2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com has purchased a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 for use in our long-term test fleet for a year and 20,000 miles.

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throwback

I know many folks like the look of this car but it looks ungainly to me. Frumpy is the word that comes to mind.

emajor

Still have that goddamned "feature" wherein you must post a comment to view a comment, I see. Didn't axing Insideline save enough money to hire a competent webpage designer? Regarding the CLA, this is a great choice. Prior C-classes were often panned as feeling cheap and insufficiently Benz-like. With FWD, controversial exterior styling, and a lower price, it seems like the CLA could be even more vulnerable to this criticism. I'm interested if you think it lives up to the hype, brand reputation, and price tag.

noburgers

I have a feeling you are going to have to pry this car from Donna, and it will be a staff favorite. Out goes the SLS, and in goes the CLA (still waiting 2 months for a wrap-up of the SLS and the XF).

joefrompa

When does the CLA AMG come out? It'll be the first MB I look at very closely, as it offers a souped up STI/EVO experience with a touch of luxury and more power for ~$10k more (base price).

Interested in reading this posts though.

joefrompa

I think MB wisely put this car in the mix for the low-end MB buyers and are going to seriously step it up with the new C-class in terms of offering a "Same sausage, different length" feel among their core C-E-S strategy.

The CLA will be for the young upwardly mobile and serve to get those into the C/E class in their second purchase.

bankerdanny

Personally, I would rather skip the multimedia package, which doesn't offer anything I really need, and have the option to upgrade to AWD for the same money.

drhorrible

Too bad you didn't get the sport version but I will be following your progress very closely.

jps429

I don't understand the options selected. You order two separate $2,300 packages but did not get the Bi-Xenon headlamps and LED taillamps for $850?

victorminator_

test

victorminator_

jps429 I totally agree, how the heck do you get this car without xenons?
It looks absolutely cheap without it. I hate that any luxury car manufacturer still sells halogen reflector base cars. When I see a new luxury car with those I instantly think "they got it for the badge and can only afford the cheapest".

tsa1

I'd really like to see you guys do a longer long term test. These German cars are notorious for having very expensive mechanical problems down the road. Researching the previous model E-Class, I came upon many transmission malfunctions with the 7-Speed. I'd like to see how this car held up in 18 months and perhaps up to 40,000 miles. Just a thought.

cotak

Somehow wish you got the AMG cla..

bassrockerx

so far what i like: 1. the front seat, that is my FAVORITE style of bucket seat! i tend to sit upright with my head back and this type of seat just seems to give me the least fatigue. 2. Rear AC standard! 3. Price yeah there is sportier cars for the money and there MIGHT be a more luxurious car for the money (doubt it) but this car seems to have the right balence for just under what the average new car transaction was last year (mid 30s) so pricewise this car is average but what it offers is far from it.

i'm the wierd one who thought the A class was much more attractive and it is a shame that it is not coming but oh well

bassrockerx

@victorminator my experience with HID bulbs has been nothing but terrible they go out all of the time and most cars with HIDs they are designed to be removed and reinstalled in the most infuriating/frustrating ways and the price of the bulbs are outrageou

joefrompa

I'm only commenting because the website won't let me see comments on this article otherwise

camrydriver69

Interesting that it's most researched vehicle. People are probably checking if you get any value along with the MB badge. I'm thinking no.

darthbimmer

Glad to see a Benz in your fleet that folks outside the 1% can afford. It's been almost 5 years.

harry101

The base CLA250 is significantly less well-equipped than a similarly-priced VW CC. For Mercedes-Benz sake, I hope its a better car that their previous attempt at a popularly-priced car, which was a complete disaster.