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Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz's first US front-driver. Its electric prototype covered 3,717 km in a day.12

Researched October 23, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • mini CLSA comparison between the second-generation CLA sedan's eye-catching shape and the CLS.3

At a glance

0250500
107–416 hpPower
07.515
4–11.6 s0–100 km/h
0150300
190–270 km/hTop speed
0300600
200–515 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,390–2,000 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1610111517

Layout
Front-engine FWD/AWD; 2020 CLA45: 4MATIC+; EV: RWD/AWD11114
Gearbox
2013 CLA 180: 6-speed manual/7G-DCT; CLA 45 S: 8-speed DCT; EV: 2-speed11516
Built at
Kecskemét plant, Hungary (first and second generations)117
Units built
About 750,000 first-generation Coupes and Shooting Brakes618

The story

The original CLA was an affordable route from Accords and Camrys into a Benz, wrapping compact-car underpinnings in CLS-inspired curves. It also brought front-wheel drive to Mercedes-Benz's US lineup.145

2012: Concept Style Coupé sets the shape20122013: Mercedes-Benz's first US front-driver20132015: The Shooting Brake adds a long roof20152020: CLA 250 e plugs in, in both body styles20202024: 3,717 km in 24 hours at Nardo20242025: Electric CLA debuts on MMA20252026: The electric Shooting Brake lives on · Car of the Year and a 672-km test2026 Mercedes-Benz CLS: 2004–Mercedes-Benz CLSConcept Style Coupé: 2012Concept Style CoupéMercedes-Benz CLA, first generation (C117/X117): 2013–2019C117/X117Mercedes-Benz CLA, second generation (C118/X118): 2019–2025C118/X118Mercedes-Benz CLA, third generation (174/178): 2025–present 200420062008201020122014201620182020202220242026
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones16101517
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2004–Mercedes-Benz CLS
2012Concept Style Coupé
2013–2019Mercedes-Benz CLA, first generation (C117/X117)
2019–2025Mercedes-Benz CLA, second generation (C118/X118)
2025–presentMercedes-Benz CLA, third generation (174/178)
2012Concept Style Coupé sets the shape
2013Mercedes-Benz's first US front-driver
2015The Shooting Brake adds a long roof
2020CLA 250 e plugs in, in both body styles
20243,717 km in 24 hours at Nardo
2025Electric CLA debuts on MMA
2026The electric Shooting Brake lives on
2026Car of the Year and a 672-km test
  1. 2012

    Concept Style Coupé sets the shape

    The Concept Style Coupé previews the production CLA, carrying the four-door coupe idea into the compact class.16

  2. 2013

    Mercedes-Benz's first US front-driver

    April brings European sales, September the US launch. The CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition claims a 0.22 drag coefficient.1

  3. 2015

    The Shooting Brake adds a long roof

    First deliveries arrive in March. The five-door CLA Shooting Brake carries up to 1,354 liters with its rear seats folded.17

  4. 2020

    CLA 250 e plugs in, in both body styles

    CLA 250 e Coupe and Shooting Brake add plug-in power, a 15.6-kWh battery and DC charging at up to 24 kW.38

  5. 2024

    3,717 km in 24 hours at Nardo

    A pre-production electric CLA beats the EV distance record, making 40 charging stops and usually topping up only from 10 to 55 percent.2

  6. 2025

    Electric CLA debuts on MMA

    MMA supports electric and hybrid powertrains. Electric CLAs need a factory converter for 400-volt DC charging, available from spring 2026.391011

  7. 2026

    The electric Shooting Brake lives on

    The third-generation Shooting Brake offers a 58-kWh CLA 200 and 85-kWh 250+ and 350 electric versions.10

  8. 2026

    Car of the Year and a 672-km test

    The CLA takes Car of the Year 2026 and Euro NCAP's safest-car accolade; a 350 EQ 4MATIC range test also records 672 km.1213

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz CLS
    Mercedes-Benz CLS
  • Concept Style Coupé
    Concept Style Coupé2012
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA, first generation
    C117/X1172013–2019
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA, second generation
    C118/X1182019–2025
  • Mercedes-Benz CLA, third generation
    174/1782025–present

Power over the years

From 120 hp to 416 hp in 6 years.

