2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review

What is it?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA replaces its outgoing and often maligned predecessor, bringing with it all of the praiseworthy attributes of the class-leading A-Class sedan on which it is based. Compared to the A-Class, the new CLA has some of the coupe-like style that Mercedes pioneered and is 0.3 inch wider and 5.5 inches longer.

In its base form, the CLA 250 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 221 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's 33 more hp and 37 more lb-ft than the A 220. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is available as an option.

Drivers seeking more performance are covered by the AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45. The AMG CLA 35 makes 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive is standard. The CLA 45 bumps those figures up to 382 hp and 354 lb-ft. It also adds high-performance brakes, more aggressive visual cues, and a torque-vectoring rear differential that can enhance the car's handling balance when exiting turns.

Why does it matter?

The first-generation CLA suffered from awkward engine and transmission responses, a stiff ride, and decidedly downmarket interior materials. This second-generation model exorcises those demons by adopting all of the things we like about the A-Class. We're generally not fans of "four-door coupe" adaptations because of their reduced rear-seat headroom, but this CLA makes far fewer concessions.

What does it compete with?

Primary competitors for the new CLA include Mercedes' own A-Class, the Audi A3 and the BMW Gran Coupe. The Volvo S60 is a worthy rival, too, and brings some unique Scandinavian flavor to the German-centric segment.

How does it drive?

Not surprisingly, the CLA 250 drives very similarly to the A 220, and that's a good thing. Mercedes claims it will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds, which is 0.8 second quicker than the company's estimate for the A 220. (In Edmunds testing, the A 220 sprinted to 60 mph in only 6.4 seconds, so it's possible the CLA will be quicker than Mercedes' estimated time.) In everyday driving, the CLA leaves the line smoothly and with minimal effort. With a heavier foot on the pedal, a brief delay precedes acceleration before a rather unexpected lurch of power yanks you through the intersection.

The CLA's engine sounds better than the typical four-cylinder engine, with a pleasant baritone note accompanying a higher-pitched whine. Gear changes are smooth and quick in the default Comfort drive setting and become more abrupt in the Sport mode. The CLA's Sport mode will also firm up the optional adaptive suspension dampers to provide improved handling performance.

The CLA 250 is well-mannered and easy to drive under typical commute conditions, and it delivers a good amount of performance to entertain more spirited drivers on a twisting road.

What about the AMG CLA?

There's also the AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 if you want even more performance. Mercedes estimates the CLA 35 will reach 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds, and our initial impressions confirm that it is noticeably more athletic. Even better, overall comfort doesn't suffer as a result.

We haven't been able to drive the CLA 45 yet, but we did drive the CLA 45 S, a European variant that is not slated for U.S. arrival. Though it has more power and torque than the standard CLA 45, both models have the same estimated 0-60 mph time of 4 seconds flat. So it stands to reason that driving the CLA 45 S leaves us with a pretty strong indication of how the American-market CLA 45 will perform.

Thankfully, it rips. The engine reacts quickly and pounds the pavement with a consistent rush of power, and the transmission clicks off shifts in rapid style. Most impressive is the car's balance on curvy roads. Credit goes to a fully revised suspension by AMG that includes new dampers and an optional adaptive damping system called AMG Ride Control. AMG also added reinforcement plates and braces to the car's body to increase torsional rigidity and handling precision.

What's the interior like?

Much like the A-Class, this new CLA gets the latest style and technology treatment from Mercedes. The dash is dominated by a striking pair of displays that stretch from the instrument panel to the center. Both are controlled via the excellent MBUX infotainment system that maximizes feature content while minimizing distraction.

Materials used throughout the cabin meet expectations for an entry-level Mercedes and exceed them for most other rivals. There are some hard plastic elements, but they're textured to look nicer and placed away from common touch points.

The driver's seat is mounted just a bit too high for our tastes, but it's comfortable and provides a pleasing combination of support and cushioning. The AMG CLA 35 is eligible for a Performance seat package that comes with aggressively bolstered Recaro seats that are mounted appropriately lower.

As the "four-door coupe" counterpoint to the A-Class sedan, we expected the rear-seat headroom to be more restrictive, but we were pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. A 5-foot-10 passenger will just barely fit. We'd guess that adults in the rear seat will be fine for a cross-town trip. Smaller occupants will be comfortable for longer-duration drives. Road noise can be somewhat intrusive on rough pavement, but otherwise there's little to fault the CLA for.

How practical is it?

Pleasingly, the CLA's more graceful roofline actually increases trunk space to 11.6 cubic feet (compared to 8.6 cubic feet in the A-Class). There are also plenty of spots to store your personal effects, with moderately sized door pockets, bins and cupholders. A wireless charging pad is also available.

What else should I know?

We didn't expect to like the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA as much as the top-rated A-Class. Imagine our surprise when we realized we liked it even more. With an increase in power and a larger trunk, the new CLA easily justifies the $4,000 premium on top of the A-Class.

Edmunds says

The A-Class is the best in its class, and everything that makes it great is present in the new 2020 CLA. With more power, a larger trunk, a more attractive silhouette and some exciting AMG variants, the CLA is an even better entry-level luxury choice.