Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117) — complete buyer's guide

The complete reference for the first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA (C117, 2013–2019): platform, dimensions, every engine, the 2016 facelift, known issues and a used-buyer checklist.

Boot 470LShooting Brake: 495 L

Length 4.63m

Wheelbase 2.70m

Production 2013–2019

Engines Petrol · Diesel

Drive FWD · 4MATIC

Production and platform

Produced from 2013 to 2019. First generation of the CLA. Available as a four-door coupé (C117) and a five-door Shooting Brake estate (X117, from late 2014/2015). Built on the MFA front-wheel-drive platform (shared with the A-Class W176 and the GLA X156). Front-wheel drive standard; 4MATIC all-wheel drive available on higher engines. Facelift introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year. Related models include the AMG CLA 45. Primary assembly in Kecskemét, Hungary (additional production in other markets). Approximately 750,000 units sold worldwide. First front-wheel-drive Mercedes offered in the US market.

Driving experience

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.

Engines

Petrol (M270 / M133)

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h
CLA 180	1.6 L · 4-cyl (M270)	122 hp90 kW	200 Nm	9.2–9.9 s
CLA 200	1.6 L · 4-cyl (M270)	156 hp115 kW	250 Nm	8.5–8.6 s
CLA 220 / CLA 250	2.0 L · 4-cyl (M270)	184–218 hp135–160 kW	300–350 Nm	6.4–7.1 s
CLA 45 AMG	2.0 L · 4-cyl (M133)	360–381 hp265–280 kW	450–475 Nm	4.2–4.5 s

Diesel (OM607 / OM651)

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h
CLA 180 d (CDI)	1.5 L · 4-cyl (OM607)	109 hp80 kW	260 Nm	11.6–11.9 s
CLA 200 d (CDI)	1.8/2.1 L · 4-cyl (OM651)	136 hp100 kW	300 Nm	9.3–9.9 s
CLA 220 d (CDI)	2.1 L · 4-cyl (OM651)	170–177 hp125–130 kW	350 Nm	7.7–8.2 s

Transmissions

6-speed manual or 7G-DCT dual-clutch automatic. All engines transverse. Euro 6 compliance on later examples.

Dimensions and practicality

Coupé length approximately 4,630 mm. Width around 1,777 mm. Height around 1,432 mm. Wheelbase 2,699 mm. Boot volume approximately 470 litres (seats up). Shooting Brake length similar; boot volume approximately 495 litres (seats up). Fuel tank capacity typically 50 litres. Practicality is limited by the coupé roofline and rear headroom; the Shooting Brake is more usable. Compared with the later C118: shorter overall, shorter wheelbase, and slightly larger boot on the coupé. Rear space is tighter than the successor.

Facelift (2016)

Introduced in 2016 for the 2017 model year. Main changes: revised headlights and taillights (LED options expanded); updated interior detailing and instrument cluster; infotainment updates (larger screen, later Apple CarPlay availability); Collision Prevention Assist Plus made more widely available; minor power adjustments on some engines (e.g. CLA 220 CDI); exterior styling refinements.

Differences from the next generation (C118)

Smaller overall size and shorter wheelbase. Engines were the M270 petrol and OM651/OM607 diesel families (replaced by M282/M260 and OM654 in the C118). Infotainment was COMAND-based rather than MBUX dual screens. Dual-clutch was 7G-DCT only. Technology and driver aids were less advanced. Boot volume was similar or slightly larger on the coupé. Overall refinement and equipment level lower than the C118.

Known issues and weak points

Dual-clutch transmission (7G-DCT)

Jerky low-speed shifts, judder, delayed engagement, or harshness widely reported, especially in stop-start traffic.
Fluid and filter changes (recommended earlier than official intervals by specialists) reduce issues.
Clutch pack or mechatronic wear possible on neglected examples. Manual versions avoid this.

Petrol (M270)

Timing chain stretch or tensioner issues possible on early cars (cold-start rattle is the typical symptom).
Electronic thermostat failures reported.
Camshaft adjuster magnet issues and oil leaks into wiring on some examples.
Specific production recalls for camshaft weld and other components.

