New for 2016
The CLA-Class receives a handful of updates for 2016, including a limited-edition Edition: Orange model, some new optional equipment, minor tweaks to existing equipment packages, and a 20-horsepower boost for the CLA45 AMG® performance model.
A (CLA) Class-Act
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class continues to redefine the luxury segment with extroverted styling, more efficient packaging, and a level of technology and convenience features one would expect from a car wearing the three-pointed star. This four-door coupe may be the manufacturer's entry-level model, but there’s nothing cheap or chintzy about its character.
Powertrains and Performance
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes in two flavors: mild, yet satisfying, CLA250, and hot and spicy CLA45 AMG®.
The base CLA250 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to get this version of the compact four-door coupe from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 149. The CLA250 comes with a seven-speed automatic transmission, and either front-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive.
With front-wheel drive, the CLA250 gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 38 mpg highway),* proving that luxury cars don’t have to be gas guzzlers. The all-wheel drive version is rated at 27 mpg combined 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
As with nearly every other Mercedes-Benz model, though, the CLA-Class has a dark side. AMG®, the Mercedes-Benz in-house tuner, gave the car a thorough going over to create the CLA45 AMG®, a whole new kind of Mercedes-Benz performance car.
The CLA45 AMG® uses an upgraded version of the CLA250’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 375 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque, Mercedes-Benz says it’s the most powerful four-cylinder engine currently in production. It also has a 20-horsepower and 18-pound-foot advantage over the 2015 CLA45 AMG®.
All of that power is channeled to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission, allowing the CLA45 AMG® to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and reach a top speed of 155 mph. It also gets a respectable 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 31 mpg highway).*
Features and Trims
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a five-seat, four-door coupe. If you’re looking for something with a little more utility, the GLA-Class crossover is built on the same platform. Prices for the CLA-Class start at $31,500.**
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, an infotainment system with seven-inch display and rotary controller, sport front seats, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, ambient lighting, three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, and paddle shifters.
Optional features include a panoramic roof, bi-xenon headlights with LED taillights, and leather seats. On the connectivity front, the Mercedes-Benz mbrace® concierge service and Mercedes-Benz Apps app suite are also available, with an added subscription fee.
The Premium Package includes heated front seats, a harman/kardon® sound system, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, KEYLESS-GO® and SiriusXM satellite radio with six months of complimentary service. Building on the Premium Package, the Multimedia Package adds navigation, voice control, a rearview camera, Gracenote media database, and other features.
Exterior/Interior
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features unique styling that brings Mercedes-Benz into a whole new market segment. The CLA combines the four-door coupe profile of the larger CLS-Class with a compact, front-wheel drive platform to create a car unlike any Mercedes-Benz ever sold in the U.S.
The CLA-Class not only has the fuel efficiency and packaging benefits of front-wheel drive but also a sleek, coupe-like roofline that preserves the cabin space and usability of a traditional four-door sedan. It’s truly a no-compromise design.
On the inside, the CLA-Class gets sporty touches like front bucket seats and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, plus the latest technology. The standard infotainment system features a seven-inch dashboard display screen and easy-to-use rotary controller. An eight-inch screen is available as part of the optional navigation system.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and 10 airbags. Optional features include a rearview camera, Parktronic park assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which bundles blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, and DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class continues to redefine the brand. Its potent mix of style and performance make it the perfect entry point into the Mercedes-Benz family. But make no mistake, it is every bit the Mercedes-Benz as its older siblings.
For more information, or to schedule your test drive of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, contact or visit us at Sears Imported Autos today.
*EPA estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.
**Excludes all options, taxes, title registration, $925 transportation charge and dealer preparation fees.
Image: Mercedes-Benz
