Mercedes-Benz CLA 2015–2016 car dimensions: 4630 mm long, 1777 mm wide and 1435 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,430 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin carries over the CLA coupe layout with a free-standing central display of 7 inches standard or 8 inches optional, controlled by a console dial rather than touch. Dual-zone climate control is standard. Collision Prevention Assist Plus with autonomous braking is standard across the range, as is Attention Assist. Cruise control, Parktronic sensors, reversing camera, Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist appear on higher trims or as options. Apple CarPlay arrives as smartphone integration from late 2015 production in some markets.
Boot space measures 495 litres with seats up, expanding to 1354 litres with the 40/60 split rear seats folded. An optional Load Compartment Package raises seats-up capacity to 595 litres by angling the backrests more upright. The load bay is wide for the class at up to 1328 mm, though the sloping roof and narrow opening limit bulkier items.
Braked towing capacity is listed at 1200 kg on entry models such as the CLA 180, rising to 1500 kg on some higher-powered variants. Unbraked towing sits at 715 kg. Payload is around 525 kg depending on the exact model and equipment. Towing is not available on certain variants including the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, CLA 250 Sport 4MATIC and AMG 45.
Sport and AMG Line models use lowered suspension. Adaptive damping is optional later in the period. No heavy-duty cooling package is noted in published specs for work use.
The cabin uses dual-zone automatic climate control as standard with rear vents on many versions. Sports seats in ARTICO man-made leather are standard, with power adjustment and lumbar support on the driver seat across grades and full power memory seats plus heated fronts on higher trims. Ambient lighting and a multifunction steering wheel add to the feel. Rear headroom is greater than the coupe thanks to the estate roof line, and the seats fold 40/60 for load space.
Fuel economy varies by engine: petrol models around 5.7-7.4 L/100 km combined, diesels lower.
ASSYST PLUS service indicator sets intervals typically every 12 months or 12,000-25,000 km/miles.
Euro NCAP five-star rating from the coupe carries over.
Standard safety includes multiple airbags, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, ATTENTION ASSIST, ABS, ESP and active bonnet.
Fuel use depends on the four-cylinder petrol or diesel chosen and drive mode. Combined figures from maker data sit in the mid-single digits for litres per 100 km on most versions, with ECO start/stop helping in traffic. Premium unleaded or diesel is required depending on the engine.
Servicing follows the ASSYST PLUS display, which tracks time and distance. Intervals fall around once a year or every 12,000 to 25,000 km depending on market and use. Oil changes and inspections form the core work, with brake fluid every two years.
Safety kit is strong for the class. Collision Prevention Assist Plus with partial autonomous braking is standard, as is ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection. Multiple airbags cover front, side, curtain and knee positions. PRE-SAFE is available, and blind-spot assist appears on many market specs. The structure uses high-strength steel with crumple zones.
Keeping the car means watching the ASSYST reminders and using genuine parts for the dual-clutch transmission and turbo engines. Run-flat tyres or TIREFIT are fitted on most, and the powered tailgate on estates eases loading. Regular longer runs help diesel particulate filters.
Length 4630 mm, Width 1777 mm, Height 1435 mm, Wheelbase 2699 mm (CLA 2015–2016)
Sources: manufacturer data, Mercedes-Benz press information 25 Nov 2014, auto-data.net CLA 200 Shooting Brake X117, km77.com.