charge it either at home or on the road if you need as well.

Charging at Home

This is the easiest way to "refuel", as by installing a Home Wallbox, you can charge your car safely and quickly.

To this, most drivers will plug in at night to take advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity rates that you can get on EV home tariffs, meaning you wake up to a "full tank" every morning.

Charging on the Road

For longer trips though, the UK's network of public chargers is growing every day, and you can also easily use Mercedes me Charge, which gives you access to thousands of charging stations across the UK with a single tap of your phone or a charging card - making long-distance travel stress-free in our view, especially if you are use to using it, just stop off for a coffee and your back on the road.

Mercedes CLA Models

The new CLA actually comes with a number of models to choose from, including, for instance:

• Mercedes CLA Sport
• Mercedes CLA Sport Executive
• Mercedes CLA AMG Line Executive
• Mercedes CLA AMG Line Premium
• Mercedes CLA AMG Line Premium Plus

Real-World Practicality

While the CLA is undeniably one of the most stunning cars in its class, its "Coupé" design does come with a few small trade-offs in daily practicality that you should be aware of before you buy.

The Boot "Hump"

The boot itself is deep, but because of the car’s stylish rear curves, the opening (aperture) is slightly narrower than a standard hatchback, Shooting Brake or saloon.

You may also notice a "high loading lip" or hump, and if you frequently carry bulky items, this is where the Shooting Brake model mentioned above really shines in our view.

Visibility & The Pillars

To achieve that sleek, low-slung look, the CLA uses thick pillars and a smaller rear window.

While this makes the car look aggressive from the outside and more aerodynamic, it can make over-the-shoulder visibility a bit tighter.

However, we were impressed by the fact that Mercedes-Benz has countered this by giving you a very high-definition reversing camera as standard across the range, which we feel is a necessity rather than just a luxury for this model.

Therefore, you get the best of both worlds, which is good to see.

Pillarless Doors & Wind Noise

The frameless side windows are a fantastic design touch that makes the cabin feel "airier" and more expensive when the doors are open.

At very high motorway speeds, a minor point you may notice here is that you can get a slight wind noise, over say versions such as the Shooting brake, for instance.

The All-Electric Showdown

If you are looking at the All-Electric CLA, you are likely also considering the Tesla Model 3 or the BMW i4.

Here is the key difference many buyers miss, in our opinion:

CLA Electric vs. Tesla Model 3

Tesla is the value king and offers a large charging network. However, many find the Tesla interior "too minimalist" (no buttons), and a lot of owners note that the quality of the Tesla is not of the highest standard, with more notable gaps than you would expect in a newer car brand.

The CLA, though, wins hands down on more luxury features and in our view just feels like a premium car first and an EV second, with a much more plush, insulated cabin overall compared to the Tesla.

Then, for those looking to be on the road faster, the CLA actually charges faster than most Tesla's as well.

Here, the Mercedes CLA actually uses a newer 800-volt architecture, meaning that the CLA can get up to 320 kW max charging capacity, compared to Tesla's 400V Architecture.

CLA Electric vs. BMW i4

For the CLA via the The BMW i4, here the i4 is essentially an electric version of a sports saloon; however, the CLA is built on a brand-new, dedicated electric platform, giving it a significant advantage in range (up to 480 miles, compared to the BMW's 300) and much faster charging times as it does against the Tesla.

  Pro Tip: If you're a business user, especially, the CLA Electric does offer a much higher "curb appeal" for clients than the Tesla, which has become very common on UK roads.

Charging Times Compared

For instance, here you have:

The CLA Buyer’s Checklist, The 5 Steps to Your Perfect Spec

Choosing a new car is a big decision, and as a result, to help you narrow it down, you can use this Sinclair expert checklist to make sure you get the right CLA for your lifestyle:

1. Choose Your Body Style: Coupé vs. Shooting Brake

Do you prioritise the "Mini S-Class" silhouette, or do you need a car that can handle a dog crate or flat-pack furniture?
Check: If you carry adult passengers regularly, opt for the Shooting Brake for that extra 26mm of rear headroom.

2. Pick Your Power: Hybrid, Diesel, or Electric?

Think about your weekly mileage:

• Short Commutes? The CLA 250e Hybrid is ideal - you can do most trips on pure electricity.
• High Motorway Mileage? The CLA 220d Diesel remains the "Long Distance King."
• Ready to go 100% Electric? The CLA Electric offers up to 480 miles of range and the fastest 800V charging in its class.

3. Select Your Trim, Are You Wanting Sport vs. The AMG Line?

The Sport trim offers you that incredible value and a smoother ride, but the AMG Line is the most popular for a reason - and it can hold its resale value better and gives the car that aggressive "Shark-nose" look.
Check: If you want the futuristic dashboard, ensure you spec the MBUX Superscreen (standard on Premium models).

4. Consider the "Real-World" Features

Before you sign, remember our "brutal honesty" points:
Check: Are you happy using a reversing camera for parking? Does the boot opening work for your specific luggage or pushchair?

5. The Tech Audit

If you are buying the Electric model, you should also make sure you take advantage of the 2-speed gearbox during your test drive.

Feel how quiet and effortless it is at 70mph - as this is a feature most rivals simply don't even have or can even offer you, especially at this price point.

Final Tip: Always ask our Sinclair advisor about the Night Edition pack as well, as this adds blacked-out trim and wheels that perfectly complement the CLA’s "darker" sporty side.

Who is Sinclair Group?

Here at the Sinclair Group, we are a prominent family-owned motor retailer based in South Wales with a rich history dating back to 1945. Founded by Bill Sinclair in Port Talbot, our company has grown significantly over the decades.

Today, we operate 25 dealerships representing 12 prestigious automotive brands, including new Audi cars, new BYD cars, new Mercedes-Benz cars, new Land Rover cars to name just some of our 12 car brands, which allow us to offer your some of the most competitive and best prices on new car and used car deals available.

We also employ around 900 staff members, many of whom have been with the Group for over a decade, reflecting our dedication to our employee development and satisfaction as well.