2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG: Review, Specs, & More

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG, a car that perfectly blends luxury and performance. If you're in the market for a sleek, sporty sedan that doesn't skimp on the finer things, then this could be the ride for you. In this in-depth review, we'll explore everything from its design and performance to its interior features and overall driving experience. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Overview of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG is a standout model in the compact luxury sedan segment. It’s renowned for its stylish design, powerful engine, and a host of premium features that make every drive a pleasure. This car isn’t just about looks; it’s also about delivering a thrilling driving experience. The CLA 250 AMG distinguishes itself with its aggressive styling cues, including a distinctive front grille, sporty bumpers, and AMG badging, setting it apart from the standard CLA 250. The AMG enhancements extend beyond aesthetics, with performance upgrades such as a more potent engine, sport-tuned suspension, and enhanced braking system, ensuring a dynamic and engaging ride. The 2018 model year brought subtle refinements in technology and interior materials, enhancing the overall ownership experience. This model appeals to drivers seeking a blend of luxury and sportiness in a compact package, offering a compelling alternative to traditional luxury sedans.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's take a quick look at some of the key features and specs:

  • Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine
  • Horsepower: 208 hp
  • Torque: 258 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD)
  • Fuel Economy: Around 24 mpg city / 37 mpg highway (FWD)
  • 0-60 mph: Approximately 6.3 seconds

These numbers give you a solid foundation, but there's so much more to explore. The engine provides a perfect balance of power and efficiency, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising. The transmission is smooth and responsive, ensuring quick gear changes for an engaging drive. The availability of both FWD and AWD options means you can choose the configuration that best suits your driving needs and local weather conditions. The fuel economy is impressive for a vehicle in this class, making it a practical choice for daily use. And the 0-60 mph time demonstrates its sporty nature, offering brisk acceleration for spirited driving.

Exterior Design: Sleek and Sporty

One of the first things you'll notice about the 2018 CLA 250 AMG is its stunning exterior design. It’s a head-turner, no doubt about it. The car features a coupe-like profile with a sloping roofline that gives it a sporty and aerodynamic look. The aggressive front fascia, highlighted by the AMG-specific grille and large air intakes, immediately grabs your attention. The sharp lines and sculpted body panels add to its dynamic appearance, making it stand out from the crowd. The rear end is equally impressive, with sleek LED taillights and a sporty diffuser that enhances its athletic stance. The attention to detail in the exterior design is evident, from the carefully crafted lines to the premium materials used in the finish. The overall aesthetic is one of modern luxury and performance, perfectly encapsulating the AMG spirit. Available exterior colors range from classic shades like black and white to vibrant hues that accentuate its sporty character, allowing owners to personalize their vehicle to their taste. Optional packages, such as the AMG Night Package, add further visual enhancements with blacked-out exterior trim elements.

Key Exterior Elements

  • AMG Bodystyling: The AMG body kit includes a unique front splitter, side skirts, and rear apron, giving it a more aggressive look.
  • Diamond-Block Grille: The grille features chrome pins and a single louver, adding a touch of elegance.
  • LED Lighting: High-performance LED headlights and taillights not only look great but also provide excellent visibility.
  • 18-inch AMG Wheels: These wheels complement the car's sporty character and enhance its handling.

These elements aren't just for show; they contribute to the car's overall performance and aerodynamics. The AMG bodystyling improves airflow and reduces drag, while the diamond-block grille adds a touch of sophistication. The LED lighting ensures optimal visibility in all conditions, enhancing safety. The 18-inch AMG wheels provide a perfect balance of style and performance, offering excellent grip and handling. Together, these features create a cohesive and visually striking exterior design that sets the CLA 250 AMG apart from its competitors.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside, and you'll find that the 2018 CLA 250 AMG doesn't disappoint. The interior is a blend of luxury and technology, designed to provide a comfortable and engaging driving experience. The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials, including premium leather upholstery, brushed aluminum trim, and stylish accents. The seats are supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the interior, from the precise stitching to the ergonomically designed controls. The dashboard layout is clean and modern, with a user-friendly interface that integrates seamlessly with the car's technology features. Ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance, allowing you to customize the cabin's mood to your preference. Overall, the interior of the CLA 250 AMG is a welcoming and sophisticated space that enhances the driving experience.

Notable Interior Features

  • MB-Tex Upholstery: High-quality synthetic leather that’s both durable and comfortable.
  • Sport Seats: These seats offer excellent support and bolstering, keeping you in place during spirited driving.
  • Dual-Zone Climate Control: Ensures both the driver and passenger can set their preferred temperature.
  • 8-inch Display Screen: The central display screen is easy to read and provides access to various vehicle functions.
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and more.

