2020 Mercedes Benz CLA Class Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Mercedes-Benz has long been a leader in the luxury vehicle industry, and its reputation holds up to this day. Many of its newer releases have garnered attention for the right reasons. But does the same hold true for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class?

This entry-level sedan, which is styled as a coupe, has been redesigned for the model year. This marks the beginning of the CLA's second generation. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class does get a few things wrong (namely, head space in the rear and a lack of cargo space, all done in favor of a more aerodynamic and sleek style), but it gets more things right. For example, even the base trim is loaded with a ton of standard features that make this vehicle worth its price tag. Also, the AMG GLA 45 trim level has a magnificent amount of power and is sure to attract attention from buyers with a little extra money to spend.

So, is there one trim level that stands out above the rest? Is the base 250 Coupe filled with enough features? Should you opt for its 4MATIC (all-wheel drive) version? Or is it time to go all-out and splurge on one of the two AMG models? Read through the rest of this trim level comparison review to find out. At the end of it, we will tell you which trim level we think is the best fit for the everyday driver.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 250 vs 250 4MATIC. What is the difference?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class's line-up starts with the 250 Coupe. This trim level is powered by a 2.0-L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine that gets paired up with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Together, these powertrain components manage to generate 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This helps get the 250 Coupe from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds. As far as fuel economy goes, the 250 Coupe with the standard front wheel drive system gets 25 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The 250 Coupe has 18-inch multi-spoke wheels and comes with all-season tires.

As for the 4MATIC version of the CLA, it gets all the same specifications, save for the drivetrain. '4MATIC' is the term that Mercedes-Benz uses for its all wheel drive drivetrains. With this equipped, the fuel economy does fall slightly, going down to 23 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. With this exception, the 4MATIC is basically built the same as the standard 250 Coupe, so expect to see the same features and specs.

Now, let's go over the rest of what both of these vehicles have. With regard to their performance features, you can opt to add things like direct-steer (which makes for lighter effort and quicker steering capabilities), painted calipers on perforated front brakes, an adjustable suspension with an active damping system, and a lowered comfort suspension.

On the outside, you will find that the focus is on style as well as utility. There is a standard panoramic sunroof that extends over the first and second row of seats, allowing you a wide glimpse at the sky above. You can tilt the panel up or slide it backward if you want to increase the air flow throughout the cabin. Even the interior shade can be opened and closed just by using the vehicle's built-in voice recognition system. There is beautiful chrome trim on the outside which can be brilliantly paired with any one of the 12 paint color options available for the body.

The exterior is rounded out with LED headlights, a grille with the MB logo that is impossible to miss and thrusts slightly outward, slender new LED taillights, and a trunk with a license plate holder that is now located above the rear valance, giving an all-new look to the rear fascia.

You can choose to get the AMG body styling, which gives the 250 Coupe side sills that are flared, a front air dam that is reshaped, and a chrome edge splitter (or black, if you opt for the all-black Night Package). In the rear, you will find two trapezoidal chrome tailpipes that give the vehicle a sportier vibe. You can also opt to get features like a chrome diamond-blocked grille, gloss black exterior accents, and upgraded 18- or 19-inch wheels (with a total of six different options to choose from).

Inside of the 250 Coupe's cabin, you will take note of the brushed aluminum finished poised against horizontal silver pinstripes. This gets paired nicely with the sport seats, which come with standard heating functionality built into them. There are ways to customize the interior with different options. You can add a sport steering wheel, aluminum shift paddles, aluminum trim with longitudinal grain, natural grain black linden or brown walnut wood trim, AMG floor mats, and brushed aluminum pedals.

Other elements that you will find inside of the 250 Coupe's cabin are 8-way power-adjustable front seats with 4-way power-adjustable lumbar support and 3-position memory,

When it comes to safety features, the 250 Coupe is packed with a ton of standard features. These features include active brake assist, the Mercedes-Benz emergency call service with an SOS function, and Attention Assist, which will issue a warning to the driver when the vehicle detects that the driver might be getting drowsy or distracted. A rear-view camera comes as standard equipment, as does crosswind assist. You also get the benefit of having adaptive braking technology, which does everything from preventing rollback while going uphill to using brake hold at lengthy red lights. There is also an electronic traction control system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a remote panic function on the anti-theft alarm system, and LED daytime running lights.

You can opt for more safety and security features should you feel the need. Among those you can add are active LED headlights, active and evasive steering assist functions, speed limit assist, blind spot monitoring, adaptive high beam assist, and active lane keeping assist. You can get the Pre-Safe Plus, which protects rear seat occupants in the event of a collision. There is a radar sensor built into the rear bumper that will detect an oncoming crash, and when it does, it prepares the seat belt restraints and applies and holds the brakes if the vehicle is sitting at a stand-still. This comes in the Driver Assistance Package. You can also grab the Parking Assistance Package and get a 360-degree surround-view camera.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class 250 vs AMG CLA 35. What is the difference?

