Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
All generations, specs and history
Published Sources (5) Report an error
By Felix Hartmann, Automotive Technology & EV Contributor
- Built
- 2013–present
- Generations
- 3 · C117 to C178
- Top power
- 310 kW (421 PS)
Timeline
CLA-Class generations
Click a generation for its own page
- CLA-Class C117 2013–2018 · Sedan, Station wagon
- CLA-Class C118 2019–2025 · Sedan, Station wagon · 85–310 kW (116–421 PS)
- CLA-Class C174/C178 Current 2025–now · Sedan, Station wagon
Newest first · 3 generations since 2013
-
2025
-
2019
-
2013
All generations by year: CLA-Class C174/C178 (2025–now) · CLA-Class C118 (2019–2025) · CLA-Class C117 (2013–2018)
Which one is mine?
Pick the year of first registration to see which generation it is.
Check by VINWhich CLA to choose
Our verdict · Felix Hartmann
- For low running costs: the electric CLA 250+, with the longest claimed range and 12.5 kWh/100 km.
- For a used buy: a C118 CLA 200 or CLA 220 d; five Euro NCAP stars and 91 percent pedestrian protection.
- For space: any Shooting Brake; the X118 holds 505 litres.
- For performance: the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, or the cheaper CLA 35 with 225 kW.
- To compare: the Audi A3 is the obvious rival, and our comparison tool sets the two side by side. Our report on the 2019 CLA update covers the C118 launch, and all versions are in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a four-door coupé built on the brand's front-wheel-drive compact platforms. It applies the low-roof idea of the larger CLS to a car the size of a C-segment sedan, and its main plant is in Kecskemét, Hungary. The third generation of 2025 is offered both as an electric car with up to 260 kW and as a 48-volt hybrid.
In short
- Generations: C117 (2013–2019), C118 (2019–2025) and the third generation since 2025 (C178 hybrid, C174 electric); Shooting Brake estates since the 2014 Los Angeles show.
- Outputs from 85 kW (CLA 180 d) to 310 kW (Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S); the electric CLA 350 4MATIC has 260 kW.
- About 750,000 first-generation cars were sold worldwide, 100,000 of them in the first year.
- The 2025 CLA won the European Car of the Year title for 2026 and claims up to 792 km of electric range.
Size at a glance
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C117
The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C118 is 58 mm longer, 53 mm wider and 7 mm taller than the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C117.
| Dimensions | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C118 | Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C117 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,688 mm184.6 in | 4,630 mm182.3 in | +58 mm+2.3 in |
| Width | 1,830 mm72.0 in | 1,777 mm70.0 in | +53 mm+2.1 in |
| Height | 1,439 mm56.7 in | 1,432 mm56.4 in | +7 mm+0.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,729 mm107.4 in | 2,699 mm106.3 in | +30 mm+1.2 in |
| Boot | 460 L16.2 cu ft | 470 L16.6 cu ft | −10 L−0.4 cu ft |
Running cost
Fuel · CLA-Class C118 CLA 180
about 1,550 EUR fuel a year at 15,000 km
5.9 l/100 km · petrol at 1.75 EUR/l · change mileage, fuel price or version
Specs by version
Engines
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric · 2 versions | ||||
| C178 · CLA 250+ with EQ Technology | Electric | 200 kW 272 PS268 hp | — | Rear-wheel drive |
| C178 · CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology | Electric | 260 kW 354 PS349 hp | 515 Nm380 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
| Diesel · 4 versions | ||||
| C117 · CLA 220 CDI | 4 cyl · Diesel | 125 kW 170 PS168 hp | 350 Nm258 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 180 d | 4 cyl · Diesel | 85 kW 116 PS114 hp | 260 Nm192 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 200 d | 4 cyl · Diesel | 110 kW 150 PS148 hp | 320 Nm236 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 220 d | 4 cyl · Diesel | 140 kW 190 PS188 hp | 400 Nm295 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| Petrol · 12 versions | ||||
| C117 · CLA 180 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 90 kW 122 PS121 hp | 200 Nm148 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C117 · CLA 200 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 115 kW 156 PS154 hp | 250 Nm184 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C117 · CLA 250 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 155 kW 211 PS208 hp | 350 Nm258 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C117 · CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC | 2.0 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 1,991 cc | 265 kW 360 PS355 hp | 450 Nm332 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
