The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class marked a significant shift for the German automaker, venturing into the entry-level luxury segment with a vehicle designed to capture a new audience. This all-new model prioritized style and affordability, aiming to attract buyers who might not have previously considered owning a Mercedes-Benz. Notably, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 was also the first front-wheel-drive vehicle offered by the brand in the United States, making it a unique offering in their lineup.
Let’s delve into 10 crucial aspects that you need to understand about the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class.
1. The 2014 CLA is Marketed as a Four-Door Coupe
Following in the footsteps of the CLS-Class, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 is cleverly marketed as a ‘four-door coupe’. This designation, while seemingly contradictory, highlights the car’s design philosophy. The CLA-Class boasts a dramatically sloping roofline, a hallmark of traditional coupes, combined with the practicality of four doors. This design choice gives it a sleek, sporty aesthetic. Mercedes-Benz even emphasizes the aerodynamic efficiency of the CLA, claiming it surpasses even the Toyota Prius in terms of drag. This focus on design makes the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 stand out in its class.
2. Limited Rear Passenger and Cargo Space
The stylish roofline of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014, while visually appealing, does compromise interior space, particularly in the rear seats. Adult passengers of average height may find headroom and legroom to be less than ideal compared to traditional sedans. This can make longer journeys less comfortable for rear occupants. Furthermore, installing child seats can be challenging due to the roofline’s intrusion, and securing children once seated can also be cumbersome. Trunk space is also slightly below average at 13.1 cubic feet. However, the rear seats do fold down, providing additional cargo capacity when needed, making the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 still reasonably practical for everyday use.
3. Turbocharged Engine for Efficiency and Performance
Under the hood, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 features a standard 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine. This powerplant delivers 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering a good balance of performance and fuel economy. Direct fuel injection and an automatic engine start/stop system contribute to impressive fuel efficiency figures: 26 mpg in city driving and 38 mpg on the highway. The combined EPA rating is 30 mpg. In terms of acceleration, the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 can reach 60 mph from a standstill in just under seven seconds, providing adequate performance for most driving situations.
4. Dual-Clutch Transmission for Quick Shifts
Unlike many other Mercedes-Benz models that utilize conventional automatic transmissions, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. This type of transmission uses two clutches to enable rapid gear changes, minimizing power loss and providing a more engaging driving experience. The dual-clutch system offers quicker shifts compared to traditional automatics or manual transmissions. Drivers can choose between a fully automatic mode for convenience or manual shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles for more control. The dual-clutch transmission is the sole transmission option for the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014.
5. Front-Wheel Drive as Standard Configuration
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 broke with Mercedes-Benz tradition by featuring front-wheel drive as the standard configuration in the US market. Historically, Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the US were primarily rear-wheel drive, associated with a smoother and more dynamic driving experience. However, the shift to front-wheel drive for the CLA was driven by factors like improved fuel efficiency and reduced production costs. These savings were passed on to consumers, contributing to the CLA’s competitive price point. All-wheel drive (4MATIC) became available as an option later in the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 model year and subsequent years for those seeking enhanced traction and all-weather capability.
6. Single, Well-Equipped Trim Level: CLA250
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 was initially offered in a single trim level, the CLA250, which came generously equipped with premium features as standard. These 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 standard. Even a CD player was included in the base Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 CLA250 model.
7. Customization Through Optional Packages
Buyers of the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 could personalize their vehicles with several optional packages and individual features. The Multimedia Package enhanced the infotainment system with navigation, a larger LCD screen, and a rearview camera. The Sport Package added sporty exterior styling elements, 18-inch wheels, and upgraded brakes. For added luxury, the Premium 1 Package included leather upholstery, heated front seats, an upgraded sound system, satellite radio, and dual-zone automatic climate control, allowing owners to tailor their Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 to their preferences.
8. High-Performance AMG Variant: CLA45 AMG
For driving enthusiasts seeking more performance, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 offered a high-performance AMG variant, the CLA45 AMG. While based on the same platform as the CLA250, the CLA45 AMG was significantly upgraded. It featured larger brakes, a sport-tuned and stiffer suspension, and standard all-wheel drive (4MATIC). The engine was also heavily modified, utilizing a twin-scroll turbocharger to boost the 2.0-liter engine’s output to an impressive 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The CLA45 AMG retained the same transmission as the CLA250 but upgraded to 18-inch wheels, creating a significantly more potent and sporty version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014.
9. Comprehensive Suite of Standard Safety Features
Despite its entry-level positioning, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 prioritized safety, offering a comprehensive array of standard safety features. These included dual front airbags, two side-impact airbags for front occupants, driver’s knee airbag, and side curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers. Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Attention Assist (to detect driver drowsiness), and Collision Prevention Assist (forward collision warning with brake assist) were also standard. Optional safety enhancements included the Driver Assistance package, which added lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, enhancing the safety credentials of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014.
10. The Most Affordable Mercedes-Benz at Launch
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 was strategically priced to be the most affordable Mercedes-Benz model in the US market at the time of its launch. With a starting MSRP of just under $30,000 (plus destination charges), the CLA250 significantly undercut the C-Class and other models in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The high-performance CLA45 AMG was considerably more expensive, reflecting its enhanced capabilities, but both CLA-Class models offered a more accessible entry point to the Mercedes-Benz brand compared to their counterparts. This competitive pricing, combined with its stylish design and features, made the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2014 a compelling option in the compact luxury segment.
