2022 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
What was once a lackluster entry-level model is now an attractive and well-rounded coupe like sedan . Today, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is positioned as a step up from its platform-sharing sibling, the A-Class. This baby Benz battles other luxury subcompacts including the Cadillac CT4, Audi A3, and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. The CLA carries over into the 2022 model year mostly unchanged.
What's New
- Mercedes-AMG CLA35 receives SiriusXM with Premium package
- AMG Night Package Plus added as an available option
What We Think
We've been impressed with the CLA-Class in its multitude of forms. Whereas the first generation of the swoopy subcompact sedan was obviously built to a price point, the CLA now feels as though it's built to the same standard as the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. It looks more sophisticated than its predecessor, as well.
Overall luxury and refinement are much improved with the current-generation CLA-Class. The base CLA250 has impressive handling, and AMG models offer downright exhilarating performance. Additionally, Mercedes includes a substantial amount of tech and safety features with the CLA.
But the CLA-Class could still use further improvement. Driving the CLA250, we noticed the dual-clutch transmission can be jerky at times, especially when cold at startup. In our experience, the MBUX infotainment system is more complicated and frustrating than other user interfaces available in cars right now. Cabin noise penetration prevents the CLA from completely feeling like a little S-Class. The tapered rear limits headroom, too. Criticisms aside, this is a solid player in its segment.
Performance and Fuel Economy
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine motivates each of the CLA-Class' variants. The CLA250 is the base trim and has 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. It's equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and has standard FWD or optional AWD. It can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds. Despite the impressive performance, the CLA250 gets reasonable fuel economy. The EPA rates it at 24-25/33-35 mpg city/highway.
The CLA comes in two hotter variants, as well: the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and the Mercedes-AMG CLA45. The former is sold standard with a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission; the latter uses an eight-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox instead. Both versions send power to the Mercedes 4Matic AWD system.
The CLA35 gets a more potent version of the turbo four-cylinder to the tune of 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, it hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.4 seconds. The CLA45 develops even more power. Its mighty 2.0-liter turbo is good for 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. For a subcompact, it's very quick. It took just 3.6 seconds to hit 60 mph when we tested it at the track.
The EPA rated the CLA250 at 24/36 mpg city/highway, the mid-tier Mercedes-AMG CLA35 at 21/29 mpg, and the top-spec CLA45 at 20/28 mpg. We found the two more potent models to be serious performers, not just in a straight line but in the corners, as well.
Customizing the CLA
Despite being on the more affordable end of the Mercedes lineup, buyers can add a personal touch to the CLA-Class with several appearance packages. Three packages are available for the CLA250.
First, there's the muscular AMG Line, which adds AMG body styling, 18-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels, a chrome diamond-block grille, a sport steering wheel, aluminum shift paddles, brushed stainless steel pedals, AMG floormats, and lowered comfort suspension. For buyers who want even more aggressive styling, the AMG Line with Night package offers the same upgrades as the regular AMG Line but with black trim in place of the standard chrome. Finally, there's the Exterior Lighting package, which adds active LED headlights and adaptive high-beam assist. The CLA250 can also get à-la-carte upgrades to nearly every trim piece.
For the CLA35 and CLA45, there's also the Night package, which makes the CLA look more sinister with gloss black accents for the front air-dam splitter edge and air intake detailing, the side mirror and side-window surrounds, and the side-sill inserts. Around back, Mercedes blacks out the chrome tailpipes. For 2022, Mercedes included the new AMG Night Package Plus as an option, which adds black louvres on the AMG grille and exterior badging in black.
Mercedes also offers the AMG Aerodynamics package, which adds to the Night package with additional aero details, including a more aggressive front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, lateral airflow breakaway edges in the rear apron, and a diffuser.
Exclusively for the AMG CLA45, there's an available AMG Chrome Exterior package, which adds a silver chrome front splitter and side-sill inserts.
Safety
Standard safety features on the CLA-Class include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Those looking for more tech can add the Driver Assistance package, which bundles together lane keep assist with lane centering, cross-traffic braking, and adaptive cruise control. Mercedes also offers optional lane change assist.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The CLA-Class offers a decent amount of cargo space for a vehicle in the subcompact class. There's 11.6 cubic feet of trunk capacity, 3 more cubes than what's available in the A-Class. However, the A-Class beats its upmarket sibling with headroom; it has 40.3 inches of headroom in the front and 37.2 inches in the rear. Front-row occupants of the CLA must make do with 38.5 inches, whereas rear-seat passengers are confined to just 35.7 inches. Despite the differences in headroom, the A-Class and CLA-Class have the same amount of legroom in the front and rear rows: 41.8 inches and 33.9 inches, respectively.
Technology
Mercedes-Benz equips the sedan with impressive tech, helping to keep the interior feeling as upscale as the exterior. Dual screens adorn the dash of the 2022 CLA-Class. The standard displays are 7.0 inches each on the CLA250 with 10.3-inch units available as an upgrade. AMG models receive the bigger screens as standard equipment. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard across the entire model range.
Aside from the slick screen setups, there's more optional tech to be had. The augmented-reality MBUX system is available, as is a head-up display. Mercedes also offers wireless charging and a 12-speaker Burmester audio system. Other available features include active LED headlights, a 360-degree camera system, heated and cooled front seats, keyless entry, active dampers, and massaging front seats.
Recommended Trim
We described the monstrously powerful and quick CLA45 as "a bite-sized four-door Nissan GT-R," and for enthusiasts, this is the best CLA to buy. Aside from outrageous performance, the top CLA-Class has standard AWD, launch control, and an interior filled with metal switchgear. It also touts two 10.3-inch displays running the MBUX version of the Mercedes infotainment system. The model starts right around $56,500, which is a bit pricey but includes a lot of the cool tech that's only optional on other variants. Mostly though, it's just hard to not have fun in a subcompact with nearly 400 hp.
