The Mercedes-Benz CLA has always been more than just an entry-level luxury car. Since its debut, it has represented style, aspiration, and a youthful take on the Mercedes brand. For 2025, the CLA enters a refreshed chapter in Australia, bringing a sleeker design, upgraded cabin, cutting-edge safety features, and, most importantly, a hybrid powertrain option that expands its appeal for eco-conscious luxury buyers.
This in-depth review takes a closer look at everything the 2025 CLA offers Australian drivers—from exterior design and cabin comfort to performance, technology, hybrid efficiency, and how it stacks up against rivals in the luxury coupe-sedan segment.
Design – Where Coupe Elegance Meets Sedan Practicality
The CLA has always blurred the line between sedan and coupe, and the 2025 model pushes this design philosophy further. At first glance, the CLA maintains its swooping roofline, frameless doors, and athletic stance. The car sits lower than most sedans in its class, giving it a distinctly coupe-like presence on the road.
Exterior Styling
Up front, the CLA features a sharper diamond-pattern grille with integrated star accents, flanked by slimmer LED headlights equipped with Mercedes’ Digital Light technology. This not only adds aesthetic flair but also adapts the beam pattern intelligently for Australian road conditions.
The side profile remains sleek, with sculpted lines that enhance airflow and efficiency. New alloy wheel options, ranging from 18 to 20 inches, provide plenty of personalisation. At the rear, redesigned LED tail-lamps and a subtle lip spoiler emphasise the car’s sporty character.
Aerodynamics
Mercedes-Benz engineers have further refined the CLA’s aerodynamics. With a drag coefficient of just 0.25, it cuts through air more efficiently than many competitors, aiding both performance and fuel efficiency. This is particularly relevant for the hybrid version, where aerodynamics directly influence electric range.
Interior – Luxury Refined for 2025
Step inside, and the 2025 CLA makes it clear that it’s no “entry-level” luxury car. The cabin is a carefully designed blend of modern tech, premium materials, and ergonomic comfort.
Cabin Layout
The dual 10.25-inch digital displays now come standard, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The driver’s display is customisable, while the central touchscreen runs the latest MBUX infotainment system with enhanced voice commands and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
Ambient lighting with 64 colour options, turbine-style air vents, and soft-touch materials across the dash add a high-end atmosphere. Optional Nappa leather and AMG Line packages elevate the sporty feel, appealing to buyers who want more flair.
Space and Practicality
While the sloping roofline defines the CLA’s exterior elegance, it does compromise rear headroom slightly. That said, Mercedes has re-engineered seat contours to improve comfort for rear passengers. Boot space remains at 460 litres, enough for weekend trips or daily family use, making the CLA more practical than its coupe design suggests.
Luxury Features
Heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, Burmester 3D surround sound system, and wireless charging pads are available. Even entry trims feel premium, with ARTICO leather upholstery and power-adjustable seats included.
Performance – Petrol and Hybrid Options
Australian buyers of the 2025 CLA have more choice than ever. The range includes turbocharged petrol engines and, for the first time, a mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option.
Petrol Engines
The entry CLA 200 offers a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 120 kW, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. For those seeking more punch, the CLA 250 features a 2.0-litre turbo delivering 165 kW and 350 Nm, achieving 0–100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds.
Hybrid Technology
The biggest addition is the CLA 250e plug-in hybrid. It combines the 1.3-litre petrol with an electric motor for a combined output of 160 kW. With a battery capacity of around 15 kWh, it offers up to 80 km of pure electric driving range—ideal for urban commutes in Australia’s cities.
A 48V mild-hybrid system is standard across all petrol models, improving efficiency by offering electric assistance during acceleration and smoother stop-start transitions.
Ride and Handling
The CLA remains one of the sharpest-handling compact luxury sedans. The low centre of gravity, precise steering, and optional adaptive suspension make it equally suited to city driving and open highways. AMG Line models add sportier suspension tuning, delivering a more dynamic feel.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
With rising fuel prices, efficiency is a key selling point for 2025 buyers.
CLA 200: Approx. 6.0 L/100 km (combined)
CLA 250: Approx. 6.8 L/100 km (combined)
CLA 250e PHEV: As low as 1.2 L/100 km (with regular charging)
For city-based Australians, the hybrid version stands out, allowing most daily trips to be done on electric power alone. Servicing costs remain competitive for the class, with capped-price service packages available through Mercedes-Benz Australia.
Safety – Advanced Tech for Peace of Mind
The 2025 CLA comes with Mercedes’ latest suite of safety features. Standard inclusions:
Active Brake Assist
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Keeping Assist
Attention Assist driver fatigue warning
Optional packages add adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and semi-autonomous driving support on highways. Mercedes aims for a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, which is expected given its robust structure and advanced technology.
Child seat anchor points, rear cross-traffic alert, and improved pedestrian detection make it a family-friendly option too.
Technology – Smarter Than Ever
Technology is where the CLA shines in 2025. The updated MBUX system responds to natural voice commands like “Hey Mercedes” with improved accuracy. Drivers can control navigation, climate, and even seat adjustments via voice.
Augmented reality navigation overlays directions onto a live camera feed of the road, reducing confusion in complex intersections—particularly useful in busy Australian CBDs. Over-the-air software updates mean the car’s infotainment and driver assistance features stay current without dealership visits.
Mercedes-Benz CLA vs Rivals in Australia
In the competitive compact luxury sedan segment, the CLA faces rivals like the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A3 Sedan, and Lexus IS.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: Sporty, but lacks the CLA’s hybrid efficiency.
Audi A3 Sedan: Strong interior tech, though less coupe-like in styling.
Lexus IS: Refined and reliable, but larger and less fuel-efficient.
The CLA stands out for its balance of style, efficiency, and technology—particularly with the hybrid option, which gives it an edge in the eco-luxury space.
Ownership and Value in Australia
Mercedes-Benz offers a 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty for the CLA in Australia, aligning it with key rivals. Hybrid components are expected to carry additional coverage, reassuring buyers about battery longevity.
For finance and leasing, Mercedes’ Agility Program gives flexibility to upgrade after a few years, appealing to those who want the latest tech without long-term ownership. Residual values for the CLA remain strong, especially for AMG Line and hybrid variants.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Mercedes CLA?
The CLA is targeted at younger luxury buyers, professionals, and small families who want standout styling without compromising practicality. With the hybrid model, it also appeals to eco-conscious drivers who aren’t ready to jump to a fully electric car but still want reduced emissions.
It’s not the largest sedan in its class, so families with teenagers may prefer the C-Class. However, for urban dwellers, couples, or business professionals, the CLA strikes the right balance between prestige and efficiency.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA cements itself as one of the most stylish and tech-forward compact sedans on the Australian market. With its coupe-like elegance, luxurious interior, advanced safety, and the addition of a hybrid option, it stands out as a compelling choice for buyers who demand efficiency without sacrificing performance or premium quality.
For Australians seeking a blend of sophistication, sustainability, and everyday usability, the 2025 CLA makes a powerful statement.
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