2014 /2015 Mercedes Benz CLA Detailed Review and Road Test

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLA right for you? Check out the most detailed review on KZbin to find out.
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As promised I have finally finished the review on the CLA250. Please be sure to let me know what you think about the detail in these reviews. Even at 26 minutes I left about 10 minutes of content on the cutting room floor. Is that good? Bad? Could I have lived without more? In this review I talk about the CLA250 and a little about the CLA45 AMG. I did not have the opportunity to film the CLA45 during the short time I had it on the track at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, but I do give you my thoughts on that high performance model along with the complete review on the least expensive Mercedes in America (AKA baby's first Benz).
Music contained inside is licensed ubder Creative Commons
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Sweeter Vermouth Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
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[@selasilatey6591]

this is like the best review of any product in the world. wtf. dude.. you were born for this

[@ocase1000]

yes he is ....he did a very great review

[@SirGreta]

Perhaps the most thorough review I have seen on this car, all my questions answered. Thanks. Subscribed!

[@zeku3531]

this review is amazing! i feel like i dont even need to test drive the car to understand what i like or dislike.

[@arelaththewhitewolf230]

Hey Alex, You are so prepared for this review... I bought the 2017 CLA 45 for almost 2 months, and it seems you know every single thing about it. Great review!

[@pinkyinsane]

Great, honest review! Really enjoyed this. I also like your thoughts on the CLA45 AMG, we bought one this year, and coming from a front wheel only Mazdaspeed3, the CLA45's all wheel handling and 355 bhp performance is truly mind blowing. All that power and speed combined with outstanding fuel efficiency has made this the most worth while vechicle purchase we've ever made.

[@dhhsncnd6107]

best reviews on youtube for this car. I been driving one for a month and really like it. Only annoying thing is the stop/start function is on by default when it starts, and local dealer can't do anything about that.

[@Teblers]

turn off eco mode

[@fonzarellyplay370]

Teblers 👍👍👍👍

[@robertchandler2573]

Good point about front door armrests and those B pillars. Real world things like that is just one of the reasons I like your reviews.

[@PrimorisOrdo]

Greatest CLA review on KZbin!

[@fredpettee3142]

ha, ha. got mine at age 70. perfect for me darn near 40 mpg easily even with my 4matic

[@daviddobyns5887]

I bought a 2014 base w/ options 3 months ago, a 10 year old w/ 26K mile for $11.5. Best deal ever. This is one gorgeous car, from every angle, interior is sweet. Ride is roughish for a merc but the handling is superb and that's the payoff. Plenty of pep, power when you need it, not bad gas mileage. Transmission is a little awkward during lower gears lower revs, takes some getting used to. Wonderful trunk. Screw the people in the backseat lol. I'm considering a $450 oem retro backup camera but otherwise this car is cherry. Driver assist radars are not reliable but it is a 10 year old car.

[@abluehayze]

Your reviews are some of the best on KZbin! Very thorough, great information and easy to tell you know your cars and have done your research. Having a very tough time myself deciding between a CLA and a 3 series. Both seem to have a considerable amount of road noise which is what I'm trying to get away form while still keeping a very connected feel to the road. Steering precision is very crucial to me. Your review was very insightful and helpful and I'll keep your observations in mind.

[@Auton1forone]

Great review, I want a new Mercedes and can't make up my mind 2015 cla or 2015 c class both are nice

[@Omnis2]

Alex,the B class is on its way.

[@mangoldm]

Great point about the door armrest issue for taller drivers. I'm 6'3" and am struggling with this myself. BTW would like to see a review of the new GLA. Love your reviews.

[@kengreenaway1]

When I see the cramped back seat, I really do not understand why one would buy a four door of this size. Ok, to decide to tolerate the cramped back seat means you will not use it often, if ever. This is a signal that you are better suited for a two door. I struggled with this when I was sure I wanted a Audi A4. I put off my decision exactly for the reason you pointed out in the CLA, that being the position of the Center post for the man sized driver. In the A4 and the CLA when one shoulder checks, on gets face to face with that post. It is also a pain for getting in and out. THE SOLUTION is a coupe. I ended up with an A5 and I am delighted with the decision. NO PILLER in the way, big door to help with the ins and outs of my 6-3 frame, and the back seat is much better than the CLA. I would like to see your reviews of coupes in this catagory. I find your reviews terrific, not too long, but long enough. Keep it up!

