I was talking to a MB owner at a car show and he said to me that "the current CLA is the best because Mercedes-Benz really tries and wants the CLA to be a success, so they try really hard to build the best they can..." He points to the styling, interior, etc.

I am a newbie. Trying to learn all I can to buy my first MB.

Do you agree? That the current CLA represent the "best" effort by Mercedes-Benz?

What are my needs? None really, just want a sedan. Considering C or E class. Retired. Just want a car to drive around.

TIA

 

Wait, which generation? Since you posted in the C118 forum, I assume you meant this gen or do you mean the newest electric one C174?

 

I can't really agree with that. They do seem to wanna make the new CLA a success, though. The fully electric version seems to be a pretty good effort and it's the first model with the new MB,OS Infotainment system, but the hybrid model they released didn't do well in the reviews. The CLA is the entry model, and it's different from the rest of the Mercedes line up. Mercedes, like BMWs are fundamentally longitudinal rear wheel drive platforms. The CLA is not that. The CLA is a transverse FWD platform, with the rear axle added in the AWD versions, but it primarily drives the front wheels, where all other MBs (C-Class and above) are either 100% rear wheel drive or primarily drive the rear wheels in the 4Matic(+) models. So calling the CLA the best MB is quite the stretch. Having said that, the new electric CLA is rear wheel drive. They can do that because the electric motor can be placed in the rear. But for the ICE versions, the platform is too small, so it's always gonna be FWD biased.

So, good question above about which CLA generation OP is taking about. I am gonna say this. I just had my C63 in for its annual service and they gave me a 2025 (C118) CLA 250. This is the facelift that now has mild hybrid, and I was pleasantly surprised. The mild hybrid has greatly improved it. The PFL was frankly a laggy dog, but the FL is now zippy. It's the first regular Mercedes-Benz I could actually stand in Comfort mode. The throttle response wasn't completely castrated as it is in other regular MBs in the name of fuel economy. Thanks to the mild hybrid it had plenty of get up and go. Responded very well off the line. I was never a fan of these small 4-cylinder turbo engines, because they all have too much lag, but mild hybrid actually fixes this and makes it feel like a larger engine. I made a similar experience last October with a facelifted VW Golf rental for a month in Europe. That car had a manual transmission, but similarly, the mild hybrid system made it very drivable, with the engine being nice and responsive off the line.

 

Thank you for your replies. I'm learning, so I don't know all the chassis codes. I'll just say current 2026 or late model CLA.

My target has been a used ~2023 E-Class. Never really looked into a CLA, as an option, until someone mentioned it. Here I am.

 

Gotcha, yes get the E class instead : )

 

Actually I saw one recently here in Canada and the new C174/C178 if you can get used to the headlight and taillights, it is a great car for first time MB buyers. I think these will sell well.