| C117 · CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC | 2.0 l · 4 cyl · Petrol 1,991 cc | 280 kW 381 PS375 hp | 475 Nm350 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 180 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 100 kW 136 PS134 hp | 200 Nm148 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 200 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 120 kW 163 PS161 hp | 250 Nm184 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 220 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 140 kW 190 PS188 hp | 300 Nm221 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · CLA 250 | 4 cyl · Petrol | 165 kW 224 PS221 hp | 350 Nm258 lb-ft | Front-wheel drive |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC | 4 cyl · Petrol | 225 kW 306 PS302 hp | 400 Nm295 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ | 4 cyl · Petrol | 285 kW 387 PS382 hp | 480 Nm354 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ | 4 cyl · Petrol | 310 kW 421 PS416 hp | 500 Nm369 lb-ft | All-wheel drive |
Performance
Show all 16 versions
| Version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Fuel consumption | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric · 2 versions | ||||
| C178 · CLA 250+ with EQ Technology | 6.7 s 0–62 mph | — | — | — |
| C178 · CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology | 4.9 s 0–62 mph | — | — | — |
| Diesel · 4 versions | ||||
| C117 · CLA 220 CDI | 8.2 s 0–62 mph | 230 km/h143 mph | 4.0 l/100 km58.8 mpg US · 70.6 mpg UK | 104 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 180 d | 10.7 s 0–62 mph | 205 km/h127 mph | 4.5 l/100 km52.3 mpg US · 62.8 mpg UK | 119 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 200 d | 8.3 s 0–62 mph | 226 km/h140 mph | 4.8 l/100 km49.0 mpg US · 58.9 mpg UK | 126 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 220 d | 7.1 s 0–62 mph | 244 km/h152 mph | 4.9 l/100 km48.0 mpg US · 57.6 mpg UK | 130 g/km |
| Petrol · 10 versions | ||||
| C117 · CLA 180 | 9.3 s 0–62 mph | 210 km/h130 mph | 5.4 l/100 km43.6 mpg US · 52.3 mpg UK | 125 g/km |
| C117 · CLA 200 | 8.6 s 0–62 mph | 230 km/h143 mph | 5.4 l/100 km43.6 mpg US · 52.3 mpg UK | 126 g/km |
| C117 · CLA 250 | 6.6 s 0–62 mph | 240 km/h149 mph | 6.4 l/100 km36.8 mpg US · 44.1 mpg UK | 148 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 180 | 9.4 s 0–62 mph | 216 km/h134 mph | 5.9 l/100 km39.9 mpg US · 47.9 mpg UK | 133 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 200 | 8.5 s 0–62 mph | 229 km/h142 mph | 5.9 l/100 km39.9 mpg US · 47.9 mpg UK | 133 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 220 | 7.0 s 0–62 mph | 241 km/h150 mph | 6.8 l/100 km34.6 mpg US · 41.5 mpg UK | 155 g/km |
| C118 · CLA 250 | 6.3 s 0–62 mph | 250 km/h155 mph | 6.8 l/100 km34.6 mpg US · 41.5 mpg UK | 155 g/km |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC | 4.9 s 0–62 mph | — | — | — |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 4MATIC+ | 4.1 s 0–62 mph | — | — | — |
| C118 · Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ | 4.0 s 0–62 mph | — | — | — |
Dimensions and weight
Show all 13 versions
| Version | Length | Wheelbase | Kerb weight | Boot | Fuel tank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric · 2 versions | |||||
| C178 · CLA 250+ with EQ Technology | 4,723 mm185.9 in | 2,790 mm109.8 in | — | — | — |
| C178 · CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology | 4,723 mm185.9 in | 2,790 mm109.8 in | — | — | — |
| Diesel · 4 versions | |||||
| C117 · CLA 220 CDI | — | — | 1,525 kg3,362 lb | 470 l16.6 cu ft | 50 l13.2 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 180 d | 4,688 mm184.6 in | 2,729 mm107.4 in | 1,395 kg3,075 lb | 450 l15.9 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 200 d | — | — | 1,530 kg3,373 lb | 450 l15.9 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 220 d | — | — | 1,560 kg3,439 lb | 450 l15.9 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| Petrol · 7 versions | |||||
| C117 · CLA 180 | 4,630 mm182.3 in | 2,699 mm106.3 in | 1,395 kg3,075 lb | 470 l16.6 cu ft | 50 l13.2 gal US |
| C117 · CLA 200 | — | — | 1,395 kg3,075 lb | 470 l16.6 cu ft | 50 l13.2 gal US |
| C117 · CLA 250 | — | — | 1,480 kg3,263 lb | 470 l16.6 cu ft | 50 l13.2 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 180 | — | — | 1,395 kg3,075 lb | 460 l16.2 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 200 | — | — | 1,400 kg3,086 lb | 460 l16.2 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 220 | — | — | 1,490 kg3,285 lb | 460 l16.2 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
