2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is akin to its other siblings as per its class and is expected to achieve that respect in its peers most probably. The CLA 250 has been equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbo engine with an ECO Start/Stop system feasibility. It gets an MBUX Multimedia System with 8-speaker audio set to keep echoing your favorite tracks. The exterior appearance is highlighted by the presence of the 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels which are hugged by the P225/45R18 All-Season Tires. One can even experience the available Mercedes Me Connect Selective Service Internet Access and Voice Recognition Gesture that have been bestowed alongside.

Apart from the interactive interior, the readiness and alertness are also worth praising as it fits in the Audio Theft Deterrent and Turn-By-Turn Navigation unit for its autonomous safeguarding and mobility tracking. There are multiple packages as well from which it can be given a little touch-up for an overall upgrade which include the AMG Line, AMG Line with Night Package, Premium Package, and Exterior Lighting Package. For improving the safety insurance one can even avail of the Driver Assistance Package with which assists like the Route-based Speed Adaptation, Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, and PRE-SAFE PLUS can be incorporated into the cabin.

Which Trim should you buy?

No trim translates to no confusion but drive layout preference is there for the CLA 250. One has to choose between an FWD and AWD. Although the dynamics are already up to the mark and there is hardly anything left to achieve in this machinery, the standard FWD will do the necessary groundwork for you. The comfort and easy seating have been perfectly catered to and are very much practical on all fronts. So, it is advisable to save those dollars and go for the FWD. This gives you an opportunity to choose the Driver's Assistance Package from the leftover dollars.

A turbocharged pack with a 2L I-4 is not just a performance phenomenon but a comparable economic repository of higher return per mile as well. With it, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 gives you a mileage of 25 mpg in the city, 35 mpg on the highways, and an overall mark of 29 mpg. With a standard 13.2-gallon fuel tank, the range coverage can be reached up to 472.5 miles at the max. Though it is not the highest among the rivals, one can’t complain as the variation is significantly low only.

The best among all is the Lexus ES 250. Just like its braking efficiency, it continues its streak in this department also. A higher mileage with a bigger fuel tank is indicative of the class-leading figures. The range of more than 540 miles is so attractive that the closest one against it lags behind it by more than 65 miles. Thus, it is by far the most practical luxury among the competitors. On the other hand, we would like to see more from the BMW as it is way too underappreciated for now.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is simply the best in class as it has all the premium feel along with comfort and convenience. The richness begins with a bunch of upholstery trims including the Neva Grey, Black MB-Tex with Red stitching, and Macchiato Beige MB-Tex. The 3-position memory functioned 8-Way Power-Flexing with heating and ventilation as an option costing $950 further enhances your cozy posturing.

One is even entitled to use the Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning and SmartKey inside the cabin that has been bestowed as tech-complexity superiority. As far as accents around doors and dashboard are concerned, one can choose between the standard Aluminum with longitudinal grain and optional Natural Grain Black Linden wood as per his/her taste.

The seating arrangement is quite satisfactory inside the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 for the first row as it is a no-compromise layout with spacious legroom and headroom but the same seems to divert when we buckle up for the rear as it can fit no more than children there. Even the cargo seems to be a little less than the segment leaders like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe and Lexus ES 250 that have trunk volumes of 16.7 and 15.1 cubic feet. The Lexus has an edge over all the rivals in terms of better snuggling irrespective of age group and thus making it the most practical one among them. 

Some of the features are:

• SmartKey
• Voice Activated Dual Zone Front Automatic Air Conditioning
• Natural Grain Black Linden wood trim accent
• 3-position memory function for seats
•  8-Way Power-Flexing

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is home to so many features that this storyline might not be enough to cover them all. It features a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster with optional 10.25-inch variants for both of them in the Premium Package which may be as expensive as $1200.

After that, we have 3 years of Mercedes Me connect services, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto available as normal. The realm goes on to include the Mercedes-Benz User Experience and Voice Control which are altogether another level aspects. The service of the MB Navigation and Speed Limit Assist can also be availed of in the Multimedia Package which charges you some $1,295 for its presence. 

Some of the features are:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display
• 3 years of Mercedes me connect services
• Mercedes-Benz User Experience
•  Voice Control

If $38,900 is on the line and that too for a brand that has proven to be of high stature for all these years in design philosophy then worry no more as one is destined to be pleased when the Cosmos Black metallic-accented 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 hits the map with its starking 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheel setup.

This does not end here as we can continue to be craving additional packages like the AMG Line and AMG Line w/Night Package in both of which we get Chrome diamond-block grille as standard. The projector beams on the front add dimension to its luxury appeal and can be upgraded to Adaptive Highbeam Assist in the Exterior Lighting Package. Thus, it is a complete replica of its interior enrichment.

One of the lightest and certainly well within the boundary limits, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is stable in both handling and aerodynamic perspectives. And it is further reassured with other tech-aids like the Electronic Stability Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking. As far as comparison is concerned, the others are relatively more compact but that void hardly makes a difference on the bigger picture. Moreover, all of them are equally adorned with tech-assist exclusively. So, in this specific domain, we prefer to be indifferent and gauge them on the same block.

Some of the features are:

• 18" Multi-Spoke Alloy
• Chrome diamond-block grille
• Rear spoiler
• Cosmos Black metallic-accented exterior styling
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist

The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is pretty impressive with its artillery of safety and driver’s assistance aids. The bin has been decorated with the Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and eCall Emergency Sos System. The in-road stability is taken care of by a couple of Driveline Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control. Not just the surroundings but the inside cabin are deluged with features like the mbrace Connect, BabySmart Child Seat Sensor, and baggage of airbags. One even gets the Active Brake Assist and optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist once invested in it. 

Some of the features are:

•  eCall Emergency Sos System
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Blind Spot Assist Blind Spot
• Electronic Stability Control
• Active Brake Assist

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 vs. 2021 Audi A3 

The CLA 250 and Audi A3 are some of the most popular in the segment and that is why we could see a pattern of similarities throughout the spec sheet. They are on the same scale for every parameter right from the seating spaciousness to mileage return.

In addition to that, they are matched in their handling dynamics. The only place where the CLA 250 is superior is in its performance curve which gives it a slight edge and makes it a first choice over the latter.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 vs. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Both the rivals have their capabilities outstripping each other in different sectors. Like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe has better performance at a relatively lower price tag because of which it tends to struggle when it is a matter of fuel economy.

On the other hand, the CLA 250 outshines it in the mileage return. Thus, one of them is more performance-inclined and the other is more economy-oriented. Hence, we leave it to the owner as per his/her preference.

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 vs. Lexus ES 250

The Lexus ES 250 is a more practical choice as it has better fuel economy, braking efficiency, and cabin spaciousness. On the other hand, the CLA 250 feels more premium and powerful.

In terms of handling, they are quite comparable with no major variation between them. But it is that sheer practicality and decent cabin feel which keeps ES 250 a little ahead in the wishlist over the CLA 250.

If we could see all the sectors, it is a must-buy option. One gets that premium and exotic ambiance along with comfortable long hauling. The performance is also an exhilarating one to experience. The fuel economy is pretty decent with respect to its performance dynamics. Thus, we would recommend going for it and that too with the FWD variant as it would be more cost-effective than the AWD.