Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the automaker’s entry-level model, but it needed a new role. Mercedes now has a line of compact cars serving as lower-priced entryways to the brand, so it’s moving the C-Class upmarket. The redesigned 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan borrows design elements from the automaker’s flagship S-Class to entice new car buyers on a budget who still want the most Mercedes for their money.

The C-Class competes against a formidable array of small sports sedans. Like the Mercedes, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, and Volvo S60 are fixtures in this segment, with nameplates that date back at least two decades. The Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Infiniti Q50 are newer names that build on their respective brands’ experience in the segment. The Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer from a recently launched brand that’s already managed to impress.

The all-new C-Class launches in C300 sedan form with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD), optional 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), and Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle trim levels. Our test car was a C300 4Matic in the top Pinnacle trim. An AMG C43 performance model is also on the way, but it’s not expected to hit showrooms until after the C300, which arrives at dealerships later this spring.

The entry-level luxury car market has come a long way in the past decade. When upscale automakers first went downmarket, they tended to miss the mark and fail to reach the level of quality that buyers associate with their badges. But they have often come around and finally started producing compact cars with legitimate luxury credentials. One such comeback story is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.

When the CLA was first introduced as a 2014 model, it did not live up to the Mercedez-Benz reputation for luxury. It was underpowered, had a harsh ride, and had a low-grade interior. That all changed with the arrival of its replacement for the 2020 model year. The coupe-like sedan was a significant improvement and it carries over to the 2021 model year. The current CLA has sharp styling, energetic performance, and a high-class interior that’s outfitted with an advanced user interface.