The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class arrived on the scene promising Mercedes luxury to a broader audience. Remember that Super Bowl commercial? The one where a man almost sold his soul for a Mercedes, only to find out the CLA 250 was within reach without demonic deals? For 2015, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 saw a slight price increase, nudging it just over the $30,000 mark. However, this small bump came with added standard features, and crucially, it remained a more affordable gateway into the Mercedes-Benz family than the C-Class. While compromises are inherent at this price point, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is undoubtedly a contender for those seeking entry-level luxury.
Despite being the most accessible Mercedes-Benz model, the 2015 CLA-Class maintains a genuine luxury sedan feel. Our experience, including a year-long test of the CLA 250, highlighted the comfortable front seats, suitable for both long journeys and daily commutes. The interior largely utilizes high-quality materials, and the overall build quality is impressive. The COMAND infotainment system stands out for its user-friendliness, remaining one of the top interfaces available. For the 2015 model year, Mercedes-Benz enhanced the standard equipment, adding keyless ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a larger 7-inch infotainment screen. An even more expansive 8-inch screen became optional. These upgrades extended to the high-performance CLA 45 AMG variant as well. The CLA 45 AMG boasts an impressive 355 horsepower, standard all-wheel drive, and exhilarating acceleration.
However, while the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class holds considerable appeal, its practicality within the entry-level luxury segment is debatable. The compact dimensions and dramatically sloping roofline result in limited headroom and legroom for rear passengers. Ride stiffness was a noted issue in the previous model year. Mercedes-Benz addressed this for the 2015 CLA 250 by adopting a more comfort-oriented suspension setup (the sport suspension from the previous year became an option). This adjustment aimed to improve ride quality, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. While we haven’t yet evaluated a 2015 CLA 250 with the revised suspension, we anticipate a more compliant ride. It’s also worth noting that while the CLA 250 starts at an attractive MSRP, the price can escalate quickly with even a few option selections. Features often expected as standard in the luxury category, such as a rearview camera and heated seats, are optional extras. The CLA 45 AMG, with a starting price nearing $50,000, also enters a significantly higher price bracket.
In the competitive landscape of entry-level luxury sedans, the 2015 CLA-Class faces strong rivals. The 2015 Audi A3 emerges as a primary competitor, having outperformed the CLA in comparative tests due to its quieter, more refined ride and more spacious cabin. While the Audi A3 may have a slightly higher price point, the improvements in ride and space may justify the marginal cost increase for many buyers. Another alternative is the 2015 Acura ILX, offering a larger rear seat and a lower starting price compared to the CLA 250. For those considering the high-performance CLA 45 AMG, alternatives include the Audi S3, which is often praised for being more practical and luxurious, and the BMW M235i. The BMW M235i excels in handling but is less practical as a two-door coupe. Ultimately, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class remains a stylish option that will likely satisfy many drivers. However, prospective buyers should carefully weigh their priorities and consider the strengths of its competitors before making a final decision in the entry-level luxury sedan market.
