Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 vs Mercedes-Benz CLA C118

Mercedes-Benz CLA

C117 · 2013 – 2019

The first-generation CLA (4-door coupe) on the MFA platform.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

C118 · 2019 – 2026

The second-generation CLA on the MFA2 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.

Best engine: The CLA 200 (petrol) or CLA 200 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Pick the CLA for coupe styling with MBUX technology and efficient engines in a premium compact 4-door coupe.

Best engine: The CLA 200 (petrol) or CLA 200 d / CLA 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M270 CLA 200 · Petrol vs M282 CLA 200 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz CLA	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Power	156 hp	163 hp Winner
Torque	250 Nm	250 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,5 s	8,5 s
Top speed	230 km/h Winner	229 km/h
Power-to-weight	109,1 hp/t	109,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	130 g/km Winner	139 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,5 L/100km Winner	5,6 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz CLA	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Boot	470 L Winner	460 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.235 L	1.240 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,70 m	2,73 m Winner
Length	4,63 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	10,0 cm	10,4 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m	11,0 m
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz CLA	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Platform	MFA (front-wheel-drive base, shared with the A-Class W176 and B-Class W246)	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M270 petrol · OM651/OM607 diesel	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	7-speed 7G-DCT
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz CLA

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
7G-DCT: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
Early M270 petrol: timing chain risk reported
Interior rattles on some examples

Mercedes-Benz CLA

M282 (1.3): thermostat/cooling and elevated oil consumption reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
MBUX software glitches (mostly resolved by updates)

Pros

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Coupe look with a 470 L boot (Shooting Brake: 495 L)
Proven M270 1.6/2.0 petrol and OM651 2.1 diesel (CLA 200 d: 136 hp / 300 Nm)
CLA 45 AMG: 360–381 hp four-cylinder for real performance

Mercedes-Benz CLA

MBUX dual-screen with voice control and modern styling
Efficient OM654 diesel (CLA 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.3 L/100 km)
MFA2 platform shared with the A-Class W177, with optional 4MATIC
CLA 250 e PHEV: 218 hp and 450 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Mercedes-Benz CLA

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Low roofline limits rear headroom

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Low roofline limits rear headroom
7G-DCT/8G-DCT needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Style-first, with a ride to match. The C117 steers quickly and accurately but rides firmly, especially on larger wheels, and lets in more road and wind noise than a proper Mercedes should. Front-drive versions are tidy and predictable; 4MATIC adds traction in poor conditions. The M270 petrols are willing but gruff, the OM651 diesel is the sensible choice for distance, and the 7-speed dual-clutch is quick once moving, if hesitant from a standstill. Body control is good, but the CLA trades comfort for its coupé looks.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Comfortable, quiet and far more grown-up than the C117. The C118 rides with better isolation and body control, steers accurately, and feels closer to a proper Mercedes inside. Front-drive versions are easy; 4MATIC adds traction in poor conditions. The M282/M260 petrols are smooth and eager, the OM654 diesel is the long-distance pick, and the 250 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The dual-clutch is smoother than before, though still occasionally hesitant at low speed. It is a much better all-rounder than the first CLA, with the same coupé styling and fewer of the compromises.