Mercedes-Benz CLA Review & Prices

This is the new Mercedes CLA, the third-generation of Mercedes’ small, stylish saloon. It’s a compact car with a trio of mild hybrid engine options and a spacious cabin, but its tech-heavy dashboard is a little overwhelming.

Truth is, the new CLA has been a little overshadowed by all of the fanfare around the recently introduced CLA Electric - one of the best electric cars on sale. Still, the battery-only model won the Outstanding EV category of the 2026 Carwow Car of the Year Awards, so we have high hopes for the petrol version.

You can think of the CLA as that younger sibling with a popular, over-achieving older brother who’s just finished the school year with a collection of trophies and top grades. There’s a lot of pressure to perform, but it’s got the right genes. There are some capable alternatives, too, such as the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and the Audi A3 Saloon.

In fact, the family resemblance is almost uncanny, because the CLA looks identical to the electric version with only the petrol model’s functional front grille to tell the pair apart. The front and rear light bars look equally swish, though the judicious use of the Mercedes logo through the design is a bit naff.

The interiors are identical, too, as the CLA hasn’t escaped the tech-heavy treatment inside. You get a cliff-edge of a dashboard, home to two (or three) whopping-great displays for the driver instruments, infotainment and optional passenger screen. It’s a bit overstimulating at first, but you get used to it quickly and details such as the intricate vents, funky seat controls and posh-feeling materials elevate the cabin.

Up front you get a pair of highly adjustable seats, while AMG-Line models get supremely comfortable sports seats instead. There’s lots of storage space inside, too, and plenty of space for two tall adults in the back. The 405-litre boot is identical to the CLA Electric and bigger than you get in a BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, but slightly smaller than the Audi A3 Saloon.

You can choose from a trio of engine choices in the CLA, all mild hybrids based on a 1.5-litre petrol unit but with three different power outputs. The CLA 180 produces 166hp, while the CLA 200 musters 193hp. Both models claim 56.5mpg, while the range-topping CLA 220 has four-wheel drive, 220hp and is slightly more thirsty at 52.4mpg.

If it’s anything like the CLA Electric to drive - and we think it will be - then the CLA is going to be excellent, but we’ll confirm if it lives up to the hype once we get our hands on one in the UK.

Check out the latest Mercedes CLA deals on Carwow, or Mercedes CLA lease deals instead. There are used Mercedes CLA examples for sale, as well as other used Mercedes through our trusted dealer network. Don’t forget, Carwow can help you sell your current car when the time comes to switch.

The CLA starts at £38,700, making it a hefty chunk more expensive than the Audi A3 Saloon, and a little pricier than the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe. It comes better equipped than both alternatives, that being said.

The entry-level CLA Sport comes with 18-inch wheels and adaptive suspension, LED lights front and rear and an illuminated radiator grille, as well as cloth interior trim with heated seats and steering wheel. Sport Executive cars get more intricate wheels, flush-fit door handles, tinted rear glass and keyless entry-and-go.

AMG-Line Executive versions have a sportier body kit fitted as standard, as well as puddle lights, sports seats and a sports steering wheel. AMG-Line Premium is a step up, with 19-inch wheels, electrically adjustable seats, 14.0-inch passenger display and illuminated door sills.

AMG-Line Premium Plus tops the range, with unique 19-inch wheels, gloss black exterior trims, upgraded, adaptive headlights, a full-width light strip across the boot, Burmester interior audio and a head-up display.