0200400600 20122014201620182020202220242026 hp 2013 · 120 hp · CLA 180, 1.6 L turbo2013 · 154 hp · CLA 200, 1.6 L turbo2013 · 208 hp · CLA 250, 2.0 L turbo2013 · 355 hp · CLA 45 AMG, M1332016 · 375 hp · CLA 45, model year 20162019 · 221 hp · Second-generation CLA2502019 · 302 hp · CLA 35 AMG2019 · 416 hp · CLA 45 S, M1392020 · 382 hp · US CLA45 M139; tested 0–60 mph: 3.7 s2026 · 268 hp · Electric CLA 250+2026 · 349 hp · Electric CLA 350 4MATIC 416 hp CLA 45 S, M139 120 hp CLA 180, 1.6 L turbo
11415161719
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2013120CLA 180, 1.6 L turbo
2013154CLA 200, 1.6 L turbo
2013208CLA 250, 2.0 L turbo
2013355CLA 45 AMG, M133
2016375CLA 45, model year 2016
2019221Second-generation CLA250
2019302CLA 35 AMG
2019416CLA 45 S, M139
2020382US CLA45 M139; tested 0–60 mph: 3.7 s
2026268Electric CLA 250+
2026349Electric CLA 350 4MATIC

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    Urban / AMG Line Shooting Brake

    2015

  • CLA 250 e Coupe / Shooting Brake

    Standard

    CLA 250 e Coupe / Shooting Brake

    2020–2025

    215 hp

  • Performance

    CLA250 4MATIC Sport Plus

    2015

    208 hp
  • Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

    Performance

    Mercedes-AMG CLA 35

    2024

    302 hp
  • CLA 45 AMG

    Performance

    CLA 45 AMG

    2013–2019

  • Mercedes-AMG CLA45 / CLA 45 S

    Performance

    Mercedes-AMG CLA45 / CLA 45 S

  • Special

    CLA Edition 1

    2013

  • Special

    CLA 45 AMG Edition 1

    2014

  • CLA 220 d Shooting Brake OrangeArt Edition

    Limited

    CLA 220 d Shooting Brake OrangeArt Edition

    2015–2019

  • Limited

    Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Edition 1

    2024

    416 hp

    25 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • First-generation sedan: a low coupe roof, frameless side glass and almond-shaped wraparound taillights.16
  • 2019 Coupe: hood bulges, a pointed nose and narrow split taillights; the rear plate sits in the bumper.18
  • Shooting Brake: a long, gently falling roof, low side windows and a rear pillar that tapers toward the tail.7
  • 2026 electric CLA: a glowing grille filled with stars, plus an illuminated central Mercedes-Benz star.25
  • 2026 CLA: star shapes in the lamps, joined by illuminated bars; flush handles are optional.1625

Year by year

  1. 2015

    Shooting Brake brings a long wagon roof; exterior changes from the sedan begin at the B-pillar.17

  2. 2016 / US model year 2017

    New bumpers and wheels, optional LED headlights and flush exhaust trims; inside, new seat covers, trim and chrome controls.26

  3. 2023 / 2024 US

    New front bumper, star-pattern grille, diffuser and LED lamp graphics; Hyper Blue paint and three fresh wheel designs join the range.21

  4. 2023 / 2024 US AMG

    CLA 35 and CLA 45 S get vertical grille slats, a round AMG nose badge, reshaped front bumpers and revised LED lamp graphics.21

  5. 2026 US redesign

    Electric CLA brings an illuminated star-panel grille, star-themed lamps linked by light bars and optional flush power door handles.1625

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLA
    CLA
    Photo of a A-Class sedan
    A-Class sedan

    A-Class sedan

    Second-generation CLA has a lower, more swept roof and frameless door glass; the A-Class sedan has a more conventional sedan profile.415

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLA
    CLA
    Photo of a CLS
    CLS

    CLS

    The original CLA follows the larger CLS's proportions; its smaller overall size is the useful clue.16

Against its rivals

  • CLA vs BMW 228i (2014)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    CLA6.1 s
    BMW 228i (2014)4.9 s
    27

  • CLA vs Audi A3 Quattro (2015)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    CLA6.1 s
    Audi A3 Quattro (2015)5.4 s
    27