| C118 · CLA 250 | — | — | 1,490 kg3,285 lb | 460 l16.2 cu ft | 43 l11.4 gal US |
Verified Manufacturer and type-approval data from our catalog · Sources and methodology
Mercedes-Benz CLA at a glance
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | 2013–present, three generations |
| Bodies | 4-door coupé (sedan); Shooting Brake estate; long-wheelbase CLA L for China (2025) |
| Platforms | MFA (C117), MFA2 (C118), MMA (since 2025) |
| Layout | front-wheel drive; 4MATIC on AMG versions; electric CLA rear- or all-wheel drive |
| Engines | 1.3–2.1 l petrol and diesel, plug-in hybrid (C118), 1.5 l hybrid and electric (since 2025) |
| Power | 85–310 kW (116–421 PS) |
| Length | 4,723 mm (third generation) |
| Plants | Kecskemét (Hungary); also Rastatt, Beijing, Samut Prakan and others |
| Related models | A-Class, B-Class, GLA, CLS |
CLA generations and timeline
| Generation | Years | Bodies | What defines it |
|---|---|---|---|
| C117 / X117 | 2013–2019 | coupé, Shooting Brake (shown 2014) | claimed Cd 0.23, CLA 45 AMG with 280 kW |
| C118 / X118 | 2019–2025 | coupé, Shooting Brake | MFA2, MBUX, CLA 45 S with 310 kW, CLA 250 e |
| C178 / C174 | since 2025 | coupé, Shooting Brake, CLA L | MMA, 800-volt electric drive, 1.5 l hybrid |
First generation C117 (2013–2019): the low-drag coupé
The production CLA made its debut in Detroit in January 2013. Series production began that month at the new Mercedes plant in Kecskemét, Hungary, after trial builds in 2012; India and Thailand later assembled it too. Sales started in Europe in April 2013 and in the United States in September. The idea came from the Mercedes-Benz CLS: a sedan body with a sloping, coupé-like roof.
Aerodynamics were the headline. Mercedes claimed a drag coefficient of 0.23, and 0.22 for the CLA 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. When Car and Driver measured a CLA in May 2014, its own test gave 0.30. The X117 Shooting Brake, announced at the 2014 Los Angeles show, added an estate roof with a 470–495 litre boot; US buyers could not order it.
Petrol versions had the same outputs as the A-Class W176: the CLA 180 with 90 kW, the CLA 200 with 115 kW and the CLA 250 with 155 kW. The CLA 220 CDI diesel had 125 kW. In the 2013 Euro NCAP test a CLA 200 received five stars, with 91 percent for adult occupants. The model sold 100,000 cars in its first year, which Mercedes called its best launch in 20 years.
Second generation C118 (2019–2025): MFA2 and AMG power
The second CLA was revealed at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas in January 2019. It moved to the MFA2 platform and grew by 48 mm in length and 53 mm in width, with a 30 mm longer wheelbase. The drag coefficient stayed at 0.23. Its front design followed the "predator" face shared with the A-Class W177 and the CLS.
The X118 Shooting Brake followed at the Geneva show in March 2019, with 505 litres of luggage space. Mercedes-AMG presented the CLA 35 at the New York show and the CLA 45 and CLA 45 S at Goodwood. A CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid joined in March 2020 as a coupé or estate. The facelift of January 2023 removed the manual gearbox from the range.
Safety was strong. In the 2019 Euro NCAP test the CLA 180 scored 96 percent for adult occupants, 91 percent for children and 91 percent for pedestrian protection.
Third generation (since 2025): electric and hybrid
The third CLA was unveiled on 13 March 2025 as the first model on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA). It comes in two technical versions. The electric car (C174) uses an 800-volt system and a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. It charges at up to 320 kW and can add 325 km of range in 10 minutes. The CLA 250+ has an 85 kWh usable battery and 200 kW, and its claimed range is 694–792 km. The CLA 350 4MATIC adds a front motor for 260 kW and 515 Nm.
The hybrid version (C178) pairs a 1.5-litre four-cylinder with a 22 kW electric motor inside an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The car is 4,723 mm long on a 2,790 mm wheelbase, and the boot holds 405 litres plus 101 litres under the bonnet. The Shooting Brake, shown on 14 July 2025, is the first battery-electric estate from Mercedes-Benz.
Production runs in Kecskemét and Rastatt, with the long CLA L built in Beijing. In the 2025 Euro NCAP test the CLA 250+ scored 94 percent for adults, 89 percent for children, 93 percent for pedestrians and 85 percent for safety assistance. The car was named European Car of the Year 2026.
