The 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class stands as a testament to luxury and performance seamlessly blended into a compact sedan. For enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, the CLA Class offers a compelling entry point into the world of Mercedes-Benz, especially with the enhancements brought to the 2016 models. This review dives deep into what makes the 2016 CLA Class, particularly the high-performance CLA45 AMG, a standout choice in its segment.
Under the hood, the standard 2016 CLA250 boasts a turbocharged powertrain designed for both efficiency and responsiveness. However, for those craving exhilarating power, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG elevates the driving experience to another level. It features a significantly modified version of the same engine, pushing the boundaries of performance with a higher turbo boost and redline. The result is a substantial power increase for the 2016 AMG model, now delivering a potent 375 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade propels the CLA45 AMG from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.1 seconds, placing it in the territory of high-performance vehicles like the Tesla Model S.
Alt text: Sleek silver 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 side profile on road.
Both the CLA250 and the CLA45 AMG models of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class are equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The AMG variant features a beefier setup to manage its increased torque output. While the CLA250 is front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive, the 2016 CLA45 AMG comes standard with all-wheel drive, ensuring optimal traction and handling. This all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes torque, shifting from a predominantly front-biased setup in normal driving conditions to sending up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels when needed. This results in smoother launches and gear changes, particularly noticeable compared to the front-drive CLA250.
Inside the cabin, the 2016 CLA Class offers a blend of luxury and sporty functionality. The CLA250 utilizes a retro column shifter for drive mode selection, while the AMG model reverts to a console-mounted shift lever, catering to a more performance-oriented driving style. Both models include steering-wheel paddles for manual gear changes, offering drivers temporary manual control. A standard stop/start system is incorporated in all 2016 CLA models to enhance fuel efficiency, though it’s noted to be slightly more noticeable than in some other vehicles due to a slight drivetrain shiver upon engine shutoff and more frequent restarts at longer stops.
Alt text: 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG interior with sporty seats and performance dashboard.
Driving dynamics differ significantly between the CLA250 and the CLA45 AMG. The 2016 CLA250 is tuned for a balance of fuel economy and performance, aiming for a combined 30-mpg rating. This translates to rapid upshifts in its default Eco mode. While gear changes are smooth at higher speeds, highway driving may require more deliberate downshifts for quick acceleration. Switching to Sport or Manual modes in the CLA250 enhances responsiveness, albeit at the expense of fuel efficiency. In contrast, the 2016 CLA45 AMG offers distinct driver-selectable modes – Comfort, Sport, and Manual – accessible via a rotary knob and Dynamic Select function. These modes, combined with rev-matching capabilities, ensure quicker and cleaner shifts. In Manual mode, the driver retains full gear selection control, aligning with AMG’s performance-focused philosophy.
Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive 2016 CLA250 models feature electric power steering and standard 17-inch run-flat tires, with optional upgrades to 18-inch wheels and performance braking components. While a sport suspension was initially standard, it became an option for 2016, suggesting that sticking with the 17-inch wheels might provide a more balanced ride, as the 18-inch wheels can amplify ride stiffness. The steering in the CLA250 is direct and responsive, although lacking a sport mode to alter its feel, which is typical for entry-level luxury models.
Alt text: Aggressive front view of a black 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG with distinctive grille.
The standard 2016 CLA250 exhibits flat cornering with minimal body lean, a departure from traditional Mercedes-Benz comfort-oriented suspension setups. Steering effort increases off-center, providing quick responses, though retaining some electric-steering numbness. The all-wheel-drive CLA250 is dynamically superior, effectively utilizing the engine’s power. The 2016 CLA45 AMG takes handling to an even higher plane with its uniquely tuned steering, suspension, and brakes. It corners even flatter than the CLA250, and its electric power steering has a fixed ratio, with effort adjusting to vehicle speed. Riding lower and with a wider rear track than the CLA250, the AMG’s suspension incorporates advanced components to manage higher torque and traction demands. Thicker anti-roll bars and individual wheel braking for torque vectoring further enhance cornering prowess. Standard 18-inch wheels and performance tires, with optional 19-inch wheels, complete the AMG’s performance-focused chassis.
The culmination of these enhancements in the 2016 CLA45 AMG is explosive acceleration, exceptional grip, and remarkably neutral handling. The all-wheel-drive system effectively eliminates understeer, while the electric steering masks any potential torque steer. The AMG’s Racestart launch control allows for rapid starts, maximizing the dual-clutch transmission’s capabilities. Unlike the CLA250, the 2016 CLA45 AMG maintains a connection to the road surface, delivering a more engaging and visceral driving experience. In summary, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class, especially in its AMG guise, represents a well-refined and potent compact luxury sedan, offering a significant step up in performance for the model year.