[@alexchavez6203]

I agree that CLA 45 would be a lot of fun but with a few options it's 55k for that kind of money you could get a base Corvette Stingray if you don't need the back seats which would be a lot more value

[@SensuAudica]

Great and very detailed review as always! I used to have the new MBUX version of the 2018 A-class 200 with sport chassis and the sport seats were horrible. Probably the worst I've ever experience. I have no idea how they could've failed so hard on something so crucial. After about 200km driving everything hurts to the point you have to leave the car and take a break.

[@3333ferret]

I bought one and it is rhetoric 3 day and it is so wonderful

[@patricsimms1988]

Spot on this review 👏🏽

[@3333ferret]

Love it just got it home 2 days ago..wow so gorgeous.

[@tajjjjat3766]

i love my car 2014 cla 250 sport package , 18" amg black spokes mmmm looks everywhere

[@SquiinTv]

how does it drive, I've been hearing a lot. mostly heard that it looks good but when you're driving it, its horrible

[@tajjjjat3766]

i dont think so, proud owner bought it 2014 august almost a year i tell u i love this car, so much grip best tires pirelli p zeros and they dont punture ,so much grip that all wheel drive its another level go test drive one i doubt that you would be dissapointed at all you get so many looks this car makes other cars in its price range look dumb!! i have the cla 250 with diamond grill 18" 3 piece hand made AMG wheels black with chrome lip , upgraded brakes and car tells u if ur too close to another car sick upgraded stereo system with panoramic roof just got installed BOV trurbo blowoff valve from turbokits.com , sounds sick!!

[@Lucky8s]

+Squin Redwood Transmission is silky smooth, engine sounds like a diesel.

[@tajjjjat3766]

your right at first it was odd to hear a noisey engine but inside the car u dont hear anything specially after i installed new turbokits blow off valve

[@toshibamouse60]

Thanks Alex for ur valuable response. Planning test drive this weekend.

[@rcheung135]

Very informative! Thank you for your insight in the mechanics and design/ergonomics.

[@ismailo4yo]

This is a perfect review

[@rushking2007]

a nice comprehensive review. what was missing, however, is reliability and mainteinance issues.

[@timmark4190]

Explain please

[@Lucky8s]

+Walter Hu He doesn't mention reliability in any of his car reviews. If you're going to buy this car, I'd expect you to do the research about its reliability yourself.

[@rushking2007]

it would be nice to have experts like him to review these issues.

[@Lucky8s]

Walter Hu He's just a car reviewer, not a long time owner. His input on reliability is meaningless. If you want to find out about the reliability of the CLA 250, nothing beats the forums. Read comments from actual consumers, it's the most reliable source.

[@debbiegunness1158]

Wow, what a great review!

[@glennbarns]

The perception of the rear seat size is relative to where you're coming from. If you are coming from a BMW 7 series or an Audi Q7, it will feel claustrophobic. If you've been aiming for an Audi TT but have to accommodate 2 kids at the back, this will be an almost perfect sporty car. Considering that you got 4 doors, your kids will also appreciate your choice especially when its raining and all 4 passengers have to rush in the car :)

[@bhavinbm]

Great review Alex. Thanks

[@kicksreason]

Cannot wait for the Chrysler 200C review!

[@jlostracco]

Alex great review as always, but nobody buys a volvo!

[@calvinnunnally5319]

Amazing review 👌

[@spicymeatball1932]

its an honest review but im still keeping my CLA250.

[@raydingo7081]

jose elona me too

[@mirandacollins393]

Spicy Meatball is a oil change expensive and insurance for this car?

[@lucerosutton6753]

Miranda Collins no Ik Geico has really good rates try with them

[@radbcc]

Alex has become the go to guy on car reviews. Well done again. My only comment is why do car reviewers (not just Alex) insist on talking about 0-60 time and track ratings? None of my friends has ever been or is likely to be on a race track. We need real world reviews not Nascar or Formula 1 BS....

