2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA featured a significant design overhaul compared to its predecessor. The most noticeable change was the replacement of the large eagle-eye headlight clusters with more elegant, wedge-like units, aligning the CLA more closely with the larger CLS. The roof and trunk design gave the car a dramatic, almost boat-like appearance, reminiscent of the S-Class Coupe. Inside, the CLA boasted a modern and upscale cabin with a multi-tier dash and vintage-looking climate vents, enhanced by ambient lighting that responded to climate control adjustments. The instrument and infotainment screens formed a single sweeping panel, complemented by brushed aluminum panels and a stylish steering wheel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA continued to impress with its sharp, coupe-like design, although it maintained four doors. The cabin was a highlight, featuring a modern, functional, and elegant layout. The standard 7-inch digital instrument panel and center touchscreen were combined in a continuous bezel dominating two-thirds of the dash. The CLA 250 came with dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, synthetic leather upholstery, five USB ports, power-adjustable sport seats, and HD radio. The available Premium Package upgraded the screens to 10.25 inches and added satellite radio. The AMG CLA 35 and AMG CLA 45 included all the CLA 250's features plus the Premium Package.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA offered four versions, each with a different powertrain. The CLA 250 and CLA 250 4Matic featured a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CLA 250 sent power to the front wheels, while the CLA 250 4Matic added all-wheel drive. The car's steering was light yet refined, and its cornering was precise without being too stiff. The EPA estimated the CLA 250 4Matic's fuel economy at 23 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined, with observed fuel economy just over 25 mpg.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA also featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine across all versions. The CLA 250's engine produced 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with power routed through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to either front-wheel drive or available 4Matic all-wheel drive. The AMG CLA 35 delivered 302 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, while the AMG CLA 45 boasted 382 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and standard AWD. The CLA's handling was taut and playful, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though the ride could feel stiff at times.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, despite its coupe-like design, was essentially a sedan with less functionality. The rear seats were tight, with limited headroom making it nearly impossible for adults to sit comfortably for long drives. The front sport bucket seats provided ample bolstering but lacked headrest adjustment, making long trips somewhat uncomfortable. The CLA offered 13.1 cubic feet of trunk space, with the backseat folding down for larger items, though the car warned you when the seats were down.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, as a subcompact sedan, had its pros and cons. It was maneuverable in tight spaces and had spacious front seats, but the rear seats were tight, and the trunk was small at 11.6 cubic feet. The coupe-like profile compromised rear headroom and legroom, making the rear seats usable only if the front seats were slid forward. The front-seat space was well-utilized, with ergonomic controls, decent-sized cupholders, and large in-door cubbies for water bottles.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA's interior was highlighted by the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a touchscreen and a trackpad controller. The system included a Home button, a Back button, and a volume thumb-roller. The steering-wheel-mounted controls had two small pads for operating the digital screens. The advanced voice-control system allowed for complex commands by saying, "Hey, Mercedes." The CLA had five USB-C ports, which could be inconvenient for those still using traditional USB cables.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA's MBUX system could be controlled via the center touchscreen, a dial in the center console, or voice recognition. The touchscreen and instrument cluster could also be controlled via touch-sensitive toggles on the steering wheel. The system included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with wireless device charging as an option. However, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto were not available. The CLA exclusively used USB-C outlets, which might require adaptors for those not yet using USB-C.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA came with a full array of driver-assistance features, including a lane-departure warning system that was overly abrupt. The system vibrated the steering wheel and, if unheeded, would stab the brakes and jerk the wheel. The driver-assistance package included forward-collision avoidance, automatic high beams, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. The CLA also had front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and traction control. The available surround-view camera activated automatically at low speeds.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA included standard driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a driver attention monitor. The CLA also had crosswind assist. Additional safety features required selecting packages, such as the Driver Assistance package, which added adaptive cruise control, rear collision braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive headlights and a parallel park assist with a surround-view parking monitor were also available.