There’s something about the name and reputation of a Mercedes-Benz that makes would-be buyers believe that owning one is beyond their reach.
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 goes a long way toward proving such pessimism just isn’t necessary.
The CLA250 is a four dour sport coupe with a starting price tag hovering around $29,900. That bill snags you a 2.0 liter inline four cylinder engine that puts out 208 horsepower. That equine number might not seem like much, especially from a German automaker that puts out sport-tuned V8s capable of kicking 600 horses in the tail. But, the CLA250 is significantly smaller than the Mercedes muscle cars that register the bigger, more famous power numbers.
The car’s shorter wheel base and tapered cabin design cuts down on a bit of weight, allowing that inline four to provide all the “oompa” you need to get this German sprinter moving in the right direction with urgency. More importantly, the engineering behind the balance and handling of the car channels that engine’s power into a very Benz-ish driving experience.
I test drove the CLA250 on both street and track conditions. On normal roads, it’s a proper Mercedes – smooth, sophisticated and cultured. On the track, it’s quick, tight and precise. While it may not possess the raw speed of some track-bred machines in the Mercedes line or that of their competitors, the CLA250 remained very grounded and confident — never allowing the backend to slide and clawing into every apex.
Of course, what you sacrifice in speed you get back a bit at the pump as that four cylinder engine promises a highway mpg around 38.
The exterior styling is also a treat — with its black, diamond-block grill and 17-inch, five-spoke wheels. While the CLA250’s lines might not be as aggressive as some of its bigger, faster and more expensive sisters, they’re not so understated as to deny its heritage. People will know this is a Mercedes-Benz as it passes.
If you want to keep the CLA250’s price tag around that $30,000 mark, it’s inside where you have to give a little back. You get sport power seats standard; but, if you want leather upholstery, dual zone climate control, heated seats, blind spot monitoring and other related driver aids, that’ll cost you extra.
If you kit this car out to the maximum, you’re looking at a cost of around $45,000. That’s still less than most Mercedes-Benz on the market, but it strays from the main selling point. With the CLA250’s lower trim models, a buyer can drive a brand new Benz for less than a fully equipped Ford Fusion or Toyota Avalon. And, that’s something worth looking into for any income-challenged gear head.
