Entry-level luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class are as much about the badge up front than what's inside.
The CLA-Class has a curvier profile than, say, the BMW 2-Series, but we like the way the 2-Series drives in more configurations.
(The BMW is rear-wheel drive, mostly.) The Audi A3 is offered in sedan and convertible forms (plus a plug-in hybrid hatchback) and we like the A3's spunk in S3 and RS3 trims.
The Acura ILX may be the most affordable way into a luxury badge, although its dated design is actually based on the last-generation Honda Civic.
The Cadillac ATS is on its way out, and although it's a half-size bigger, it's likely priced nearly identical to the CLA Class.
The Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class may be the stiffest competitor to the CLA—more buyers prefer crossovers to sedans.
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 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class#8 in Subcompact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Acura ILX#25 in Compact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Audi A3 Sedan |  2019 BMW 2-Series#3 in Subcompact Cars Get Your Price |  2019 Cadillac ATSGet Your Price |  2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class#1 in Luxury Small SUVs Get Your Price |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a compact luxury car with finesse. Its low price is justified in its small footprint and interior, but it still looks great. |
The 2019 Acura ILX delivers some luxury car goods, but we’d spend our money on a loaded-up Honda Civic instead. |
The 2019 2-Series coupe or convertible is proof that the formula BMW helped create still works. |
The 2019 Cadillac ATS pares down to only a two-door coupe this year as it heads toward the sunset as Cadillac's sporty compact. |
The Mercedes-Benz GLA merges hatchback size with crossover functionality and luxury appointments, with better-than-average results. | |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $33,100 | $25,900 | $32,500 | $35,300 | N/A | $33,950 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 23 MPG City / 37 MPG Hwy | 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy | |
| Engine | |||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | N/A | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | |||||
| Subcompact Cars | Compact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | N/A | Small Station Wagon |
| Style Name | |||||
| CLA 250 Coupe | Sedan | Premium 40 TFSI | 230i Coupe | N/A | GLA 250 SUV |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | N/A | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | |||||
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | N/A | 5 |
| Passenger Doors | |||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | |||||
| Sedan | Sedan | Sedan | Coupe | N/A | Sport Utility |
| Transmission | |||||
| Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | N/A | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2019 Acura ILX | 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2019 Audi A3 Sedan | 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2019 BMW 2-Series | 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2019 Cadillac ATS | 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA Class | |
