What's the Difference: Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Reliability and Quality

Both the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class are high-quality, reliable vehicles that earn solid reliability ratings.

Inside, both the CLA and the C-Class offer an incredible array of standard features along with stunning build quality and high levels of technology. As you'd expect from a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, all materials are top-notch in both models with the slightly more upscale C-Class earning the nod as the more luxurious of the two.

Luxury highlights on the CLA include power front seats with three-position memory, sport front seats, MB-Tex upholstery, and 64-color LED ambient lighting with illuminated vents. C-Class highlights include heated power front seats, dual digital displays, keyless entry, 64-color ambient lighting, and a sunroof.

C-Class sedan models consistently score very high on reliability, with J.D. Power rating it 81/100 in 2021. CLA models have competitive reliability scores to other entry-level luxury models, with a rating of 73/100 from J.D. Power.

Performance and Efficiency

Mercedes-Benz has taken great strides to make sure the CLA and C-Class are both incredibly fun to drive and remarkably efficient.

Every CLA 250 comes standard with a 221 horsepower, turbo inline-4 that provides 0-60 times of around 6.3 seconds, while still offering fuel economy estimates of 25 city and 36 highway MPG* thanks to technology like an ECO Start/Stop system. Front-wheel drive is standard, along with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 4MATIC® all-wheel drive is optional on the CLA and high-tech features like DYNAMIC SELECT work with the 4-wheel independent suspension to make drive down PCH a blast.

The C-Class has an inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive that cranks out 255 horsepower through either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. A 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission with shift paddles provides smooth, quick shifts and helps the C-Class earn fuel economy estimates of 21 city and 31 MPG* on the highway. A selective damping system and a fully-independent suspension help the C-Class deliver a smooth ride and serious driving performance.

Mercedes-AMG® models include the AMG® CLA 35 and AMG® CLA 45 which offer up to 382 horsepower from an AMG®-enhanced 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo, making them among the most powerful four-cylinder vehicles on the market. AMG® models also come with a 4MATIC® all-wheel drive drivetrain and specially tuned dual-clutch transmissions that fire off lightning-fast shifts. C-Class AMG® models offer an AMG®-tuned 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo with hybrid assist and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger that cranks out 402 horsepower.

No matter which you choose, the drive will be just as good as the destination.

Safety and Driving Assistance

Mercedes-Benz places a high degree of focus on exemplary safety, and both the CLA and C-Class offer class-leading safety and driving assistance technology.

In addition to an array of airbags, highlights on the Mercedes-Benz CLA include PARKTRONIC with Active Parking Assist to make short work of tough parking spaces, ATTENTION ASSIST® to help keep you alert, Route-based Speed Adaptation, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. An optional Driver Assistance Package adds key features like Blind Spot Assist.

The C-Class takes safety and driving assistance up another level with PRE-SAFE® which helps prepare the cabin before an accident, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, and adaptive braking technology.

Infotainment and Technology

Every CLA comes standard with the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with features like Bluetooth®**, Apple CarPlay®, and Android Auto™ built right in. A standard touchpad controls the seven-inch touchscreen, or drivers can use the "Hey, Mercedes" keyword activation feature to simply tell their CLA what to do. On top of the MBUX system, the CLA offers a fully digital instrument cluster that can be customized to your every need.

Much like the rest of the vehicle, the C-Class takes the features in the CLA up another notch. A central controller works with an incredible, EQS-style, 10.25-inch infotainment system that offers the full MBUX user experience. Additional features include a COMAND® navigation system and a clever Head-up Display that makes driving safer and more convenient.

Shop Mercedes-Benz CLA Near Buena Park, CA

House of Imports is your preferred CLA destination near Downey, Anaheim, Cerritos, Garden Grove and Westminster. Our dedicated staff is ready to help you find your perfect new or pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicle from our incredible selection or take care of your Mercedes-Benz in our world-class service center.

Our in-house finance center works with both local and national banks to help secure a lease or loan that fits your budget. We accept trade-ins from other luxury brands like Audi, BMW, or Lexus and can also explain extended warranty options. We also accept lease returns if you're looking to upgrade to the latest Mercedes-Benz CLA.

From the best pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models to the service and support, House of Imports is here to serve you.

*Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.

**Bluetooth® is a registered mark Bluetooth SIG, INC.