Mercedes CLA Sedan Reviewed: A Premium Entry With a High Price Tag

Mercedes has launched the third generation of its stylish CLA sedan, following the successful A-Class and preceding a less essential sedan version of the fourth generation. The CLA, known for its attractive four-door coupe design, has been a popular model for Mercedes. The latest iteration arrived in Israel in stages, with the electric version first, and now the gasoline variant is available. This new gasoline model is expected to appeal to dedicated CLA enthusiasts and those switching from other brands, potentially including owners of Chinese vehicles.

The exterior design maintains the CLA's signature elegant proportions, featuring a sloping roofline and a stable profile. The front end is updated with a grille reminiscent of the electric version and a connecting light strip, though the grille itself is not illuminated to allow for more engine cooling. Inside, the cabin features a large, straight display panel with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 14-inch multimedia screen, with an optional 14-inch screen for the passenger. However, the central console is criticized for its design, lacking efficient cup holders, sufficient storage, and a wireless charging pad, while also missing some physical controls. Material quality is inconsistent, with a soft-touch dashboard top but hard plastic on the lower sections and door panels. Some interior elements, like the silver plastic on the central cradle, appear basic, and the car produced unnecessary rattles on average Israeli roads.

Driving dynamics are characterized by a stiff suspension setup, which can lead to a busy ride in urban environments, with road imperfections transmitting directly into the cabin. The suspension also makes noticeable noise, and rear-end control over speed bumps needs improvement. However, the car offers excellent maneuverability in the city with a small turning radius. On intercity roads, the stiffness gives way to stability, allowing for effortless long-distance driving, with reasonable road and wind noise levels. The tested 'Signature' trim is the top of three options, including a passenger touchscreen, smart headlights, a head-up display, 19-inch wheels, a Burmester sound system, and a power trunk. Notably, only this trim offers dual-zone climate control. The mid-tier 'Elite' trim includes electric seat adjustment, synthetic leather, wireless charging, and ambient lighting, while the base 'Icon' trim features a panoramic roof and heated seats. The safety features are comprehensive across all trims, including autonomous emergency braking, evasive steering assist, and a child presence alert.

The gasoline engine is a 1.5-liter unit producing 163 horsepower, augmented by a 30-horsepower electric motor integrated into an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, resulting in a combined output of 184 horsepower and 33.7 kgm of torque. This setup accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds. The hybrid system allows for electric-only crawling and engine shutdown during cruising, with energy recovery during deceleration. In city driving, power delivery can be inconsistent with occasional delays. Sport mode keeps the engine at higher RPMs, providing more responsive acceleration. Fuel consumption during the test averaged 16.5 km/l, which is considered good. Road grip is high, though the steering feels artificial, and the car lacks paddle shifters for gear changes. The artificial engine sound during acceleration is also a drawback.

In summary, the new gasoline CLA boasts a polished appearance, a pleasant interior, good interior space, and excellent fuel economy with comfortable cruising qualities. However, it suffers from subpar material quality in many areas, a poorly designed center console, less than vigorous powertrain performance under load, and a stiff suspension that struggles with rough surfaces. The main challenge is the price, ranging from 320,000 to 400,000 shekels for the tested model, which is a significant expense for an entry-level luxury car. While the CLA has grown and adopted a more premium look, its price premium positions it for a niche audience that specifically desires the Mercedes brand and its status symbol appeal, with the exterior design and multiple screens likely providing the desired 'wow' factor.