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's just an industry standard measure of performance. It allows you to compare acceleration with speeds that are fairly real-world, short merges from metering lights onto a 65MPH freeway for instance.

[@sydjaguar]

Detailed review, brilliant!

[@Diplo-7]

Bought a 2014 220d 100k miles last year, that's my best used car buy I ever did. Just see if the maintenance was made and keep on doing it, you're safe🫡

[@moekhan8536]

This review litrally covered everything about this car. I have no idea why the reviewer felt the need to crawl in the boot along with those suit cases LOL...

[@H1bbe]

Rolling stop at 18:15 ;) and that road is gorgeous.

[@Jfoster999]

Hey Alex, I watch a lot of car reviews and this was very well done... Lot of good info and explanation of options. Looking forward to more Mercedes reviews.

[@michaeljones4465]

May the cla live forever we need this I hate how cars keep geting bigger and bigger in a little while the c class might look like the e class

[@The1manfromiran]

Great review, as was the A3 review. Everyone tells me to go with the A3. It has better comfort's. It's cheaper. It handles almost as well. It's a little roomier. I just can't get over how sleek this looks though. I really wish it was a little longer, because I'd hate to regret getting this car if it's only going to be a hassle to fit a few friends in it.

[@IMILLN]

Hi Alex, Great great review! I can appreciate the fact that you know your facts stone cold. Props, props .. Keep up the Awesome work. :)

[@RealityIsStrangerThanFiction]

Lol, I as not expecting you to climb into the trunk!

[@bbhoustontx]

excellent review as always... thx

[@Zonked2]

Great review!

[@STEVE33437]

I agree on everything except for your description of the "aluminum dash". I found it to be cheap plastic ,colored like aluminum. I tested this car and the A3 1.8T which felt like a VW Jetta. I wound up with the Cadillac ATS which I felt trounced the other 2 in every way.

[@arnonabuurs7297]

The biggest crap car there is lol, the time the USA made good cars is long over

[@stephanematis]

Alex, my guess is that in Mercedes thinking, the B Class is for those who wish to have space in the back. And for some reason, the A Class is for punishing North American buyers with "No Hatchback for you!". We get the GLA, on stilts A series. Here in Canada, the B is quite popular.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Hatches in the USA are tricky. They do outsell the sedan variant in very limited vehicles, but overall they do have a place. I'm not entirely sure why Mercedes decided to go CLA first, but I have a feeling it had something to do with the fact that the CLA looks like sex and handles extremely well so quite a few people are willing to cut the back seat some slack...

[@BrianHuntley]

They should call one the "B210". And sell it in a hideous orange colour.

[@yizzledizzle2612]

Very informative, thank you.

[@bryanchaps3647]

Great review

[@michaelchiasson7479]

Alex, I think you do a great job in your reviews. But I would like to demure on your statement that Chevy Traverse is a reliable car. It's true that it is reliable during the first three years when GM is on the hook for the repairs. But look at Consumer Reports for the following years and things get ugly fast. Because the last redo of this car was only skin deep, no one should expect things to get better soon.

[@Ninjahat]

The Mercedes transmissions are the the best in the world. You are totally off with your opinion.

[@hangDC]

Great review as always Alex. Is there a chance you'll be reviewing the Subaru WRX?

[@gabrielmaquilon6523]

Don't forget, if you factor in how the CLA's noise within its cabin, compared to it's cimpeditors, is far from acceptable; and with its overly large A, B, and C pillars, visibility becomes a stand alone hazard without the "optional" blind spot monitoring system when compared to vehicles in it's class. It's also important to keep in mind that my current position in life, living in the Bay area of California, a Mercedes Benz becomes more of a dream than an actual realty. No joke viewers, it is EXPENSIVE living in California. BACK TO FLOTIDA ALEX!

[@bird718]

the glued on tablets horrendous as well as the center dash with the number pad

[@uzair9701]

Good review but you completely missed mentioning that this is the most aerodynamic production car in the world, which is quite a significant point seeing as its competitors such as the Prius had to completely compromise looks in order to achieve a low drag coefficient.

