The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is the first car the company is launching in the US that features front-wheel drive. Naturally, it has gotten car enthusiasts quite excited about what this car has to offer in terms of performance and mileage. Coming from Mercedes-Benz, the quality has never been in doubt, but there are still questions marks over whether the brand’s foray into selling front-wheel drive cars in the US will prove to be successful or not. You be the judge of that.
Pricing
The base price for the CLA series is $30,000 and it is expected that most buyers would have to pay around $35,000 for one. The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 is priced in the mid-30Ks depending on where you buy it from. For a car that is expected to be top of the line, the price is quite moderate considering the fact that some bells and whistles have been thrown in. You can expect to pay anywhere from $33,000 to $40,000 for the CLA 250 model as there are a number of premium packages and add-ons to choose from.
Under the Hood
The CLA 250 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline 4 engine that has been traverse mounted. The engine is solid and reliable and delivers a peak horsepower of 208. However, it is the torque this car delivers that is truly amazing. You can get up to 258 lb. of torque and that too at only 1250 rpm. If you are one for torque, this is the car for you. In fact, Mercedes-Benz would do well to market this car specifically towards the consumers looking for maximum torque.
Interiors
The one area where the CLA 250 does pale in comparison to other cars in the market is the interior. Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go with its standard interior design, which despite being great and highly appealing, does not carry the flashiness of other cars you see today. That being said, the layout of the controls and other features is quite sensible. You can easily operate them while driving without being distracted. However, you won’t notice the interiors once the car is in motion.
Performance
As expected, the CLA 250 delivers where it counts: performance. The turbocharged motor is a great addition to the car and enables you to get through traffic at speed. Whenever you see an empty stretch of road ahead of you, don’t refrain from pressing down on the accelerator. You will love the experience. The transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic system that delivers great thrust, allowing you to go from 0 to 60mph in just 6 seconds.
Verdict
Based on the features, it is quite clear that the CLA 250 matches expectations. While the interiors may not be too glossy, they aren’t hideous either. Apart from that, the car is exceptional in terms of performance and acceleration. Plus you get a combined fuel average of up to 30 miles per gallon, therefore providing great mileage as well. All in all, it is a solid modern ride you will enjoy driving. So if you are interested in buying the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250, go for it.