Top 3 Mercedes-Benz CLA trims head to head: here’s our winner
Premium car makers offer potential customers a dizzying number of options. We look at the different CLA trims to determine which one is best.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA has finally become comfortable in its own skin, having emerged from the long shadows of the C-Class and A-Class. Here in South Africa, the non-AMG CLA is available in two model derivatives, with three trims to choose from: Progressive Line, AMG Line and Edition 1.
The CLA types
Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 (starting price: R624 200)
The CLA 220 harnesses a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, 7-speed, petrol drivetrain with turbo-charging. This is good for 120 kW and 250 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and topping out at 229 km/h. Given these figures, consumption is a treat at an official 5.5 l/100km, while emitting 130 g/km of CO2.
Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 d (starting price: R668 640)
The diesel derivative packs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, 8-speed drivetrain. Edging in front of its petrol companion with 140 kW and 400 Nm, it completes the acceleration sprint in 7.1 seconds and has a top speed of 244 km/h. The increased performance comes at lower consumption, averaging at 4.4 1/100km, while only emitting 117 g/km.
Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic (starting price: R931 280)
This is the performance variant of the range, with a high-output, turbo-charged 2.0-litre petrol engine and 7-speed DCT transmission. It powers all four wheels and churns out a maximum of 225 kW at 5 800 rpm and 400 Nm at 3 000 to 4 000 rpm. It is limited to a top speed of 250 km/h and can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds, Mercedes-AMG says. Its official average fuel consumption and carbon emission figures are 7.3 l/100km and 167 g/km.
The CLA 220 and 220 d come with the same standard equipment, leaving the drivetrains and trims as differentiating factors. The Mercedes-AMG CLA35 4Matic gets the AMG Line trim as a no-cost option.
Related: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA 200 Review
The trims
Progressive Line (R25 800)
This modern-classic Mercedes guise presents the driver with a familiar yet progressive package, inside and out. The exterior features 18” multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, while mostly retaining the standard exterior CLA package. The interior sees more changes: The roof liner is finished in black fabric, the seats are unchanged and there’s a carbon-fibre-look trim. The Progressive Line opens up further combinations inside and out.
AMG Line (R50 175)
The AMG Line follows a more dynamic approach to the standard CLA theme, by adding design elements inspired by AMG performance tuning. The exterior is more aggressive, as the AMG body styling alters the bumpers and side skirts, while adding larger air-vents. The 18” AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels are combined with lowered suspension and faster steering.
The inside changes are as interesting as the exterior enhancements, with AMG floor mats, black roof liner and seats wrapped in ARTICO man-made leather in dramatic DINAMICA microfiber black. A flat-bottom sports steering wheel in nappa leather (with Direct Select shift paddles) and sports seats round off this ensemble.
Edition 1 (R101 600)
It’s the most expensive of the three trims, and the most noticeable. While sharing similarities with the AMG Line, Edition 1 sees some elements imbued with hues of contrasting orange. The 19” AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels are enclosed in a ring of orange where the tyre meets the rim. The AMG body styling is sharpened with orange lines running across the front and rear bumpers, which compliments the lowered suspension. To add to the allure of the more expensive trim, LED headlamps are part of the deal.
The interior also sees similarities to that of the AMG Line, sharing seats, upholstery, roof liner and steering wheel. Differences lie in the Edition 1 floor mats and a light longitudinal-grain aluminium trim running along the dashboard (with an orange stripe) and front doors. This is complimented by ambient lighting.
Related: Top 5 Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan features that stand out from the competition.
Our winner
The AMG Line offers the most bang-for-buck and will be the sought-after CLA in the pre-owned market. The Edition 1 trim is more of a nice-to-have, and its cost does not justify what the customer gets – for over R100 000. Like an over-styled shirt or shoes, the Edition 1 trim is nice to look at, but you don’t necessarily want to own it or pay for it.