The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA went on sale in the United States back in August and has now started to arrive in dealerships. Is it worth buying? Let Doug DeMuro answer that question for you.
Mercedes-Benz will only sell U.S. residents the CLA in 250 and 250 4MATIC forms. Both use a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 221 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. This engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels in the base CLA 250 and through all four wheels in the CLA 250 4MATIC.
Prices for the front-wheel drive model start at $36,650 while the CLA 250 4MATIC goes for an extra $2,000. Consequently, the new CLA isn’t what you’d call cheap, especially since the previous-generation model had a starting price of $33,100.
Also Watch: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA: Mini CLS Or Sleeker Alternative To The A-Class?
Fortunately, the new car makes up for this with eye-catching looks and a plethora of interesting new features. For example, the Mercedes-Benz badge on the trunk doubles as a handle and also houses the reversing camera, much like many Volkswagen models. Then we come to the interior. It is significantly nicer than its predecessor.
The cabin of the CLA is much plusher than the old car and also includes a brand new three-spoke steering wheel. Mercedes-Benz’s new MBUX infotainment system and digital gauge cluster is featured and remains one of the best on the market. The system can be used through the touchscreen, the manual controls in the center console or through the steering wheel. One of the controls in the center console is a touchpad that allows owners to draw letters, numbers, and words that are then added to the navigation system.