Used Mercedes CLA 2019-present review

The fashion for four-door coupés, that is to say, a car based on a regular saloon that is then given a coupé silhouette with a swooping roofline, or a car based on a two-door coupé that is then stretched slightly to provide four doors, has grown so much over the years that it is no longer solely the province of larger, more expensive models.

So, whereas cars like the Mercedes CLS were based on luxury Mercedes E-Class models, and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé on the expensive 6 Series Coupé, the Mercedes CLA is based on the more humble A-Class hatchback. It's always been aimed at the family car buyer who doesn't want to completely sacrifice style on the altar of practicality.

This is the second generation version, which replaced the popular first-gen 2013-2019 Mercedes CLA in 2019. Petrol engines in this model include the 134bhp CLA 180, the 161bhp CLA 200, the CLA 250 and the plug-in hybrid CLA 250e. The diesel option is the 2.0-litre CLA 220d. Should you want more pace, there are the AMG-tuned performance models, including the rapid CLA 35 and the flagship CLA 45.

There are three different trims: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium and AMG Premium Line Plus. AMG Line is handsomely equipped with dual-zone climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, USB and smartphone connectivity, automatic lights and wipers and alloy wheels. Adding the Premium package brings the larger instruments, keyless entry and an upgraded stereo, while Premium Plus adds a head room-eating panoramic sunroof.

Underneath, it's similar to the A-Class, unsurprisingly. On the road, the diesel CLA 220d has a pleasing amount of shove and is relatively refined. The CLA 180 is quiet, too, but never feels quick, and nor does the CLA 200. The CLA 250 is quick and smooth, but obviously more thirsty, while the hybrid CLA 250e is quiet and has the ability to run on electric-only power for up to 44 miles, according to the official figures.

The petrol cars are fitted with Mercedes’ seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the diesels and the plug-in get an eight-speed auto.

The CLA steers and handles nicely, too, if not to any level that will really satisfy a keen driver. Its ride can likewise be caught out on urban ruts and potholes, but its motorway ride is calm and comfortable.

Inside, the CLA offers up the wow factor, especially if you find one that's had the dual 10.3in screens optioned from new (as standard, the infotainment screen is that size, but the instrumentation is displayed on a 7.0in monitor). The graphics are sharp, too, and usability is impressive, because the various menus are logically laid out, and you can choose between pressing the onscreen icons, scrolling with responsive touchpads or issuing voice commands to a system that recognises natural speech.

The materials used are all of a high quality, which makes it feel even more inviting. The driving position is excellent, too, and there's plenty of space up front. Passengers in the rear should have just about enough leg room, but head room is restricted by that swoopy roof.

The boot is a good size, but its lip is high and the aperture small, so it's not as practical as some rivals.

If you're interested in buying a used Mercedes CLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds here.

The earliest CLA from 2019 should cost you around £20,000 with an average mileage for the year from an independent dealer. You’ll need more than £20,000 to £24,000 for higher-spec cars of the same age or a little more than that even for models from 2020 and 2021. Spend £24,000 to £28,000 on 2022 cars, depending on trim, and upwards of that on 2023 models. The CLA 250e is the most expensive product in the range, ignoring the performance variants.

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MPG

On paper, the most abstemious CLA is the CLA 250e hybrid with a WLTP figure of 282.5mpg, but whether you can get anywhere near that in the real world depends on how well the car would fit into your lifestyle. Charging takes just over 1.5hrs using a 7.4kWh charger from flat. The diesel 220d is good for 56.5mpg in the same tests, while the top-performing petrol is the CLA 180 with 47.9mpg.

Road tax

All CLAs will have their annual car tax (VED) charged at a flat rate, currently £180 a year. And while none of them cost over £40,000 when new (except for some versions of the 35 and the CLA 45 AMG), at which point a supplementary luxury car tax is payable form years two to six, currently £390, it’s worth checking that a highly optioned car didn’t go over that limit when new. You can find out more about road tax costs here.

Insurance and servicing

Insurance groups vary from 17 to 31, depending on the power output and trim of the car. All new CLAs will get an unlimited mileage and three years’ free servicing plan, while a flexible servicing plan called ServiceCare allows buyers to spread the cost of servicing across a series of payments, or simply make a one-off payment. Mercedes guarantees its parts and labour for up to three years.

Engine

We’d go for the CLA 250 petrol-engined car if you don’t do a lot of miles, or the CLA 220d diesel if you do. The plug-in hybrid CLA 250e is a nice idea, but only if you can regularly plug it in.

Specification

Base AMG Line trim is nicely equipped but if you can find a car that’s had the Premium pack added, so much the better.

Our favourite Mercedes CLA: CLA 250 AMG Line Premium

The suave Audi A5 Sportback blends coupé-like styling with saloon car practicality. It also offers class-leading interior quality, powerful and efficient engines and it's practical for a four-door coupe. Not as involving to drive as some rivals, though.

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is the most logical rival to the CLA, although underneath the skin it’s rear-wheel drive. The Beemer rides and handles well, though, and the diesel engines are both punchy and economical. However, those same diesels can be a little gruff at times, and there’s not as much room in the back of the 4 Series as there is in the A5. Nonetheless, a terrific car and a great used buy.

If you're interested in buying a used Mercedes CLA, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our used car classifieds here.

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