Mercedes-Benz CLA vs. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA and Mercedes-Benz E-Class contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

When we compare the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLA's and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Pricing: For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz CLA's price is between $45,710 and $58,975, with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class priced between $66,841 and $81,482.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz CLA loses 47.1 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLA retains 9.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.9 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz E-Class' quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz CLA being ranked 8 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class being ranked 2 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLA is 7.7 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class the reliability rating is 8.2 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz E-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLA.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s base engine makes 221 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class base engine makes 255 horsepower.

Passenger Space Comparison: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLA, a subcompact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and front leg room.

Safety Ratings: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.