The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class marked a significant shift for the German automaker, venturing into the entry-level luxury segment with a vehicle that prioritized style and affordability. Designed to attract a new demographic to the Mercedes-Benz brand, the CLA-Class debuted as a more accessible option without sacrificing the prestige and engineering synonymous with the tri-star logo. Notably, it was also the first front-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz offered in the United States, challenging traditional perceptions of the brand’s drivetrain philosophy.
Let’s delve into ten essential aspects that prospective buyers and automotive enthusiasts should know about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA.
1. The Allure of a Four-Door Coupe Design
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class boldly adopted the “four-door coupe” moniker, a concept pioneered by its larger sibling, the CLS-Class. This designation, while seemingly paradoxical, highlights the CLA’s striking silhouette. It boasts a dramatically sloping roofline, a hallmark of traditional coupes, seamlessly integrated into a four-door sedan body. This design choice emphasizes aesthetics, lending the CLA-Class a sporty and dynamic profile that sets it apart in the compact luxury segment. Mercedes-Benz even touted the CLA’s aerodynamic efficiency, claiming it surpassed even the Toyota Prius in slipperiness through the air.
2. Style Prioritizes Space: Interior Room Considerations
The captivating design of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, particularly its sloping roofline, does come with a trade-off: interior space. Rear passenger room is notably compromised. Adults of average height may find themselves feeling cramped in the rear seats, with headroom being less generous than in conventional sedans and legroom also being somewhat restricted. The coupe-like roofline also presents challenges when installing child safety seats and maneuvering children in and out of them. Trunk space is a decent but not class-leading 13.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seats do fold down to expand cargo capacity when needed, offering some flexibility.
3. Turbocharged Power Under the Hood
Powering the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a spirited 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing ample performance for daily driving and spirited acceleration. Benefitting from direct fuel injection and an automatic engine start/stop system, the CLA-Class achieves commendable fuel economy figures. It’s EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, resulting in a combined rating of 30 mpg. The CLA250 is capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just under seven seconds, blending efficiency with respectable performance.
4. Dual-Clutch Transmission for Quick Shifts
Unlike many other Mercedes-Benz models that utilize traditional torque converter automatic transmissions, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class features a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This advanced transmission type employs two clutches to enable incredibly rapid gear changes, minimizing power loss and delivering a more engaging driving experience. The dual-clutch design allows for quicker shifts compared to both conventional automatics and manual transmissions. Drivers can choose between fully automatic operation or manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, offering a blend of convenience and driver involvement. This transmission is the sole option available for the CLA-Class, highlighting Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to sporty performance even in their entry-level model.
5. Front-Wheel Drive Configuration: A First for the US Market
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class broke ground as the first front-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz model offered in the American market. Traditionally, Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the US were known for their rear-wheel-drive layouts, associated with a certain level of driving dynamics and luxury feel. However, the CLA-Class adopted front-wheel drive to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce production costs, contributing to its more accessible price point. While initially only available in front-wheel drive, Mercedes-Benz later introduced a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as an option for the CLA-Class, catering to drivers seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
6. CLA250: A Well-Equipped Single Trim Level
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was initially launched in a single, well-appointed trim level: the CLA250. Even in its base configuration, the CLA250 offered a generous array of premium features. Standard equipment included cruise control, power windows and locks, rain-sensing wipers, the COMAND infotainment system with a 5.8-inch LCD screen, MB-Tex faux leather upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, driver’s seat memory, and power-adjustable front seats. 17-inch alloy wheels and a tilt-and-telescoping steering column were also included as standard, along with a CD player, demonstrating a commitment to both luxury and convenience in the entry-level segment.
7. Customization Options Through Packages
Buyers of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class had the opportunity to personalize their vehicles through various optional packages and standalone features. The Multimedia Package upgraded the infotainment system with navigation, a larger display screen, and a rearview camera. The Sport Package enhanced the CLA’s visual appeal with sporty exterior styling elements, larger 18-inch wheels, and upgraded brakes. The Premium 1 Package added luxurious touches such as genuine leather upholstery with heated front seats, an upgraded sound system, satellite radio, and dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing buyers to tailor the CLA-Class to their specific preferences and needs.
8. The High-Performance CLA45 AMG Variant
For those seeking exhilarating performance, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class offered the high-performance CLA45 AMG model. While based on the same platform as the CLA250, the CLA45 AMG was a different beast altogether. It boasted significant upgrades including larger, more powerful brakes, a sport-tuned, stiffer suspension, and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive for enhanced grip. Most notably, the CLA45 AMG featured a heavily modified version of the 2.0-liter engine, equipped with a twin-scroll turbocharger to unleash a remarkable 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. While retaining the same seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as the CLA250, the CLA45 AMG rolled on larger 18-inch AMG wheels, visually and dynamically distinguishing itself as a true performance machine.
9. Comprehensive Standard Safety Features
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class prioritized safety, incorporating a comprehensive suite of standard safety features. It included an array of airbags, featuring dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side-impact airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, and side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants. Electronic Stability Control and Traction Control were standard, along with Attention Assist, designed to detect driver drowsiness, and Collision Prevention Assist, which used radar to warn of potential frontal collisions and could initiate braking if necessary. An optional Driver Assistance package further enhanced safety with lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, providing advanced driver-assistance technologies.
10. The Most Affordable Entry Point to the Mercedes-Benz Brand
A key selling point of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was its attractive price. With a starting MSRP of just $29,900 (excluding destination charges), the CLA250 was positioned as the most affordable Mercedes-Benz model in the US market. While the destination fee pushed the price slightly over $30,000, it remained significantly more accessible than other models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The high-performance CLA45 AMG, with its substantial performance upgrades, naturally commanded a higher price of $47,450 plus destination. Regardless, both CLA-Class variants offered a more budget-friendly entry point into the luxury brand, competing effectively with rivals in the compact luxury segment and broadening Mercedes-Benz’s appeal to a wider range of buyers.
