CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 5.0 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 41.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.2 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,400
Average Price: Around £20,000

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Stylish and eye-catching design	The ride is too firm
High-quality cabin	Sleek looks compromise practicality
Solid reputation for reliability	Uninvolving to drive

Quick Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) is a stylish, compact saloon that combines distinctive four-door coupe styling with a premium cabin feel. Originally launched to attract younger, style-conscious buyers to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the CLA offers a more glamorous alternative to conventional family cars. The swooping roofline and sleek design give it a distinctive appearance that still looks appealing today. Mercedes-Benz also introduced the CLA Shooting Brake estate variant, which adds practicality without sacrificing the car's stylish appeal.

The CLA prioritises style and premium feel over outright practicality and driving engagement. Rear headroom is compromised by the low roofline, and boot space, whilst respectable at 470 litres in the saloon, is modest compared to more conventional rivals. The engine range includes economical diesels and petrol options, with the CLA 180d BlueEfficiency achieving over 70mpg. The CLA is a refined cruiser rather than a driver's car, with light steering and good motorway refinement. Running costs are reasonable, particularly for diesel versions, and the car has a solid reliability record. Independent Mercedes specialists typically offer cheaper servicing than main dealers.

Best for: Style-conscious buyers seeking a premium compact car, those wanting a distinctive alternative to conventional saloons, and buyers who value cabin quality and brand prestige.

Not ideal for: Buyers prioritising rear-seat space and practicality, those seeking engaging driving dynamics, or those sensitive to firm ride quality on larger alloy wheels.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the CLA if: You value distinctive styling and premium cabin quality, seek a stylish alternative to conventional compact saloons, or want a reliable compact Mercedes-Benz with reasonable running costs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise rear-seat space and practicality, desire engaging driving dynamics, or are sensitive to firm ride quality on larger alloy wheels.

Competitive Position: The Mercedes-Benz CLA (2013-2018) stands out in the compact premium segment for its distinctive styling and high-quality cabin. Whilst rivals like the BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 offer superior driving dynamics and practicality, the CLA's unique design and premium feel make it compelling for style-conscious buyers. The CLA's exceptional user rating of 5.0 reflects strong owner satisfaction, though its expert rating of 3 out of 5 reflects compromises in practicality and driving engagement. For buyers willing to prioritise aesthetics and brand prestige over outright practicality, the CLA remains an excellent used purchase with solid reliability and reasonable running costs.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLA Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.