[@besselfunctions]

The US version has a drag coefficient of 0.28, which is about average for a sedan nowadays.

[@leonardruel]

Hi Alex, nice review as always. Maybe just a little suggestion; at the end in the price comparison, a side chart would have made the whole thing easier to follow. Thanks.

[@blueadept1]

Totally agree with this. Might be helpful to start a website up to carry some of these stats/tables as well.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The stats are all on alexonautos.com, but that website is still under development so I haven't really been talking much about it.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I like that idea, I'll have to see if I can come up with something easy to follow. Price comparisons are always so complicated...

[@anilarkay]

Good Review..... Kudos :)

[@Wells306]

That rear seat is a joke. There's no point.

[@tonyg.3900]

As the owner of one of these cars, I couldn't agree more. Luckily I knew that going in.

[@jby2009]

+Wells306 well, I don't sit in the back, so idc

[@TransitAndTeslas]

My best friend is 4’ 9” and she fits back there just fine.

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

it's fine if your UP TO 6' , and as has been said I don't plan on sitting in the back lol, for for my kids 👍

[@darrylphillips6301]

If u are 5'11 or shorter it is fine. Yall are so dramatic, obviously the people buying this csr dont need a big backseat.

[@RealtimeReviews613]

You are the man alex!!!! Can you review the NEW HYUNDAI GENESIS?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I sure hope so!

[@stevewierzbicki5069]

Hi Alex, I enjoyed Your video. So, basically the "CLA 250" is really a (4 dr.) coupe; Not really a 4 door sedan.

[@oxohoh88888]

It was a very good review video! May I ask what the size of the larger one suitcase? 26" suitcase? Thank you very much!

[@tonyg.3900]

Great, in depth review! But PLEASE, for the love of God, lose the sunglasses when addressing the camera?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They actually aren't sunglasses per se, they are transitions lenses and the camera makes them look much darker than they actually are. If I were to take them off I couldn't see anything (let alone drive) and of course then I'd be squinting in bright light as well.

[@tuolumne9]

Alex, I wondering if you notice that Mercedes still has those door plunger lucking tabs on the top of the door where your arm goes. I wish they'd move to the setup on VAG cars, where there's a little red light built into the power lock switch. They've been doing that since 2005 on all VW products, even the Polo! What gives? Ditto on MB's use of a manual parking brake, even on the new S-Class,

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's just a design preference really. I believe it actually costs more to have the physical lock plunger but that's what Mercedes seems to like.

[@wolfman3k5]

I wouldn't spend a penny over $25K on any sedan. A 2015 Sonata Sport with a Tech Package looks mighty appealing. Yes, it's more than $25K on paper, but in the real world you'll be able to get one for less than $25K.

[@bobjones2580]

Droopy rear reminds me of the GM Saturn.

[@ErechMyers]

Thanks Alex! I've been waiting on this review. I was one of those that asked you to compare it to the Accord. I have to say, I'm still torn. I was leaning towards the Accord because is it just more practical with two young kids, but I'm turning 40 next week and there is something very appealing about the thought of rewarding myself with a MERCEDES. :-) Plus I am not selling my truck and we have my wife's SUV. Hmmmm. So let me ask you this...If you had $30k to spend, what would you choose... 1) Mercedes CLA 250 base 2) Honda Accord Touring 3) Honda Accord Hybrid EX

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Well with kids in tow the CLA would just be a tough sell for me. The back seats really are small and child seats in the back of the CLA proved to be an exercise in frustration. The BMW 320i starts at just $32,750 and has an enormous back seat, I'd call that a good option vs the CLA250. If you want something out of the ordinary $33,000 will buy you a base 2015 Volvo S60. It's obviously not as flashy as the CLA, but it is going to be more practical and a step up from the Accord in driving dynamics and image.

[@emjayay]

Alex on Autos An Accord or just about anything else would have enough room in the back seat for actual humans.

[@OsamahF.]

It's looks great , but with this high price and low options !! Makes me move to others.