These features enhance the overall driving experience, making every journey more enjoyable and connected. The MB-Tex upholstery is not only luxurious but also practical, offering excellent wear resistance. The sport seats provide exceptional support, ensuring comfort during both daily commutes and spirited drives. The dual-zone climate control allows for personalized comfort, catering to individual preferences. The 8-inch display screen serves as the hub for the car's infotainment system, offering intuitive access to various functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration keeps you connected, allowing you to use your favorite smartphone apps on the go.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 2018 CLA 250 AMG packs a punch. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivers 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for a fun and engaging drive. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers quick and smooth gear changes. This combination results in brisk acceleration and responsive performance, making the CLA 250 AMG a joy to drive in various conditions. The car's handling is also impressive, thanks to its sport-tuned suspension and precise steering. It feels planted and confident on the road, whether you're navigating city streets or tackling winding roads. The available 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. Overall, the performance and handling of the CLA 250 AMG are well-balanced, offering a blend of sportiness and refinement that appeals to a wide range of drivers.

Driving Experience

  • Engine Response: The turbocharged engine provides quick and responsive acceleration.
  • Transmission Smoothness: The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts gears seamlessly.
  • Steering Precision: The steering is well-weighted and provides excellent feedback.
  • Ride Comfort: Despite its sporty nature, the CLA 250 AMG offers a comfortable ride.

These elements combine to create a driving experience that is both thrilling and enjoyable. The engine's responsiveness ensures that power is readily available when you need it, making overtaking and merging effortless. The transmission's smoothness contributes to a refined driving experience, with quick and precise gear changes. The steering precision allows for confident handling, whether you're navigating tight corners or cruising on the highway. The ride comfort is surprisingly good for a sporty sedan, making it suitable for daily driving. Overall, the CLA 250 AMG strikes a balance between performance and comfort, making it a versatile and engaging vehicle.

Safety Features

Mercedes-Benz doesn’t skimp on safety, and the 2018 CLA 250 AMG is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your passengers. These features are designed to prevent accidents and mitigate the impact of collisions, providing peace of mind on every journey. The car's safety systems include advanced driver-assistance technologies that enhance awareness and help prevent accidents, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. In the event of a collision, the CLA 250 AMG's robust construction and multiple airbags provide a high level of protection. The combination of active and passive safety features makes the CLA 250 AMG a safe and secure vehicle for both drivers and passengers.

Key Safety Technologies

  • Blind Spot Assist: Alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.
  • Lane Keeping Assist: Helps you stay in your lane by providing gentle steering corrections.
  • Active Brake Assist: Can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate a collision.
  • Rearview Camera: Makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier.
  • Multiple Airbags: Including front, side, and curtain airbags for enhanced protection.

These technologies work together to provide a safer driving experience. Blind Spot Assist enhances situational awareness, helping to prevent lane-change accidents. Lane Keeping Assist reduces the risk of unintentional lane departures, especially on long highway drives. Active Brake Assist can prevent or mitigate collisions by automatically applying the brakes. The Rearview Camera makes parking and maneuvering easier and safer. The multiple airbags provide comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. These safety features demonstrate Mercedes-Benz's commitment to safety, making the CLA 250 AMG a smart choice for safety-conscious buyers.

Pros and Cons

Let's break down the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG a bit further with a quick look at its pros and cons.

Pros

  • Stylish Design: The CLA 250 AMG is a real head-turner with its coupe-like profile and sporty AMG styling.
  • Engaging Performance: The turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension deliver a fun driving experience.
  • Luxury Interior: The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and comfortable seats.
  • Advanced Technology: Features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies enhance the driving experience.

The stylish design of the CLA 250 AMG ensures it stands out on the road, making a statement wherever it goes. The engaging performance makes every drive a pleasure, whether you're commuting to work or enjoying a weekend getaway. The luxury interior provides a comfortable and refined environment for both the driver and passengers. The advanced technology features keep you connected and entertained, while also enhancing safety and convenience.

Cons

  • Rear Seat Space: The sloping roofline can make the rear seats feel a bit cramped for taller passengers.
  • Ride Comfort (Optional Wheels): Opting for larger wheels can compromise ride comfort.

The rear seat space can be a limiting factor for those who frequently carry adult passengers in the back. The ride comfort can be affected by the choice of larger wheels, so it's worth considering the trade-off between aesthetics and comfort. However, these cons are relatively minor compared to the car's overall strengths.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG? Overall, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact luxury sedan with a sporty edge. It combines a stylish design, engaging performance, and a luxurious interior, making it a standout in its class. While the rear seat space might be a bit tight for some, the overall driving experience and feature set make it a compelling option. If you value both luxury and performance, the 2018 CLA 250 AMG is definitely worth a look. It delivers a well-rounded package that caters to drivers seeking a blend of sophistication and sportiness, making it a top contender in the compact luxury sedan segment.

Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend enthusiast, the CLA 250 AMG offers a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. Its combination of style, performance, and luxury features makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a premium compact sedan. So, if you're in the market for a car that delivers on both form and function, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 AMG is definitely worth considering.