Used Mercedes-Benz CLA for sale: everything you need to know

The Mercedes-Benz is a tempting proposition as it's got coupe looks but has the benefit of four doors, but with enough performance and handling appeal to tempt fans of sports cars.

Bristling with Germanic design frills, both outside and in, the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes in a variety of models and trim levels, meaning there's something for everyone in the used car segment. There are a few compromises on the interior front due to that couple styling, and rear seating is a little less impressive than some of the rivals out there. 

Realistically, the Mercedes-Benz CLA diesel is the pick of the crop, despite being considerably more expensive than the petrol counterparts. It’s beefy and fast too, while the petrol falls a little flat and doesn't react kindly to being put under pressure.

Choose a base-level AMG Line trim package, which comes loaded with enough of the good stuff to keep most people happy. Step up to the AMG Line Premium trim if you like a party trick or two, like its cool 64-colour ambient lighting, huge instrument screen, upgraded sound system and ‘augmented reality’ navigation. 

CLA 200 petrol and CLA 220 d diesel model variants are reasonably plentiful and make a good way to go. Used Mercedes-Benz CLA can be on the pricey side though, along the lines of the Audi A5 Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon. 

Should you buy a Mercedes-Benz CLA?

Have you been seduced by the lure of a prestige badge, but you don’t want to drive the same ubiquitous hatchback choices as everyone else? Are you much more focused on style than you are on practicality, and as such, you don’t want anything too big? If the answer to all those questions is yes, then the Mercedes-Benz CLA could well be the answer for you. 

As a four-door coupe, it looks slinkier than its hatchback rivals and unlike other four-door coupes like the Audi A5 Sportback and Volkswagen Arteon, it’s smaller and more compact. Granted, it’s not a lot cheaper, either, but it does come packed with generous luxury and safety equipment, and it’s as good as anything else in the class for interior quality.

A Mercedes-Benz CLA not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used Mercedes-Benz CLA model to buy?

You'll find lots of CLA 200 petrol and CLA 220 d diesel models around. Of those, the diesel is easily the pick despite being considerably more expensive. It’s muscular, fast and refined, while the petrol is comparatively flat and sounds thrashy when you work it harder.

In terms of trim, base-level AMG Line is all you really need because it comes loaded with creature comforts. However, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to step up the AMG Line Premium trim for its cool 64-colour ambient lighting, huge instrument screen, upgraded sound system and ‘augmented reality’ navigation. 

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA fuel economy and performance

The CLA 180 uses a turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine that produces 136PS while the CLA 200 has a 163PS version of the same engine. If you overlook the sporty AMG 35 and 45 models, the range-topping petrol engine is the CLA 250, featuring a 2.0-litre unit with 224PS. 

The one diesel option in the CLA is the 220d, which comes with the same 190PS 2.0-litre engine found in the Mercedes C-Class and Mercedes E-Class. All the petrol engines have a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic, while the diesel gets an eight-speed automatic. 

The latest WLTP tests reckon an average of more than 56mpg should be achievable and while this figure is probably rather optimistic, you should be able to get reasonably close to that in the real world if you treat it very gently. All the petrol, meanwhile, will better 40mpg according to the figures, with the CLA 180 and CLA 200 giving you more like 46mpg. However, if fuel economy is paramount then look towards a diesel in the shape of the CLA 220 d.

What used Mercedes-Benz CLA trim levels are available?

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is currently available as the CLA 180, the CLA 200, the CLA 220, the CLA 2204MATIC and the CLA 250, with variants of trim level as outlined below.

It's a good idea to look towards the Mercedes-Benz CLA over the Mercedes-Benz A-Class because even though it's based around the same product, the CLA boasts a more premium appeal. That means you get higher-end trim levels, starting off with the Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line trim, which is a great place to start.

There's a top-notch infotainment system, lots of safety kit plus alloy wheels, sports seats, cruise control, four powered windows, leather upholstery and a leather steering wheel. Adding further value is heated front seats, keyless go, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, front- and rear parking sensors and a system that helps steer you into parallel parking spaces. 

Next up, the Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium upgrades your infotainment system by adding more speakers and augmented reality navigation. There's also 64-colour ambient lighting and keyless entry. At the top of the trim line-up is the Mercedes-Benz CLA AMG Line Premium Plus, which adds a panoramic roof and electric front seats.

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA dimensions and boot size

The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4688mm
• Width: 1999mm 
• Height: 1439mm
• Ground clearance: 143mm

The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s boot size is:

• 460-litres

Used Mercedes-Benz CLA road tax

The Mercedes CLA was introduced in 2019, long after the Government changed the tax rules to apply an annual £150 flat rate to all petrol and diesel cars. So, with most of them, that’s exactly what you’ll pay. 

However, because cars that cost more than £40,000 when new are also subject to an additional surcharge of £325 between years two and six of the car’s life, annual VED bills can be up to £475. Skip the powerful AMG 35 and 45 models, and all base prices fall under this threshold. 

In addition, the price of optional extras are included in this, so if you buy a pricier version with enough options to tip it over the threshold, you will have to pay the extra. Check of the car’s registration online before you sign on the dotted line.

How much is it to insure a Mercedes-Benz CLA?

It's a bit of a mixed bag on the insurance front, depending on the used model you prefer. The CLA 180 is the cheapest to insure, sitting in group 27 (of 50), while the 200 is only a fraction higher in groups 29 or 30, depending on trim level. The priciest ones to insure (ignoring the high-powered AMG 35 and 45 models) are the 220d and 250, sitting in groups 34 and 35, respectively.

Read our full Mercedes-Benz CLA review