[@ACCORDingtoTom]

Thanks for the review! I currently have a 2009 Honda Accord Coupe and I'm considering this as a replacement for it in a few years. If lightly optioned, a CLA250 would be just a tad more expensive than a loaded Accord Coupe. I'm intrigued by the styling, driving dynamics, and MPG, however the harsh ride concerns me. My Accord already has a pretty harsh ride and I don't know if I want that again. I'll just have to go test drive one of these.

[@ACCORDingtoTom]

Nam Duong The CLK's are nice, however the last year they were made was 2009. It's inherently an older design, and I want something with newer technology. Also, RWD isn't too appealing for winter in the Northeast United States, either. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

[@ACCORDingtoTom]

Nam Duong I do love the E-Class Coupe, but I feel that it might be too expensive.

[@saulbachiller-smith8382]

Am sorry, I do not see why you are talking so much about the CLA 45, when you are driving the CLA 250, that is the review of this video.

[@fe1138lix]

Alex, great review as always! What device do you use to measure 0-60? Your numbers are most of the time faster than magazine times.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I use a vBox 10Hz GPS based accelerometer just like most magazines use as well. My numbers include 1 foot of roll-out like you'd see on a drag strip. There is always going to be a variance between publications because we're not testing the exact same car, we're using different surfaces, different fuels, different temperatures, etc. Also weight plays a huge role, so how many are in the car, etc comes into play. In general you should never compare one publication's numbers to another, so don't compare mine directly to Road and Track, nor should you compare Motor Trend numbers to Road and Track either. Instead use the publication's numbers in reference to eachother. So compare my CLA numbers to my S60 T6 numbers and my BMW 328i numbers for an accurate comparison. If you compare my CLA numbers to MT's S60 numbers and R&T's 328i numbers you won't get an accurate picture.

[@fe1138lix]

Alex on Autos Thanks :D

[@k1ngz0nly85]

Hey alex keep up the great work, I really dig your reviews and very thorough and detailed. I am going to buy my first luxury car, and I am thinking about a cla45 amg. I am weighing that car with the M235i bmw. What would you say are the pros and cons within both cars. My order of importance is driving dynamic and luxury competents (meanings good ride, good interior, extra goodies etc etc). Any help would be great! Thank you!

[@TheSaint491]

of the two, I'd recommend the m235i for driving and ability to park across two disabled spaces, while I'd recommend the cla45 for a moving centre console in a premium vehicle and the ability to look like a small time rapper. for mechanical prowess and teenage kicks, I'd get a wrx sti

[@toshibamouse60]

Hi Alex...lucky to have found your CLA 250 review. I am thinking of selling my BMW 335 and buying CLA 250. So u mentioned the CLA AMG is a better deal than the 250?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Personally I think that the CLA45 is the only way to CLA. Coming out of a 335 I think you might be disappointed with the way the CLA250 drives, but the CLA45 would likely be a step ahead of your 335.

[@fsx767]

Dammit Volvo hahah, It's a laughing type of disappointment I get (coming from an S60 owner and Polestar fan) when I hear the Polestar S60 news and how even though THEY KNOW the U.S customers want more, meaning more power, they won't make more than 60 of the Polestars. But, this is a Mercedes video, so bravo to the CLA! Very smart marketing by the Merc execs too knowing that if they can get a younger customer crowd, they've got them in a bit of a set in stone price range because of the CLA 45 AMG's starting tag at $47k.

[@dzeeeeko]

really 5.9 seconds 0-60? Ive heard higher but if thats the case im sold on this car over the a3 and the 228i. Mercedes it is!

[@selasilatey6591]

thanks for getting in the trunk.. now the kidnappers out there using this car will be watching this review with fat smiles on their faces... hehehehe

[@SharonShamikoLee]

Thank you for the awesome video. Is there a difference between the CLA 250 of 2014 and 2015?

[@falc410]

Sharon S. Lee I can only speak for the German version. Only minor details changed, you could order the larger screen without the Navigation module for example. Updated steering wheel and so on. Since July 3th you can order the 2016 Model however which changed much more. More Power for certain models, manual gearbox for the 250 (in Europe at least) and pre-order Apple Carplay.

