The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 marked a significant entry point into the luxury sedan market, offering a blend of style, performance, and technology synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz brand. For those considering a pre-owned luxury vehicle or simply researching the specifications of this popular model, understanding its standard and optional features is crucial. Let’s delve into a comprehensive overview of what the 2014 CLA 250 offered in terms of comfort, performance, safety, and available customization.
Comfort and Convenience Features of the 2014 CLA 250
The CLA 250 was designed with driver and passenger comfort in mind, offering a range of standard features to enhance the driving experience. The mbrace2 in-vehicle technology suite provided connected services, while a 5.8-inch display screen and central controller served as the hub for infotainment functions. The color instrument cluster display offered clear and accessible vehicle information. Practicality was addressed with rain-sensing intermittent windshield wipers, Bluetooth hands-free calling for safe communication, and cruise control for relaxed highway driving. Power front seats with 3-position memory allowed for personalized comfort settings, and rear folding seats added versatility for cargo space. Twin cup holders, exterior chrome trim, air conditioning, and floormats were standard, contributing to both convenience and the vehicle’s refined aesthetic. The interior was upholstered in MB-Tex, a durable and leather-like material, complemented by Anthracite trim, creating a sophisticated cabin environment. Aluminum trim was available as an optional upgrade for those seeking a sportier interior accent.
Performance and Handling of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
Under the hood, the 2014 CLA 250 boasted a responsive and efficient powertrain. The standard engine was a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, incorporating ECO Start/Stop technology to optimize fuel consumption. This engine delivered 208 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque, available across a broad range from 1,250 to 4,000 rpm, ensuring brisk acceleration and confident performance in various driving conditions. The engine’s maximum speed reached 6,500 rpm, and the CLA 250 achieved a top speed of 149 mph. Power was delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and quick gear changes, contributing to both fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment.
Safety and Security Features in the 2014 CLA 250
Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety in the 2014 CLA 250, equipping it with a suite of standard safety and security systems. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST helped mitigate potential frontal collisions, while ATTENTION ASSIST monitored driver behavior for signs of drowsiness. A Tire Pressure Monitoring System kept drivers informed of tire conditions, and an Anti-Theft Alarm System provided security against unauthorized access. The Electronic Parking Brake added convenience and safety. Occupant protection was comprehensive, including driver and window airbags, a driver knee airbag, a passenger knee airbag, and side impact airbags. A remote key with a panic button further enhanced security features.
Paint and Upholstery Options for the 2014 CLA 250
Personalization was a key aspect of the 2014 CLA 250, with a wide array of paint and upholstery options available. Exterior paint choices included standard colors like Night Black, Jupiter Red, and Cirrus White, as well as metallic options such as Cosmos Black, Polar Silver, Mountain Grey, Universe Blue, and Northern Lights Violet. For a more exclusive finish, designo Patagonia Red and designo Magno Polar Silver were also offered. Interior upholstery choices for the CLA 250 catered to different tastes, with Black MB-Tex, Beige MB-Tex, and Ash MB-Tex as standard options. For those desiring genuine leather, Black Leather, Brown Leather, and Ash Leather were also available, allowing for a more luxurious cabin ambiance. Notably, specific upholstery options like Black MB-Tex with Red Contrast Stitching and Red Seat Belts, and Black “Red Cut” Leather (with Red Stitching & Seatbelts) were exclusive to the performance-oriented CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC model.
Trim Options for the 2014 CLA 250 Interior
Further enhancing the interior aesthetics, the 2014 CLA 250 offered various trim options. Burl Walnut Wood and Black Ash Wood trims provided a classic and elegant feel, while Anthracite Silver trim offered a more modern and understated appearance. Aluminum trim was also available, aligning with a sportier interior theme. Carbon Fiber trim was reserved for the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, highlighting its performance focus.
Optional Packages for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250
To further customize the 2014 CLA 250, Mercedes-Benz offered several optional packages, allowing buyers to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs and preferences.
Premium Package
The Premium Package, priced at $2,300, enhanced convenience and luxury with features such as a Garage Door Opener, Compass, Auto-Dimming Mirrors (both interior and driver’s side exterior), an iPod/MP3 Media Interface, SiriusXM Satellite Radio for entertainment, Dual-Zone Climate Control for personalized comfort, a harman/kardon Premium Sound system for enhanced audio quality, and Heated Front Seats for cold-weather comfort.
Interior Package
The Interior Package, available for $1,500, focused on elevating the cabin ambiance with Leather Upholstery, MB-Tex on the dash and doors with top-stitching for a more premium feel, and an IR remote summer open/close feature on the driver door for added convenience in warmer climates.
Multimedia Package
Priced at $2,370, the Multimedia Package significantly upgraded the infotainment system with a Rearview Camera for enhanced visibility when reversing, and the COMAND system with Navigation. This included Voice Control, 3D Map Views, a 10 GB Music Register, a 7-inch High-Resolution LCD Screen with 3D Map View, an In-dash 6-Disc DVD Changer, Gracenote Media Database, and SiriusXM Traffic & Weather for real-time information and guidance.
Sport Package
The Sport Package, costing $2,200, added a sporty edge to the CLA 250 with AMG cladding for a more aggressive exterior appearance, 18-inch AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels for enhanced aesthetics and handling, Sport Suspension for a more dynamic driving experience, and Larger Brakes with performance front discs and the Mercedes-Benz logo for improved stopping power.
Driver Assistance Package
For enhanced safety and driver assistance, the $2,500 Driver Assistance Package included Blind Spot Assist to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe following distance, and Lane Keeping Assist to help prevent unintentional lane departures.
AMG Driver’s Package (CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Only)
Exclusively for the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC and priced at $2,800, the AMG Driver’s Package further enhanced the performance capabilities with AMG Performance Suspension featuring stiffer/firmer dampening characteristics for improved handling, an increased Top Speed of 167 mph, Red Calipers for a sporty visual cue, and 19-inch 16-Spoke Alloy Wheels in a Silver/Black finish.
AMG Night Styling (CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Only)
The AMG Night Styling package, available from January 2014 for $750 and exclusive to the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC, added striking gloss black exterior accents. This included Gloss Black Side Window Frame Trim & Mirror Covers, Gloss Black Rocker Panel Inserts, a Gloss Black Splitter, a Diffuser in Gloss Black, and Conjoined Quad Trapezoid Tailpipes in Black Chrome. It also included a B58 Center Cap if the 18-inch wheel option 649 was fitted.
Exterior Carbon Fiber Package (CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC Only)
The most visually aggressive package, the Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, exclusive to the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC and priced at $3,700, featured Carbon Fiber Rocker Panel Inserts, a Carbon Fiber Splitter, a Diffuser in Carbon Fiber, and Carbon Fiber Mirror Covers, emphasizing the vehicle’s high-performance nature.
Conclusion
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and customization options. From its standard comfort and safety features to the extensive range of optional packages and individual choices, the CLA 250 allowed buyers to create a vehicle that suited their personal preferences and driving needs. Whether prioritizing sporty handling, advanced technology, or enhanced luxury, the 2014 CLA 250 provided a solid foundation with ample opportunity for personalization, making it an attractive option in the compact luxury sedan segment.
