2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is in its second generation, which debuted in 2020. For the 2023 model year, most options remain the same.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is an upscale and dynamic small sedan. It comes with plenty of tech and safety features and is available in spirited performance variants.

What’s New for the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

The second-generation CLA arrived for the 2020 model year. It has carried over to the 2023 model year with almost no changes.

Design

Mercedes-Benz positions the CLA as a “Coupe.” It has four doors and a coupe-like profile. The CLA 250 comes with 18-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof. The AMG CLA 35 comes with 18-inch AMG wheels and unique, performance-inspired styling cues. The AMG CLA 45 adds 19-inch AMG wheels.

Powertrain

The 2023 CLA 250 comes equipped with a 221-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and 45 also have turbo-fours. The AMG CLA 35 makes 302 horsepower and the AMG CLA 45 puts out 382 horsepower. The CLA routes power through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA 250 has the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD). The AMG models come standard with 4Matic. The CLA 45 can sprint from zero to sixty in four seconds flat.

The CLA250 returns fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 36 highway, and 29 combined. AWD brings fuel economy down to 24 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined. The AMG CLA 35 returns 21 city, 29 highway, and 24 combined, and the AMG CLA 45 returns 20 city, 28 highway, and 23 combined. The CLA-Class requires premium fuel.

Interior

Standard features on the CLA 250 include push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, and power-adjustable sport front seats. Features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and genuine leather upholstery are all optional (or included on AMG models).

The CLA has just 11.6 cubic feet of trunk space. The Premium Package (included on AMG models) adds a hands-free power lift gate.

Technology

The 2023 Mercedes CLA comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that can also be operated by a touchpad in the center console. It includes five USB ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a powerful voice-control system. Available on the CLA 350 and standard on the AMG models are a fully digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Other available features include wireless device charging, navigation, and a 12-speaker Burmester premium audio system.

Safety

Standard driver-assistance features on the CLA include automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, driver-attention monitoring, and blind-spot monitoring. It also comes with Crosswind Assist. A Driver Assistance package adds lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert. Other available safety features include automatic high beams, parking assistance, and a 360-degree parking camera system.

Pricing

At the time of this writing, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 has a base MSRP of $39,350. The CLA 250 4Matic starts at $41,350, the AMG CLA 35 starts at $49,500, and the AMG CLA 45 starts at $57,800. The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is backed by a four-year/50,000-mile powertrain warranty.