Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 AMG review

The side profile is the new CLA’s best angle. The CLA has always been known for its swooping coupe-like silhouette, and it’s no different with this new model. Keen-eyed readers will probably notice that it looks like a larger car than its predecessor. Indeed, it measures 4cm longer and has a 6cm longer wheelbase. I was told it’s larger even than the W205-generation C-Class.

Practicality & features

The larger dimensions have had a positive effect on the cabin. Coupled with the expansive panoramic glass roof (standard on all CLA models), this new car feels more spacious on the inside. The glass’ special coating also seems to do a better job at keeping heat out than any other car I’ve experienced. It helps also that the air-con provides arctic-levels of cooling.

Leg room in the back is good, though headroom can be a little problematic for taller folks because of the steeply sloping roofline. Indeed, apart from the low roofline for rear passengers, the amount of space inside the new CLA feels more comparable to a larger class of car. That said, Mercedes appears to have prioritised cabin space over boot space. The claimed capacity of 405L is below average, and the opening aperture isn’t the widest. A 27-inch piece of luggage can fit in the back, but getting it through the slightly narrow opening will require some finessing. 

Being one of the brand’s more affordable offerings, there are signs of cost-cutting. There are hard plastics in the lower regions of the cabin, and there are no paddle-shifters even though you can select gears manually. And instead of having dedicated buttons to control all the windows, Mercedes has instead decided to have a system where you push a button to select between the front two and rear two windows to control. Why go through all this trouble to save on one button? Still on the subject of buttons, there isn’t one on the steering wheel that will let you skip your music.

In terms of software, the new CLA is Mercedes’ first car to get MB.OS – the brand’s all-new infotainment operating system – which was designed from the ground up and will underpin all future Mercedes models. It’s very intuitive to use, mostly because it fundamentally behaves like Android or iOS. There are apps for your streaming services like Spotify and YouTube, and you can even download additional apps from an app store. There’s also an AI-powered voice assistant that’s powered by ChatGPT. But if you don’t want to fuss around with any of that, you’ll be happy to know wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both supported.

How does it drive?

The CLA200 would be more enjoyable to drive had it come with a faster and more intuitive transmission. The 8-speed dual-clutch unit is a let-down, mostly because it’s frustratingly slow, even in the car’s sporty setting. As a result, the CLA200 never feels sprightly, even if its claimed power output and 0-100km/h timing of 8 seconds are respectable. 

One more thing to note about the transmission: it doesn’t have paddle-shifters. Instead, you shift gears manually using the column-mounted gear lever. It isn’t intuitive, and since the transmission is slow to shift anyway, owners will be better off ignoring that feature and driving the CLA as if it were a pure automatic. 

If there’s any upside to the glacial operation of the gearbox, it is that it engages gears smoothly. Most dual-clutch units are extremely clunky and jerky at carpark speeds, but not this Mercedes unit. But I have to wonder, if the intention was to have smooth gear changes, won’t the CLA be better off with a conventional torque converter automatic? 

On the subject of driving, this new model feels like a significantly bigger car on the road than its predecessor. It doesn’t change directions as keenly, and as a result, it feels lazier on the road. But the way it rides is impressive. It soaks up bumps and imperfections on the road with a deftness that’s more commonly found in larger and more expensive cars. It’s vastly improved over its predecessor, and must surely be one of the best-riding cars in its class. Wind and road noise are well suppressed too. Generally, this is a much comfier car to cruise in. 

How efficient is it

Though this new CLA is a hybrid, it’s a more common and simpler parallel hybrid. The wheels can be driven by the engine or the electric motor, together or separately. However, the engine can’t charge the battery. And speaking of which, the battery capacity is a mere 1.3kWh, so it won’t run on battery power alone for any extended period of time. While this system confers some fuel efficiency gains, it’s not as significant as a more advanced series-parallel system – like those used by Toyota or Honda hybrids. Consequently, fuel consumption was merely alright.

In my weekend with the car, I travelled 384 km, and the trip computer showed a return of 6.7L/100km. This translates to around 14.92km/l. And since it has a 43L fuel tank, it means a range of around 550km to 600km. 

Admittedly, the CLA is a heavy car (around 1,700kg), and my passengers have commented that, based on the way I drive, I must have lead in my right foot. Even then, there’s no denying its fuel economy is some way off series-parallel hybrids like the Lexus LBX and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which can easily eke out fuel consumption figures in the range of 18 to 20km/l. If you are concerned about getting the most out of every litre of petrol, the CLA is probably not for you.

Final thoughts and buying advice

The CLA has grown up in more ways than one. Not only is the latest version a larger car, but it rides with greater poise and sophistication. Mercedes-Benz has clearly prioritised comfort over driving dynamics for this new generation. Overall practicality is decent, the interior is spacious and mostly snazzy, and the new MB.OS interface is easy to use. My main criticisms are the languid gearbox and the various cost-cutting measures.

The thornier issue, perhaps, is price. Even if you view it as an aspirational purchase, S$308,888 is a lot of money for an entry-level Benz, and there are arguably better value options, particularly in the used market. But what can you do? Such is the state of the market these days. And even at these prices, there’s no question that the CLA is a capable and practical cruiser. Moreover, I suspect readers eyeing this car won’t be too concerned. Owning a brand new Mercedes-Benz at some point in life is a goal for some, and what price do you put on an ambition like that?

Availability and pricing

At the moment, the CLA 200 AMG Line Sport is the most premium ICE variant, and prices start at S$308,888. There are cheaper ICE variants of the CLA. The CLA 180 Progressive starts at S$285,888, and the CLA 180 AMG Line starts at S$296,888. 

Apart from trim and equipment differences, the CLA 180 models have a lower power output of 129hp and 200nm of torque, and therefore qualify for a Cat A COE.

Electric versions of the CLA start at S$283,888.

To learn more and to configure your CLA, visit Mercedes-Benz’s website.

Note: Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change depending on COE prices.