2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 First Drive Review | A sophisticated evolution

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BAVARIA, Germany — The Mercedes-Benz CLA was a bold move for the big German luxury brand when it launched six years ago with a shockingly low starting price of just under $30,000. Back then, Mercedes was more about spendy sleds like the S-Class than youth-friendly offerings, which led purists to grouse that an affordable entry model could squander the brand's hard-earned cachet. The argument wasn't helped by early concerns about interior build quality: Was the cheap starter Benz destined to cheapen the brand?

Enter the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, the second generation of the vehicle that moved a considerable 750,000 units worldwide and, at least commercially, all but proved the naysayers wrong. The new car no longer hits the first gen's sub-$30,000 price tag — now it slots above the $32,500 A-Class, which is powered by a 188-horsepower engine versus this CLA's 221-hp mill. The CLA is also sleeker but less voluminous than the A-Class, with a swept back roofline that cuts rear headroom, a form-over-function tradeoff that inspired Mercedes to optimistically call the four-door a "coupe." But there are small-but-special signifiers all around: details like the pillarless doors and more expansive exterior proportions hint at its focus on style over strict functionality, at least compared to the A-Class. The CLA has also grown in footprint and interior volume compared to the original car, with nearly 2 more inches of length and a 2.48-inch increase in front track for a hunkered-down look and improved handling.

While the CLA's sheetmetal has cleaned up nicely with the redux, the interior arguably benefits even more from the update. It's still relatively blocky and not particularly flowing or sensual, but the cabin now feels more modern and sophisticated — if slightly tight in the rear seats for 6-footers. Two widescreen 7-inch displays dominate the dashboard (available 10.25-inch screens are even more impactful), while a narrow row of hard buttons for HVAC controls help de-clutter the otherwise sparse cockpit.

Mercedes-Benz's new MBUX interface, which first debuted on the A-Class, uses voice commands to control a host of variables. Say "Hey Mercedes," and the system listens up with a Siri-like graphic depiction of soundwaves appearing on the screen. MBUX works fairly intuitively, especially for a system that has such broad command over everything from navigation and climate control to queries about local restaurants and general knowledge. The system even recognizes the voice that initiated the request so it doesn't mistake passenger chatter for follow-up questions. Just don't expect to mention the Daimler brand without the system jumping in and expecting a command.

The only available verbal command to launch MBUX is "Hey Mercedes," though voice activation can be deactivated entirely in the so-called Linguatronic menu. MBUX also uses gesture recognition for simple tasks; for instance, reach toward the rear-view mirror and the reading light illuminates. More specific vehicle functions can be personalized by holding your hand in a "sideways V."