The CLA is the Budget Benz, a compact sedan with a base price less than $31,000 (including destination) and — “Holy Gottlieb Daimler, Batman!” — front-wheel drive.
Initially, this new sedan is available as the front-drive CLA250. An all-wheel-drive performance model, the CLA45 AMG 4Matic, should arrive in November. A 4Matic version of the CLA250 is due in early 2014.
Despite its position at the bottom of the Mercedes-Benz ladder, the CLA is slightly longer than the C-Class, but its snub-nosed front and more curvaceous styling (patterned after the CLS) make it look smaller.
Read the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Review
There is only one trim level for both the CLA250 and CLA45 AMG. The company doesn’t routinely use that approach for its cars. Instead, most equipment changes occur as options or option packages. Prices listed here include a $925 destination charge.
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- CLA250: $30,825
- CLA250 4Matic $32,825
Basics: A 208-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic powers the front-drive CLA250. The engine requires premium gas.
Interior & Tech: Standard amenities include a stop-start system, air conditioning, power front seats, mbrace2 infotainment system with a console-mounted controller and 5.8-inch display screen, cruise control, a split folding rear seat, MB-Tex (vinyl) upholstery and anthracite interior trim.
Miscellaneous: In addition to eight standard air bags, collision prevention with automatic braking and an attention assist alert are standard. The standard wheels are 17-inch alloys.
Options: Here is where the cash register really starts ringing. Many features that you would expect to find on a Mercedes are in extra-cost option packages: Leather upholstery is part of the Interior Package; an iPod interface, premium audio system, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and other items are in the Premium Package; Comand navigation with a 7-inch screen and a backup camera are in the Multimedia Package; a sport suspension, 18-inch AMG wheels and AMG exterior trim come in the Sport Package; and a blind spot monitor, lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control are included in the Driver Assistance Package.
Among other options are the Parktronic self-parking feature, high-intensity-discharge headlights, a panoramic sunroof, heated seats, wood interior trim, rear air bags and blind spot assist.
Buy ’em all and the MSRP can jump by about $15,000.