For about $10,000 more, you can upgrade to the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class' AMG CLA 35 Coupe. This trim level is powered by an AMG-enhanced 2.0-L turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine and an AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Together, this gets the vehicle 302 hp and pushes it from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. Also, an AMG Performance 4MATIC drivetrain comes standard. Features include AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, direct steering, and ESP Dynamic Cornering Assist.

The exterior sees some different curves than what you get on the 250 Coupe. The AMG CLA 35 Coupe is even rounder and more aerodynamic. The LED headlights get slimmed down, and the LED taillights are slenderized and widened, giving the vehicle a more aggressive styling. You can opt for the AMG Night Package, 19-inch wheels (which would replace the standard 18-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels with black accents), and the AMG Aerodynamics Package.

Inside of the AMG CLA 35 Coupe, you will find an abundance of features. A sport steering wheel comes standard, as do aluminum shift paddles, aluminum trim featuring linear grain, and brushed aluminum pedals. The steering wheel can be upgraded to Nappa leather or a Nappa/DINAMICA blend. There are also several different types of trim that you can switch to, including the AMG aluminum design trim.

Safety features are, for the most part, the same as what you get on the 250 Coupe. There is, however, an advanced tire pressure monitoring system. If you want a lot of advanced driver aids, you will have to add on packages. The Premium Package will give you blind spot monitoring, and the Driver and Parking Assistant Packages bundle a ton of driver aids. Adding these three packages will take the price up by about $4,500. Considering that some of these features come standard on a lot of vehicles in this class, you might have trouble justifying the cost.

There are some nice upgrades when it comes to creature comforts. The AMG CLA 35 Coupe gets over-the-air software updates, heating on all four of the outboard seats, 64-color LED ambient interior lighting, and an AMG digital instrumentation display. If you want, you can opt for features like AMG Performance front seats, upgraded leather or MB-Tex/DINAMICA upholstery, red seat belts, KEYLESS GO, and the HomeLink universal garage door opener.

Multimedia is really top-notch inside of the AMG CLA 35 Coupe. Like the 250 Coupe, it gets the brand-new MBUX infotainment system, which is about as perfect as an infotainment system can get. It is user-friendly while still feeling next-gen. The vehicle has voice control with natural voice recognition, dual 10.25-inch screens (for the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system), smartphone app integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and five USB-C ports. You can opt for things like the AMG Trace Package, a 6-month all-access trial to SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and an upgraded 12-speaker Burmester sound system.

Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 35 vs AMG CLA 45. What is the difference?

If you've got over $53,000 to spend, then the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class AMG CLA 45 Coupe might be the most appealing trim level to you. This line-topper offers you a super powerful, handcrafted AMG 2.0-L inline-4 turbocharged engine that gets a massive 375 hp. The engine is paired with the AMG dual-clutch, and together, this helps the vehicle get from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. 4MATIC is the standard drivetrain, and multi-spoke 19-inch AMG wheels come equipped with high performance tires. YOu can opt to get red brake calipers, RACE mode, and a raised top speed.

Multiple style elements from the AMG Night Package become standard equipment, including the side mirrors and side sill inserts. Also, you get a shiny AMG cross-wing grille placed on the front fascia. The panoramic sunroof becomes optional though, and there are a few new AMG trim elements that you can choose to add if you want.

A lot of safety features become standard on this trim level. Blind spot monitoring comes standard, as do the other Performance Package features. You also get the Parking Assist features.

The seats get upgraded to 14-way power-adjustable sport seats, and you get 10 years of Mercedes me Assist Services. There are options for things like chic black "red cut" upholstery and designo red seat belts. Pre-wiring for GARMIN and SiriusXM also come standard, as does the Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system. Opt for in-vehicle WiFi connectivity and advanced voice control functions if you wish to spruce it up even more.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class: Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a solid vehicle that offers a lot of options. The everyday driver will likely go for the 250 Coupe, which has a good amount of features. But, let's be honest, the AMGs are even more appealing. And if you're going to go with MB, it's either go big or go home.

The AMG CLA 45 Coupe is fairly priced for a line-topping trim in an entry-level sedan line-up. It's anything but basic. Laden with comfort and technology, the 45 Coupe also puts in a stellar driving performance. It is one that you at least have to try, even if you cannot really afford it. Just take it out for a test drive; you will feel like you are supposed to be driving on a race track.