Mercedes-Benz CLA running costs and reliability

2019 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 4 out of 54.0

Mercedes-Benz CLA (2020) rear view, driving

Written by Jake Groves Published: 28 July 2022 Updated: 1 February 2024

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	5.4 - 7.0 mpp
Diesel engines	6.7 - 7.2 mpp
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	6.2 - 6.8 mpp

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	36.7 - 47.9 mpg
Diesel engines	52.3 - 56.5 mpg
Plug-in hybrid petrol engines *	42.2 - 46.3 mpg

* Fuel economy of the engine when operating without assistance from the electric motor and battery.

View mpg & specs for any version

Petrol engines are very efficient
Diesel best for long-distance fuel economy
Plug-in hybrid the most tax efficient

What are the running costs?

The CLA delivers fuel economy in the 40s at the upper end for all of its petrol variants, depending on wheel size and driving style.

The newest version – the plug-in hybrid CLA 250e delivers between 256.8-313.9mpg and a battery-only range of 44-47 miles in official testing, and as long as you keep it charged up regularly, it will certainly make those numbers.

Clearly, the diesel is by far the most economical of the traditional cars on paper, but we’ve found the petrols can return some impressive economy figures if the car’s onboard computer can be trusted, with over 50mpg managed for the CLA 200 in particular.

Servicing and warranty

Servicing intervals for the CLA are every 12 months or 15,500 miles – whichever comes sooner. A range of service packs are available, and can be passed on if the vehicle is sold to a new owner.

Every new CLA comes with a comprehensive three-year, unlimited mileage warranty, along with three years roadside assistance. Compared with up-to 10 years offered by rivals, Mercedes-Benz’s warranty is beginning to look off-the pace.

Reliability

Based on the A-Class hatchback
No recalls yet for this model
Owners tend to rate them

The overall quality and reliability of the last CLA seem to be a bit of an issue with some owners. The previous-generation model’s reliability record was far from exemplary – but if Parkers owners’ reviews for this car is anything to go by, this one’s looking a little better with a decent all-round rating. Given the car has been refreshed in 2023, it’s likely many of the CLA’s teething problems have been removed or fixed.

That said, we have experienced technical glitches with CLA models given there’s just so much technology on board. If your dealer requests you visit it for a software update, we recommend you take them up on it.