The CLA-Class is the smallest Mercedes on sale today, but it’s hardly alone in the class.
Both BMW and Audi offer similarly sized competitors, with different takes.
The Audi A3 may be the most direct competitor, with four doors and a turbocharged inline-4, although a convertible and hatchback are also offered by Audi.
BMW’s 2-Series is a two-door competitor, although we’re partial to their powertrains—particularly the 2.0-liter turbo-4 in the 230.
Buick’s Verano won’t see next year, and the Lexus CT is certainly due for an update too.
The Acura ILX doesn’t offer much of a sporty option there—it’s too logical.
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 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Acura ILXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Audi A3Browse Used Listings |  2018 BMW 2-SeriesBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Buick VeranoBrowse Used Listings |  2017 Lexus CTBrowse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a gorgeous shape in an impressive package. Equally impressive? Its ability to get expensive, even despite being the most affordable sedan in Mercedes' stable. |
The 2018 Acura ILX is an acceptable entry-level luxury car, but a loaded-up mainstream model like the Honda Civic delivers more features and refinements for less money. |
The 2018 Audi S3 is a blast to drive, but it suffers from a tiny rear seat and the Volkswagen Golf R offers the same performance with more room for less. |
The 2018 BMW 2-Series is a competent coupe with plenty of power—even in base trim. |
The 2017 Buick Verano delivers quiet and comfort but the most appealing engine, the 2.0-liter turbo, doesn't return for the final run. Buyers should look for deals on this lame-duck car. |
The unexpectedly sporty character of the 2017 Lexus CT 200h may attract new buyers in the growing segment of luxury compacts, meaning its high fuel economy isn't its only allure. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $32,700 | $28,100 | $31,950 | $34,950 | $21,065 | $31,250 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 18 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 43 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Gas/4-cyl | Gas/Electric I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Compact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Compact | Compact Cars |
| Style Name | |||||
| CLA 250 Coupe | Sedan | 2.0 TFSI Premium FWD | 230i Coupe | 4-Door Sedan w/1SV | CT 200h F Sport FWD |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | 4 | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Cabriolet | Coupe | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Transmission | |||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/Manual Shift | CVT w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2018 Acura ILX | 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2018 Audi A3 | 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2018 BMW 2-Series | 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2017 Buick Verano | 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2017 Lexus CT | |
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