The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is unchanged from last year, though it’s seen some small price increases.
The largest price increase is for the CLA250 4Matic, which is up by $1000.
The range now opens at $63,400 before on-road costs for the CLA200, topping out at $112,000 before on-roads for the CLA45 AMG S 4Matic+.
Based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class hatchback, the CLA’s chief rival is arguably the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, itself based on the 1 Series hatchback.
Last year, Mercedes-Benz sold 2082 CLAs against 1489 examples of the 2 Series Gran Coupe.
Pricing
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA200: $63,400 (+$800)
- 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4Matic: $71,600 (+$1000)
- 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic: $85,900 (+$300)
- 2021 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S 4Matic+: $112,000 (+$700)
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The entry level 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA200 is powered by a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which produces 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The CLA250 uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine pushing out 165kW and 350Nm.
The CLA250 also uses a seven-speed dual-clutch auto but features Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
The first in the AMG range of CLAs, the CLA35 AMG 4Matic, uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged motor with 225kW and 400Nm.
The CLA35 AMG is also fitted with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
At the top of the CLA ladder is the CLA 45 AMG S which features what Mercedes-Benz touts as the world’s most powerful four-cylinder production engine. From just 2.0-litres of displacement, the CLA45 produces 310kW and 500Nm.
The 45 AMG uses a unique eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA uses 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle in CLA200 guise, 6.7L/100km in the CLA250, 7.5L/100km in the CLA35 AMG, and 8.9L/100km in the CLA45 AMG S.
The CLA200 and CLA250 use 95RON premium unleaded fuel, while AMG models require 98RON premium unleaded fuel.
Dimensions
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA measures 4688mm long, 1439mm tall and 1999mm wide in the CLA200 and 4695mm long, 1427mm tall and 1830mm in the CLA250.
The CLA35 AMG is 4695mm long, 1399mm tall and 1834mm wide, while the CLA45 AMG S is 4693mm long, 1409mm tall and 1857mm wide.
All models have a 2729mm wheelbase.
The CLA has 460L of luggage space.
Servicing and Warranty
All Mercedes-Benz including the CLA coupe come with a standard five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Mercedes-Benz offer servicing plans for the CLA. The three-year servicing plan for the CLA200 and CLA250 costs $2050, while the CLA35 AMG’s three-year plan costs $2150 and the CLA45 AMG S’ plan is $3000.
Safety
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA has a five-star rating from ANCAP with a 2019 datestamp. The safety authority says the rating applies to all models bar the CLA35 AMG.
It received a rating of 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, 92 per cent for child occupant protection, 91 per cent for vulnerable road users and 76 per cent for safety assist.
All models come standard with the following safety equipment:
- Nine airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Driver attention monitoring
- Safe exit warning
- Traffic sign recognition
- Active bonnet
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
Adaptive cruise control and lane-change assist are optional on all bar the CLA45 AMG S, where these items are standard.
Standard Equipment
Standard equipment on the base CLA200 includes:
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Nine-speaker 225W sound system
- DAB+ digital radio
- Four-way lumbar support
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- Automatically dimming rear view mirror
- Dual-zone climate control
- Wireless phone charging
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Automatic stop/start
- LED headlights, tail lights and daytime running lights
- Paddle shifters
- Keyless entry and start
- Automatic headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual exhaust outlets
The CLA250 adds:
- Remote start
- Rear privacy glass
- Panoramic sunroof
- Larger fuel tank (51L)
The CLA35 AMG adds:
- AMG Leather Package
- Power-adjustable, heated front sports seats with memory
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Adaptive suspension
- AMG Exhaust
- AMG high-performance braking system
- AMG speed-sensitive power steering
The CLA45 AMG S adds:
- AMG Driver’s Package with top speed increased to 270km/h
- AMG track logger
- 12-speaker Burmester surround sound system
- 19-inch matte black alloy wheels
- Surround-view camera
- Lane-change assist
- Drift mode
- AMG high-performance braking system with six-piston fixed calipers (front) and one-piston floating calipers (rear)
- Matrix LED headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
The CLA line-up has a wide range of option packages.
The Vision Package (CLA200, CLA250 and CLA35 AMG) adds:
- Matrix LED headlights
- Adaptive high-beam
- Panoramic sunroof
- Surround-view camera
The Innovation Package (all models) adds:
- 12-speaker Burmester sound system
- Head-up display
- Satellite navigation with augmented reality
- MBUX Interior Assistant
The Exclusive Package (CLA200, CLA250) adds:
- Open-pore wood trim
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Lugano leather upholstery
- Energizing Comfort Control
The AMG Exclusive Package (CLA200, CLA250) adds:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Lugano leather upholstery
- Adaptive suspension
- Energizing Comfort Control
The Driving Assistance Package (all bar CLA45 AMG S) adds:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-change assist
The AMG Performance Package adds:
- AMG multi-contour front seats
- AMG Aerodynamics Package
- AMG Performance Sound (CLA45 only)
- Track logger
The Seat Comfort Package (CLA200, CLA250) adds power-adjustable, heated front seats with memory.
Ventilated front seats are a standalone option for AMG models.
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