[@mandocool]

Honestly, I hardly carry passengers in the back. I would love to own this car, but I only make about 35k annually, I don't want to feel like i am working for my car. :( But i want it!

[@PhilV205]

I make $0 annually

[@fletchyveliki8677]

A class

[@micy9614]

I think the review for the rear seat part is slightly unfair, judging from the video where he mentioned his seat position in relation to the b-pillar, he has a rather extreme rearward driving position, which is not optimum in terms of ability to control and safety; however my main point is to say that having such rearward seat position does dramatically reduce the space for the rear seat passengers. I am 5''9' ~ 6'' myself with my own driver seat setting I can fit myself into the rear seat without any squeezing needs to be done, nowhere near what Alex did (of course knee room is not glamorous but at least my knees are not touching the front seat). But please don't get me wrong, I am not saying Aex is being unfair, I am just saying that the review on the rear seats is probably not reflecting what most people should expect since it can be quite subjective and heavily influenced by your preferred driving position. But no matter what, thanks Alex for all these videos I do 100% appreciate them.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Where I showed the rear seat all the way back in its tracks was on the right side of the car. That's a standard test I do in all reviews. The driver's seat was adjusted for me and I tend to sit in an upright position due to back issues. In the video I say taht I have no issue in leg room per se, the issue is head room. At 6 feet tall I could not sit in the back of the CLA behind myself because the ceiling is several inches too low. This isn't surprising because of the CLA's low slung roofline and the fact that it is significantly shorter than the C-Class. The C-Class has over 2 inches more rear headroom and my hair brushes the ceiling in the C-Class. It is important to keep in mind that the CLA is a small car, it is only about three inches longer than a Ford Focus but about 1.5 inches shorter in height from the ground, that means a more compact interior. I don't necessarily think this is a problem for the CLA however. As I mentioned the Volvo S60, BMW 2-Series and other competitors have similarly snug rear compartments and Mercedes does call the shape a 4-door Coupé which roughly translates into: "Sedan with less rear headroom".

[@micy9614]

Wow this is rather unexpected with this lengthy reply, maybe its because I have not been following your channel, but thanks for that. And my apology for my misunderstanding. Please keep up with the good work cheers.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

***** Thanks for watching! :-)

[@benhaze1010]

Hi Alex, I wonder if you would change your recommendation about the CLA now that the new C-Class is out. The CLA250 with the sport package is incredibly harsh and uncomfortable. I think a slightly less equipped C-Class will likely be a much better choice than the CLA. I also do not agree with suggesting the CLA45 to the general public as it can only be worse than the CLA250.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I really, really like the CLA45. yes the suspension is harsh, but IMHO it is worth it. The C-Class is more luxurious, has a more compliant ride, etc. I will have a C-Class in about a month so stay tuned.

[@benhaze1010]

Thanks for your response. I am much looking forward for your review of the C-Class. Your reviews are exemplary. I recommended to a family remember to add the CLA250 on his shopping list and he bought it on the sport. I had several opportunities to drive in it on less than perfect city streets (as you demonstrated so well in your video) and my 2010 CTS with the sport package has a significantly more compliant suspension. Adult rear passengers were complaining even when going at low speed. Alex on Autos

[@MOHAMEDBRAHAM1986]

Alex, Could you review the Maserati Ghibli please ?

[@Setherino86]

Who else prefers the Cadillac ATS?

[@buycycles]

When will you get your hands on the GLA250 or GLA45? It's right at the top of my buy list when they hit the US.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'm not sure but hopefully 2-3 months after the US launch.

[@buycycles]

Alex on Autos I'll probably be posting my own video by then! Just not sure how to justify the price difference to AMG, in the short run and over time. Looks great, sounds great, goes fast, costs $__________ more. (fill in the blank)

[@markwilliams6378]

Hey Alex what's your take on stop start technology? Is it worth the complexity and do you need a more robust starter to compensate for all the extra starting and stopping?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

mark williams Well, it seems silly to run your engine when it isn't needed and overall it does save fuel. The systems that do this either use a robust starter, a belt starter/alternator or a pancake motor. They have proven reliable so far but we should know more in about 5 years or so.