Diesel (OM651 / OM607)

Timing chain tensioner oil leak recalls on early OM651 production.
High-pressure fuel line cracks reported on some 2015 builds (fire risk; campaign issued).
Injector issues possible on OM607 (Renault-based).
Timing belt (not chain) on OM607 requires replacement; interval is critical.
DPF and EGR issues more common on short-trip use.

Other

Suspension bush and control arm wear on higher-mileage cars (clunks over bumps).
Water ingress possible via panoramic roof drains or seals (check for dampness or staining).
Multiple airbag-related recalls (Takata and other).
Steering column earthing fault on some cars.
Electrical and sensor issues reported. Interior creaks and rattles more common than on later generations.

Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 buyer checklist icons

What a buyer should check

Full service history, including dual-clutch transmission fluid and filter changes (critical).
VIN-specific recall and service campaign status (airbags, timing chain tensioner, high-pressure fuel lines, camshaft, steering column).
Transmission behaviour in stop-start traffic and from a standstill (smooth engagement, no judder or delays).
Cold-start engine noise (timing chain rattle on petrol).
Oil leaks and cooling system condition.
For diesels: DPF/AdBlue status, timing belt history on OM607, and any smoke on hard acceleration.
Suspension condition, tyre wear, and any clunks.
Signs of water ingress (headliner, carpets, footwells), especially on panoramic roof cars.
Overall electronic function and any warning lights.

Running costs

Indicative costs for the Mercedes-Benz CLA C117 in normal Belgian/EU use (approximate 2026 figures). Actual figures vary by region, driving style and service location.

Fuel consumption

CLA 180 / 200 (M270 1.6): typically 6.0–8.0 L/100 km.
CLA 220 / 250 (M270 2.0): typically 6.5–9.0 L/100 km.
CLA 180 d / 200 d (OM651/OM607): typically 4.5–6.0 L/100 km — the most economical choice.
CLA 220 d (OM651 2.0): typically 5.0–6.5 L/100 km; AdBlue consumption low.
CLA 45 AMG (M133): typically 8.5–11.0+ L/100 km.

Maintenance

Mercedes service is premium-priced. Oil service typically €150–300. 7G-DCT fluid service every ~60,000 km is recommended. Tyres and brakes add up. AdBlue consumption on the diesel is low. Independent Mercedes specialists keep bills more reasonable than dealers.

Road tax / registration (Belgium)

Highly region-dependent (Flanders more CO₂-oriented; Wallonia/Brussels influenced by power/CV and mass). The 1.6- and 2.0-litre engines sit in moderate brackets; the CLA 45 AMG is more expensive. Expect roughly €200–900+/year depending on engine, exact CO₂, region and any ongoing reforms. One-off BIV/TMC on first Belgian registration is also engine- and age-sensitive.

Insurance and LEZ

Higher than mainstream compact coupes. AMG and higher-spec versions cost more. Full comprehensive is expensive on higher-value examples. LEZ: all engines fully Euro 6 compliant and unrestricted in Belgian/EU low-emission zones.

Belgian/EU market notes

Diesel versions were common for company-car use due to tax treatment and fuel costs at the time. Petrol examples became more relevant later. Euro 5/Euro 6 compliance varies by year; later cars are cleaner. Car-Pass documentation is required for Belgian sales. Many examples will have moderate-to-higher annual mileage from company use. The coupé is more common than the Shooting Brake. Facelift examples (2016–2019) generally show fewer early-production issues than 2013–2015 cars.

Summary

This generation established the CLA formula but is less refined and more maintenance-sensitive than the C118, particularly around the 7G-DCT transmission, timing chain on petrol engines, and specific diesel campaigns. Facelift cars with documented gearbox service and full recall completion are the more stable used buys. Early production requires closer scrutiny of service history and campaign status.

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region

Fuel

Engine size Power CO₂ (g/km)

Euro norm

First registration

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