Prices

Value today $25.0K–$37.5K3334

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 20142016201820202022202420262028 Value today: $25,000–$37,500 2014 · $29,900 · US CLA250 base, excl. destination2014 · $32,825 · US CLA250 4MATIC base2015 · $34,425 · US CLA250 4Matic base2015 · $46,140 · US CLA250 4Matic, Sport Plus tested2020 · $55,795 · US AMG CLA45 4Matic+ base2020 · $73,850 · US AMG CLA45 4Matic+, as tested2024 · $81,195 · US CLA45 S Edition 1; +$1,150 dest.2026 · $47,250 · US CLA250+ EV base; +$1,250 dest.2026 · $49,800 · US CLA350 4MATIC; +$1,250 dest. 2014 · $29,900 · US CLA250 base, 2014; excludes destination 2025 · $37,500 · 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45, 21k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $25,000 · 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, 6k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $15,250 · 2014 CLA45 AMG, 51k miles, BaT $37.5K Bring a Trailer, 2025
51420242527333438
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2014Launch price$29,900US CLA250 base, 2014; excludes destination
2014Price when new$29,900US CLA250 base, excl. destination
2014Price when new$32,825US CLA250 4MATIC base
2015Price when new$34,425US CLA250 4Matic base
2015Price when new$46,140US CLA250 4Matic, Sport Plus tested
2020Price when new$55,795US AMG CLA45 4Matic+ base
2020Price when new$73,850US AMG CLA45 4Matic+, as tested
2024Price when new$81,195US CLA45 S Edition 1; +$1,150 dest.
2026Price when new$47,250US CLA250+ EV base; +$1,250 dest.
2026Price when new$49,800US CLA350 4MATIC; +$1,250 dest.
2025Auction sale$37,5002020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45, 21k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$25,0002014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG, 6k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$15,2502014 CLA45 AMG, 51k miles, BaT
2026Value today$25,000–$37,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “0.22 was the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition's claim”
    • “3,717 km in 24 hours, with 40 charging stops”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. Mercedes-Benz CLA - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz CLA EV Beats a Porsche Record With Unique Charging Strategy motortrend.com
  3. Mercedes-Benz CLA (2019 to 2025) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert thecarexpert.co.uk
  4. 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Review: Remarkably Better motortrend.com
  5. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Tested caranddriver.com
  6. Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 117 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  7. Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake Details | eMercedesBenz emercedesbenz.com
  8. Trois nouveaux modèles hybrides rechargeables viennent compléter la famille des véhicules compacts de Mercedes-Benz media.mercedes-benz.fr
  9. CLA, IA, moteur à flux axial… : ce que le patron technique de Mercedes nous a dit avant de partir automobile-propre.com
  10. New Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake review – a good electric car, if not a thrilling driver’s car | evo evo.co.uk
  11. 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA Sedan | Future Vehicles | Mercedes-Benz USA | Mercedes-Benz USA mbusa.com
  12. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  13. Mercedes CLA (2026): Die Elektro-Version EQ und der Hybrid im Test adac.de
  14. Tested: 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 Grows Up, Gets Better caranddriver.com
  15. Used Mercedes-Benz CLA (C118) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  16. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  17. Mercedes-Benz Baureihe 118 – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  18. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  19. Here's How the New Mercedes CLA Is Different from the A-class Sedan caranddriver.com
  20. 2015 Mercedes Benz CLA250 4Matic Review - Long-Term Verdict motortrend.com
  21. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  22. Exclusief van start: Mercedes-Benz CLA Edition 1 media.mercedes-benz.nl
  23. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  24. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  25. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  26. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  27. 2015 Audi A3 vs. 2014 BMW 228i, Mercedes-Benz CLA caranddriver.com
  28. Cupê de quatro portas para as pistas de corridas: o novo CLA 45 AMG Racing Series | Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil - Imprensa imprensa.mercedes-benz.com.br
  29. Mercedes-Benz "Soul" Shines Through prnewswire.com
  30. Ya conocemos el listado definitivo de coches de DRIVECLUB – PlayStation.Blog en español blog.es.playstation.com
  31. Asphalt 8: Airborne updated with multi-player seasons and more mspoweruser.com
  32. Mercedes-Benz Challenge encerra temporada 2017 | Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans Brasil - Imprensa imprensa.mercedes-benz.com.br
  33. 6k-Mile 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,000 on August 13, 2025 (Lot #205,028) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 21k-Mile 2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $37,500 on May 7, 2025 (Lot #190,654) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Shooting Brake review – practical estate meets hyper hatch | evo evo.co.uk
  36. 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class Price, Value, Depreciation & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  37. 2024 Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG CLA Price, Value, Ratings & Reviews | Kelley Blue Book kbb.com
  38. No Reserve: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,250 on October 4, 2025 (Lot #213,333) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • motortrend.com
  • thecarexpert.co.uk
  • caranddriver.com
  • de.wikipedia.org
  • emercedesbenz.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.fr
  • automobile-propre.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • mbusa.com
  • media.mbusa.com
  • adac.de
  • redriven.com
  • media.mercedes-benz.nl

Photo credits

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