282 used Mercedes-Benz CLA cars for sale

The Mercedes-Benz CLA arrived in 2013 on the back of the highly successful A-Class model. Developed as a compact saloon variant of the popular hatchback, the CLA found instant success in the market, and was joined in the same year by a Shooting Brake version. The model promptly won the coveted Red Dot Award for outstanding design, impressing judges with its ‘striking details’ and ‘high-value character’.

Mercedes-Benz CLA updates and facelifts

In 2019, the Mk2 CLA was launched, with the four-door coupé being followed shortly after by the updated five-door Shooting Brake. A wide range of engine options were (and remain) on offer to buyers, with front and four-wheel drive iterations available too. In April 2020, the German manufacturer added a plug-in hybrid to the CLA line-up, in both saloon and Shooting Brake guises.

In addition to the plug-in hybrids, the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes in both petrol and diesel forms, and the Mk2 offers four trims: the entry-level AMG Line Executive, Sport Executive Edition, AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition, each with an impressive level of equipment. Both the coupé and Shooting Brake are remarkable for their swooping roofline, which gives them a sleek and sporty feel without compromising on practicality.

The CLA stands somewhat in a class of its own, meaning rivals are few and far between. The main competition comes from the Audi A3 and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Practicality and style of the car

The sporty aesthetic of the Mercedes-Benz CLA continues into its cabin, with a low-slung driver’s seat that places you right at the heart of the action. The front of the cabin also has plenty of storage space for smartphones, water bottles and coffee cups, meaning things never get cluttered inside. Some used models may come with the Storage Package, which adds parcel nets, a 12v socket, a sunglasses holder and storage boxes under the front seats.

Although the CLA is billed as a five-seater, it’s best suited to four occupants. The rear is perfect for kids and young adults, and there are ISOFIX mounting points on the outer rear seats, enabling infants to be carried securely. The middle rear seat can be used comfortably for shorter journeys, but as with any model, legroom is not as generous in this spot.

Mk1 CLA cars offer a 470-litre and 495-litre boot in the saloon and Shooting Brake respectively. Choose a Mk2 coupé and the boot reduces marginally to 460 litres, although that’s still more generous than that of the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, which only offers 430 litres. The model also comes with 40/20/40 split rear seats, offering maximum flexibility for passenger and cargo combinations. Opt for the second-generation CLA Shooting Brake and you’ll benefit from 505 litres of luggage capacity, which extends to 1,370 litres with the rear seats folded.

In terms of the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s towing capacity, this depends on the variant and engine you choose. The best options are the CLA 220d (in either body style), which can haul a trailer of 750kg unbraked or 1,600kg braked, and the CLA 35 4MATIC, which can tow up to 1,800kg braked.

Running costs

Choose a Mk1 CLA and running costs might be more modest than you’d expect. Insurance groups range from 20-33 out of 50, making it a good mid-range option. The Mk2 sits a little higher, in groups 23-37, depending on the engine and trim level you select. Road tax comes in at a reasonable £180 per year for most trims and engines. For trims with an original list price of over £40,000, road tax for models from 2017 onwards will cost up to £570 per year for the first five years following initial registration, with rates then dropping to the standard fee of around £180 depending on the trim and engine.

How a used Mercedes-Benz CLA drives

If you’re looking for practicality coupled with a dynamic and exciting drive, the Mercedes-Benz CLA will be right up your street. Both generations offer a wide range of engines, with the Mk1’s 1.6-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel both delivering sprightly performance. The CLA 180, CLA 250 and CLA 200d come with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox, while the rest of the line-up was fitted with automatic transmission as standard, with no manual option.

The Mk2 has three petrol variants – the CLA 180, CLA 200 and CLA 250 (now discontinued). The CLA 180 and 200 both sport a 1.3-litre turbocharged engine, producing 134bhp and 161bhp respectively. With 0-62mph times of 9.0 seconds (CLA 180) and 8.2 seconds (CLA 200), these iterations are nippy and rewarding to drive. Fuel economy is creditable too, at 43-46mpg depending on the variant.

There’s only one diesel option – the CLA 220d – which is fitted with a 2.0-litre 187bhp unit and is suited to drivers covering long distances. Even so, it provides a punchy ride, going from 0-62mph in just 7 seconds while still achieving efficiency of up to 67.3mpg in Coupé form. This option is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, offering extra stability and control in challenging conditions.

Opt for the CLA 250e plug-in hybrid, and you’ll get even nippier performance, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.6 seconds. This variant teams the brand’s 1.3-litre petrol engine, with an output of 215bhp, with a 100bhp motor fed by a 15.6kW battery pack. It delivers an all-electric range of up to 40 miles and is capable of returning a combined fuel economy of 282.5mpg.

If it’s pure performance you’re looking for, then the AMG 35 and AMG 45 S are for you. Racing from 0-62mph in 4.9 and 4.0 seconds respectively, they offer an exhilarating drive that will leave a smile on your face every time. The AMG 35 comes with a 2.0-litre 302bhp engine that develops 400Nm of torque and is paired with seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the range-topping AMG 45 S produces 415bhp from its 2.0-litre unit and delivers power via an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. These engines return 38.7mpg and 31.7mpg respectively.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2013 - 2018

2018 - onwards

Features you can expect in a Mercedes-Benz CLA

Interior

As a premium car, the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes with everything you could possibly need for a relaxing and comfortable journey. The quality of the cabin is exceptional, with a sleek, minimalist layout that accentuates the feeling of space and ergonomic seating that supports every occupant. Both the coupé and Shooting Brake can accommodate five, but are better suited to four, with children or young adults in the back.

Technology

All versions of the Mk2 model feature a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system, with the ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant. This enables you to change the radio station and climate control settings – or call someone – with voice control, enabling you to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. The steering wheel is also multi-functional for those who prefer manual operation. The MBUX system integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to stream music and access apps from your smartphone, while the built-in sat nav ensures you get to your destination by the swiftest route.

Safety

It’s fair to say that the CLA is one of the safest cars around. Both the Mk1 and Mk2 received a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, with the first-generation model achieving a 91% adult occupant protection score and a rating of 75% for child occupants. The second-generation model upped the ante, with scores of 96% and 91% for adults and children respectively. A multitude of airbags ensures that occupants are protected should the worst happen, while a suite of driver aids – including Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and Attention Assist, which monitors driver cues and warns you to take a break if it detects signs of fatigue – provide active assistance.

Other standard features include cruise control with a speed limiter and KEYLESS-GO starting function, which negates the need to search through your pockets or bag to locate your keys when you want to get going.

Trims available on the Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Executive

The entry-level trim is by no means scant on equipment. With 18-inch AMG alloy wheels and AMG body styling, it certainly looks the part, while the MBUX multimedia system with smartphone integration, cruise control, heated front sports seats and ambient lighting all come as standard.

Mercedes-Benz CLA Sport Executive Edition

With the same basic spec as the AMG Line Executive trim, this version offers 18-inch 10-twin spoke alloy wheels, black open-pore wood trim, Comfort Seats, Sport/Progressive body styling and sports tyres.

Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium

Building on the AMG Line Executive trim, this option adds extra style and convenience with illuminated door sills, a rear armrest with integrated cup holders, and a KEYLESS-GO Comfort package.

Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium Plus Night Edition

For the ultimate in luxury and driver assistance, choose this trim, which incorporates Adaptive Highbeam Assist for better nighttime visibility, Traffic Sign Assist, high-gloss black styling accents, and a panoramic sunroof.

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