[@markwilliams6378]

Thanks for responding Alex

[@amill1563]

I'm not too sure on Mercedes reliability. Also in about 4 years this care will also be half price

[@shameldiesel]

Great and super thorough review.. but man you speak too fast :D

[@shinigami4440]

It’s made for young parents age under 25 with young kids.

[@05khanha]

Why do you test out the rear seat with passenger seat moved all the way back? How tall of a person are you expecting to be sitting in the front seat?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I had a 6'4" passenger in the seat and he adjusted it until it was comfortable. Even on the driver's side there was little room behind be at 6' tall. The CLA just doesn't have a very large back seat.

[@05khanha]

Alex on Autos I was just curious because most of us are not 6'4" or even 6'. I get your point though, small back seat regardless. Thank you for the reply.

[@failandprevail]

As far as comparisons go, I thought the 2015 Audi A3 was garbage,

[@mountainhobo]

Alex, how would you compare handling and comfort to C300 or C350? With a few options, the price difference is minimal.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Road holding is slightly better in the CLA250 but the feel in the C300/C350 is better because of the RWD layout. The C class is also more comfortable.

[@joelnzekaofficial9582]

Manual transmission?

[@mountainhobo]

Alex, are you sure the forward radar active control works very well? There is a video on KZbin, I forget if by Motor Trend or Consumer Reports, where they tried it with a mockup pneumatic barrier/car. They crashed into it every time.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I'm not sure how good of a demo a blow up dummy is, but I can say that the pre-collision system does have an impact on accident statistics. It's not designed to be 100% effective, but even if it works most of the time it's a feature I think should be more common.

[@GeorgeKnighton]

If you are talking about the feature called "low speed follow" then the system will bring you to a full stop if the car ahead of you stops. Collision mitigation braking will NOT bring you to a full stop. The car "mitigates" the collision by providing an automatic radical slow down, but everyone has always felt that going into a full threshold implementation of ABS might create issues in some kinds of circumstances, and almost all manufacturers create an event that serves to wake the driver and cause him to take the appropriate action himself.

[@mountainhobo]

George Knighton Understood, but some of the cars they tested did stop completely.

[@209souriya]

What do you think is the average age of the consumer that will be buying the CLA?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

According to Mercedes it is 45.

[@209souriya]

so 45 is the new young buyers they are after? cool! lol

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

***** It's all relative. When you're Mercedes a 50 year old is on the young side...

[@nastraightsix]

I suppose it depends on the region. Here in Canada (Ontario, BC, Quebec) there are many 30 year old professionals driving this vehicle.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

nastraightsix Keep in mind 45 is the average. So it does take a decent number of young folks to balance out the older Mercedes audience.

[@jameseiashipp8306]

can i listen to music off my phone in my mercedes ? i have a 2015 cla 250 ?

[@amanwithaplan4103]

Column Shifter is a drawback imo

[@egy1815]

How much would this car cost for lease?

[@LifeThroughFilm35mm]

Hey Alex, it's down between a Quattro 2.0T Audi A3 and a 4matic CLA 250. In your opinion.. which one would you choose?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

+LifeThroughFilm I''d get the A3

[@mounirjamaaoui9780]

Audi A3 is too small!!! I prefer then a Golf considering the exagerated price of Audi

[@curseknight5]

Hi Alex, do you think the CLA250 is a Honda Civic and not a true Mercedes?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Seeing as Mercedes has been making plenty of FWD cars in Europe for decades I would say that the CLA has to be a true Mercedes, just not the side of the brand we are used to seeing.

[@alanscott8067]

😎

[@kfskfs6930]

Does anyone know if this car have a backup camera?

[@AirplaneFootageHD]

Hi Alex, would this car make a good daily driver car? In terms of fuel economy and ride quality?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The ride is a hair too stiff for me personally but in general I would say yes.

[@marcusjohnson163]

But did u have the sport suspension? That could be why. Also what tires could affect the ride quality

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Benjamin Jones I tested both, I found even the base suspension a little to stiff for my tastes.