The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class marked a significant shift for the German luxury brand, venturing into the entry-level luxury segment with a vehicle that prioritized style and affordability. Designed to attract a new demographic to the Mercedes-Benz family, the CLA-Class made waves with its striking aesthetics and competitive price point. Notably, it also introduced front-wheel drive to the Mercedes-Benz lineup in the United States for the first time.
Let’s delve into ten essential aspects that you should know about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
1. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: A Stylish Four-Door Coupe
Mercedes-Benz marketed the 2014 CLA-Class, much like its predecessor the CLS-Class, as a ‘four-door coupe’. This designation highlights the car’s coupe-like silhouette, characterized by a dramatically sloping roofline towards the rear, while retaining the practicality of four doors. This design choice gives the Mercedes Benz Cla 2014 a sporty and distinctive profile, setting it apart from traditional sedans. Mercedes-Benz even claimed that the CLA-Class boasts superior aerodynamics compared to the Toyota Prius, emphasizing its sleek design.
2. Interior Space Considerations in the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014
While the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class excels in style, its coupe-inspired roofline does compromise rear passenger space. Headroom in the rear seats is noticeably limited, even for average-sized adults, and legroom is also somewhat restricted compared to standard sedans in its class. The design also presents challenges for families, particularly when installing child seats. Maneuvering and securing child seats can be more difficult due to the sloping roof and tighter rear access. The trunk space of the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014 is a reasonable 13.1 cubic feet, although slightly below average. However, the rear seats do fold down, offering expanded cargo capacity when needed.
3. Turbocharged Engine Powering the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class
Under the hood, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class comes equipped with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing a responsive and engaging driving experience. The inclusion of direct fuel injection and an automatic engine start/stop system enhances fuel efficiency. The Mercedes Benz CLA 2014 achieves an EPA rating of 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 30 mpg. Performance is also respectable, with the CLA-Class accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just under seven seconds.
4. Dual-Clutch Transmission in the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA 2014
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class differentiates itself from many other Mercedes-Benz models by utilizing a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission, rather than a traditional torque converter automatic. This advanced transmission system uses two clutches to ensure rapid and seamless gear changes, minimizing power loss. The dual-clutch design offers quicker shifts compared to both conventional automatics and manual transmissions. Drivers can choose between a fully automatic mode for relaxed cruising or engage the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a more involved, manual gear selection experience. A dual-clutch transmission is the sole transmission option available for the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014.
5. Front-Wheel Drive System of the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class
For the 2014 CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz broke with tradition by offering front-wheel drive in its American market entry-level luxury car. Historically, Mercedes-Benz favored rear-wheel drive for its perceived superior driving dynamics. However, the decision to adopt front-wheel drive for the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014 was driven by considerations of fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Front-wheel drive systems generally contribute to better fuel economy and are less expensive to produce, allowing Mercedes-Benz to offer the CLA-Class at a more accessible price point. While initially front-wheel drive only, all-wheel drive (4MATIC) became available as an option later in the production run of the CLA-Class.
6. Single Trim Level for the Initial 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class Release
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was initially launched in a single trim level: the CLA250. This trim was generously equipped with a range of premium features as standard. These included cruise control, power windows and locks, rain-sensing wipers, the COMAND infotainment system with a 5.8-inch LCD screen, MB-Tex leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, driver’s seat memory, and power-adjustable front seats. 17-inch alloy wheels and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column were also included as standard on the CLA250 model of the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014, along with a CD player.
7. Customization Options for the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class
Buyers of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class had the opportunity to personalize their vehicles through various optional packages and individual upgrades. The Multimedia Package enhanced the infotainment system with navigation, a larger display screen, and a rearview camera. For a sportier aesthetic and improved performance, the Sport package offered exterior styling enhancements, 18-inch wheels, and upgraded brakes. The Premium 1 package added luxury features such as heated genuine leather seats for the front occupants, an upgraded sound system, satellite radio, and dual-zone automatic climate control to the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014.
8. The High-Performance AMG Edition: Mercedes Benz CLA45 AMG
Beyond the standard CLA250, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class lineup included a high-performance variant: the CLA45 AMG. This model elevated the CLA-Class to a new level of performance. While sharing the same fundamental platform as the CLA250, the CLA45 AMG boasted significant upgrades, including larger, more powerful brakes, a sport-tuned, stiffer suspension, and standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC). The engine was also heavily revised; while still a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, it featured a twin-scroll turbocharger, boosting output to an impressive 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The CLA45 AMG retained the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission but upgraded to 18-inch wheels and sportier styling cues, making it a true performance machine within the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014 range.
9. Comprehensive Standard Safety Features in the 2014 Mercedes Benz CLA-Class
Despite its compact size, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class prioritized safety, offering a comprehensive suite of airbags. These included dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side-impact airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and side curtain airbags covering both front and rear occupants. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control were also standard, along with Attention Assist, designed to detect driver drowsiness, and Collision Prevention Assist, which used radar to warn of potential frontal collisions and could initiate braking if necessary. An optional Driver Assistance package added Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Adaptive Cruise Control to the Mercedes Benz CLA 2014.
10. The Most Affordable Mercedes-Benz: The 2014 CLA-Class Price Point
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was strategically priced to be an accessible entry point into the Mercedes-Benz brand. With a starting MSRP of just $29,900 (excluding destination charges), the CLA250 was significantly more affordable than any other Mercedes-Benz model available in the American market at the time. While the CLA45 AMG commanded a much higher price tag of $47,450 plus destination, reflecting its enhanced performance, both CLA-Class models offered compelling value within the compact luxury segment, undercutting the starting prices of comparable C-Class models and competing effectively with rivals. The Mercedes Benz CLA 2014 made luxury car ownership more attainable for a broader range of buyers.
In conclusion, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class successfully combined Mercedes-Benz luxury and engineering with a stylish design and an attractive price point. While it made some compromises in rear passenger space, it delivered a compelling package for buyers seeking an entry into the luxury car market, especially those drawn to its distinctive four-door coupe styling and eager to experience the Mercedes-Benz brand.