CLA engines and performance
| Version | Generation | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLA 180 | C117 | 90 kW (122 PS) | 200 Nm | — |
| CLA 250 | C117 | 155 kW (211 PS) | 350 Nm | — |
| CLA 45 AMG (2015–2018) | C117 | 280 kW (381 PS) | 475 Nm | — |
| CLA 180 | C118 | 100 kW (136 PS) | 200 Nm | 9.4 s |
| CLA 220 d | C118 | 140 kW (190 PS) | 400 Nm | 7.1 s |
| Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC | C118 | 225 kW (306 PS) | 400 Nm | 4.9 s |
| Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ | C118 | 310 kW (421 PS) | 500 Nm | 4.0 s |
| CLA 250+ (electric) | since 2025 | 200 kW (272 PS) | — | 6.7 s |
| CLA 350 4MATIC (electric) | since 2025 | 260 kW (354 PS) | 515 Nm | 4.9 s |
The first CLA 45 AMG of 2013 had 265 kW and was described as the most powerful production four-cylinder at its launch. Its successor, the CLA 45 S, makes 310 kW from the same 2.0-litre size. The electric CLA 350 4MATIC matches the CLA 35's sprint time. The electric CLA 250+ is rated at 12.5 kWh/100 km. Our power converter translates these figures into PS or hp.
Photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class evolution in numbers
Did you know?
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class has been around for 13 years: 3 generations in our catalog since 2013.
- The longest-running generation is the CLA-Class C118 (2019–2025): 6 years.
- The biggest jump in power came with the CLA-Class C118: up to 310 kW (421 PS), 30 kW more than the CLA-Class C117.
- The most powerful Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is not the newest: the CLA-Class C118 (2019–2025) offered up to 310 kW (421 PS), the CLA-Class C174/C178 up to 260 kW (354 PS).
Most powerful version, kW
Length, mm
Figures from the 1cars catalog: power is the strongest version of each generation; generations without the figure are left out.
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: first vs latest generation
| Spec | CLA-Class C117 | CLA-Class C174/C178 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years | 2013–2018 | 2025–present | 12 years apart |
| Most powerful version | 280 kW (381 PS) | 260 kW (354 PS) | −20 kW (−7%) |
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,723 mm | +93 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,699 mm | 2,790 mm | +91 mm |
| Best 0–100 km/h | 6.6 s | 4.9 s | −1.7 s |
Oldest and newest generation in the 1cars catalog. Power is the strongest version of each; other rows are shown only when both generations have the figure.
Image credits · Photos from Wikimedia Commons under free licences
- Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class C174/C178 · Photo: Alexander Migl / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class in our rankings
- No. 2 of 49 · Most economical sedans (4.0 l/100 km)
- No. 6 of 36 · Quickest sedans, 0–100 (4.0 s)
- No. 17 of 256 · Most economical cars (4.0 l/100 km · top 7%)
- No. 12 of 51 · Quickest diesel cars, 0–100 (7.1 s · top 24%)
- No. 11 of 48 · Fastest sedans (250 km/h · top 25%)
- No. 60 of 250 · Quickest cars, 0–100 (4.0 s · top 25%)
More economical than 95% of ranked sedans in the 1CARS catalog (No. 2 of 49).
FAQ
Is the Mercedes CLA a coupé or a sedan?
It is a four-door sedan with a low, coupé-like roof, which Mercedes markets as a four-door coupé. A Shooting Brake estate was added in the first generation and is still offered.
Where is the CLA built?
Mainly in Kecskemét, Hungary, where series production started in January 2013. The third generation is also built in Rastatt, Germany, and Beijing.
What is the range of the electric CLA?
Mercedes claims 694–792 km for the rear-wheel-drive CLA 250+ with an 85 kWh battery and 672–771 km for the all-wheel-drive version.
Which CLA is the fastest?
The Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ (C118): 310 kW (421 PS), 500 Nm and 4.0 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.
What platform does the CLA use?
MFA for the first generation, MFA2 for the second and the new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) since 2025.
Data sources
Data checked by an editor against the sources below.
- Wikipedia — Mercedes Benz CLA
- Completecar — Latest round of Euro NCAP test results released
- Euro NCAP — Seven Earn Safety Accolades In Latest Round Of Euro Ncap Testing
- Euro NCAP — Mercedes Star Shines Bright As Euro Ncap S Final Results Deliver Safer Options For Every Buyer
- EEA CO₂ monitoring (European Environment Agency, CC BY 4.0)
