Extraordinary Rides

Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is an excellent driving experience M any years ago, German luxury car makers only wanted to sell expensive cars. Th ey were not too happy By C.A. Haire formance buyers want—at the low starting price of $36,000.

Th is situation has changed. terior lighting, wireless charging, navigation

Today, if a customer’s fi rst-time experience and larger info screen? Th e fact the total tab with a brand is not pleasant, they will shop to be a Mercedes owner here is only $42,000 somewhere else. With competition being will probably be the main selling point. fi erce, manufacturer can’t aff ord that. Th is So, do we get a “real” Mercedes for this brings us to the Mercedes CLA250, a small money? Th e answer is yes. Th e little, 2.0-liter “Baby Benz” that off ers the quality and perturbo engine is only rated at 221 horsepow

Naturally, there are the usual options adding to the profi t margin. How can we live entering the lower-price market, and the cars’ without those larger 18-inch wheels, blindpoor performance in that segment showed. spot assist, SiriusXM radio, heated seats, in

The Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Sedan has a 2.0-liter turbo engine that is only rated at 221 horsepower but is powerful enough once underway. (Photo by C.A. Haire)

er but is powerful enough once underway, helped by a slick seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Fuel economy is claimed to be 24/35 mpg. At 75 mph cruising, this car obtained 34, which is close enough. Th e computer off ers four drive modes: comfort, eco, sport and individual. Th e gauge cluster also has four settings: classic, sport, progressive and understated.

We took this CLA on many back-country areas with tight twisty roads. Th e performance did not disappoint. Th is engine is strong, smooth and quiet. Th e cornering ability is excellent, as is its stability at high speed. Th e brakes have great feel and stop this vehicle in a hurry. Th e body structure is very solid, with no rattles, even on the roughest pavement. Th is steering doesn’t have the best feel, but turn ratio is quick enough. Th is car likes to be driven hard, if that is your goal.

Our only complaint is the infotainment and computer controls, which, being typical Mercedes, are not easy to fi gure out. Reading the owner’s book is pointless, as it is even more confusing. Th e best way to handle this is to sit in the cabin for a few hours, then press every switch and button about a hundred times! Aft er a few days of practice, everything was up and running. Th en we had a German car that off ers the excellent Mercedes driving experience at a reasonable price.