X

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 shows compact style (pictures)

The new model from Mercedes-Benz brings luxury styling into the compact class.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7728-004.jpg
1 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Mercedes-Benz bets on American's desire for smaller, luxury cars with the CLA250.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7758-009.jpg
2 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Styling for the CLA250 derives from the Mercedes-Benz CLS-class.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7782-012.jpg
3 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Unlike other Mercedes-Benz offerings, the CLA250 is a front-wheel-drive car.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7800-014.jpg
4 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
At 13.1 cubic feet, the trunk space is on the small side.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7766-010.jpg
5 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Even with the rounded roofline, rear seat headroom is adequate.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7748-008.jpg
6 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The Sport package included a more rigidly tuned suspension and run-flat tires, possibly leading to this car's rough ride quality.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7735-005.jpg
7 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The CLA250 uses a 2-liter turbocharged engine.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7910-023.jpg
8 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Power adjustable sport seats in front were reasonably comfortable.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7907-022.jpg
9 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The rear seat is designed to hold three passengers.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7931-031.jpg
10 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The quality cabin materials certainly made the CLA250 feel like a Mercedes-Benz.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7912-024.jpg
11 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
An LCD in the instrument cluster shows a variety of vehicle information.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7965-046.jpg
12 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The navigation system shows very detailed maps.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7941-034.jpg
13 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The destination menu includes a shortcut to location-based apps.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7942-035.jpg
14 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
While using the CLA250's Internet-connected features, you will spend a lot of time looking at this screen.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7947-040.jpg
15 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Music apps are not listed among the audio sources, but tucked away in this online menu.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7944-037.jpg
16 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The CLA250 includes broadcast and onboard digital audio sources.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7959-045.jpg
17 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
Oddly, Mercedes-Benz's iOS integration relies on this 30-pin adapter, which only works with older iOS devices.
2014_Mercedes-Benz_CLA_250_35835021-7956-044.jpg
18 of 18 Josh Miller/CNET
The Harman Kardon stereo delivers great audio detail, but falls short on bass.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos