Should you buy the 2020 Mercedes Benz cla250 coupe?

This blog will explain the specifications of the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 Coupe and answer the following questions: should you buy the 2020 Mercedes Benz 250 Coupe? Is it worth upgrading from the old model? How fast does the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA250 go? 

Should you buy the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 coupe?

No, you should avoid buying the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 coupe. The 2020 model is the second generation of the CLA model series C118. Even though the CLA 250 is named a coupe, it has 4 doors and usable boot space in the back. 

The second-generation CLA is based on the undated A class, in a few small markets, Mercedes Benz was smart enough to discontinue the previous generation of CLA W117 and launch the A-Class model series W177 limousine as its replacement. 

If the second generation of CLA 250 coupe is available in your market, it will be priced at around 40,000 USD. The second generation of CLA is longer and has more interior space than the W117 model. If you compare the sheer size of the new CLA it is a lot closer to the newly launched C CLass.

Following are some of the specifications of the CLA 250 Coupe

The New CLA is even more aerodynamic than the previous generation. The coefficient of drag is at 0.27 making it few models that come under the 0.3 mark. With the lower coefficient of drag along with the front engine and front-wheel-drive layout, the CLA gives very good miles per gallon figures. The environmental protection agency rates the city plus highway mileage at 25 miles per gallon.

The CLA is not available in all the global markets; it is the first front-wheel-drive model launched in North America. There is no news from Mercedes Benz on where the second generation of CLA will be launched next.

The first generation was really popular in the European and American markets. It was also launched in an estate body style. Mercedes Benz sold more than 700,000 units of the first generation of  CLA. It was a popular model because of its small size and a price tag of 30,000 USD. the second generation not only became bigger but the price was also increased significantly.  

Is it worth upgrading from the first generation CLA 250 coupe?

Yes, it is worth upgrading to a newer model if you are looking for a front-wheel-drive car. The first generation of the CLA model series W117 was launched in 2013 it was the most aerodynamic production vehicle with a coefficient of friction of 0.23. The new CLA is powered by an all-new inline 4 cylinder engine, it has better refinement levels than the M270 in the W117. 

The interior space is also significantly better, Mercedes Benz is giving sports seats as standard and a longer wheelbase allows for better legroom. There is a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with MBUX; it is miles ahead of the command system in the older models.

Overall, the newer model comes with a better refinement level and quality. The rear suspension geometry is also modified with the use of a dead axle and suspended axle carriers instead of using independent trailing arms. The new CLA has better handling and stability at high speeds. 

Mercedes Benz also offers a driver assistance package which can be selected at the time of placing an order for the vehicle. The driver assistance package will cost an additional 2000 USD but it is worth the price considering it includes the following assistance systems:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC  
• Active Steering Assist  
• Evasive Steering Assist  
• Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function  
• Active Emergency Stop Assist  
• Active Speed Limit Assist 
• Active Lane Keeping Assist  
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• Active Lane Change Assist  
• PRE-SAFE PLUS with PRE-SAFE sound  

The driver assistance package utilises a brand new radar system with a high speed CAN network integrated into the onboard electrical communications network of the vehicle. All these changes certainly make upgrading to a newer model from the old a lot more sense. 

How fast does the 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 coupe go?

The 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 Coupe has a top speed of 250 Km/hr. The 2.0 litre inline 4 cylinder petrol engine coupled to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox can propel the car from 0-100 in just 6.3 seconds. The inline 4 cylinder M260 engine is the transverse version of the M264. The M260 and M264 are newly developed petrol engines and all the latest Mercedes Benz models are powered by the M260/M264 family. 

The M260 makes 221 horsepower at 5,500-6,100 rpm and 350 Nm of torque as early as 1800 rpm. It has a camshaft adjustment on the intake as well as an exhaust camshaft. The opening and closing of the intake and the exhaust valves can be advanced or retarded according to the engine speed. The engine control unit can also actuate the camshaft adjuster solenoid and open both the valves at the same time so that part of the exhaust gases are sucked back into the combustion chamber and the overall NOX consumption is reduced.

The M260 is also equipped with Camtronic on the intake camshaft. The Camtronic is Mercedes Benz’s iteration of variable valve lift technology. There are two different cam profiles on the intake camshaft. After the Camtronic solenoid is actuated, the intake camshaft shifts from a smaller cam profile to a bigger cam profile. The intake valve is opened more allowing a greater quantity of air and fuel mixture into the combustion chamber and thus producing more power. 

The 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 also comes with a 4Matic model. 4 Matic is a full-time all-wheel-drive system. A power take-off connected to the differential gear inside the dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels through an open differential.

The rear differential is connected to the power take-off unit via a propeller shaft. The power distribution between the front and the rear axle is fully variable. The variable 4Matic drive system along with the rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist steering system gives the new CLA 250 very responsive handling and power delivery.

Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in

Mercedes Benz E Class Vs Mercedes Benz CLS

Mercedes vs Lamborghini (Which is better?

Mercedes Benz C Class Vs Mercedes Benz E class

Conclusion

The 2020 Mercedes Benz CLA 250 is a great car and Mercedes Benz has completely redesigned the CLA from the ground up. The only problem with the second generation is the size is almost as big as the Mercedes Benz C Class and it is priced very close to it considering the C class starts at 44,000 USD. Therefore, buying the new C CLass model series C206 is better than the 2020 CLA.

Reference

• https://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/passengercars/mercedes-benz-cars/models/a-class/sedan-v177/mercedes-amg-a-35-4matic/numbers.module.html