The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport, produced from July 2015 to April 2016, represents a compelling entry point into the C117 CLA Coupe range. Positioned as a mid-range offering, it blended sporty aesthetics with a relatively efficient powertrain. This variant aimed to attract buyers seeking a premium compact coupe with a balance of performance and everyday usability. It was a key model in Mercedes-Benz’s strategy to attract a younger demographic to the brand, leveraging the successful 1HX0/A3 platform shared with other compact models like the A-Class and GLA.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLA |
| Generation | CLA Coupe (C117) |
| Type | CLA 250 (218 Hp) Sport 7G-DCT |
| Start of production | July, 2015 |
| End of production | April, 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg, 35.3 UK mpg, 12.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.9 l/100 km (48 US mpg, 57.6 UK mpg, 20.4 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 141 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph) – Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4 kg/Nm, 247.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 218 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1200-4000 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1200-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | M 270.920 |
| Engine displacement | 1991 cm3 (121.5 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92 mm (3.62 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.8 l (6.13 US qt | 5.1 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.8 l (8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1415 kg (3119.54 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1965 kg (4332.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 550 kg (1212.54 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space (minimum) | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 56 l (14.79 US gal | 12.32 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (with brakes) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load (without brakes) | 740 kg (1631.42 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 4630 mm (182.28 in.) |
| Width | 1777 mm (69.96 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1432 mm (56.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2699 mm (106.26 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1547 mm (60.91 in.) |
| Front overhang | 915 mm (36.02 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1016 mm (40 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission G-DCT |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
INTRODUCTION
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 Sport, launched in mid-2015, was a key component of the C117 CLA Coupe lineup. It occupied a middle ground between the base CLA 200 and the more potent CLA 45 AMG. This model aimed to provide a more engaging driving experience than the entry-level variant while remaining more accessible than the high-performance AMG version. The CLA, as a whole, was designed to appeal to a younger, style-conscious buyer, and the 250 Sport trim amplified that appeal with its sporty styling cues and respectable performance figures.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the CLA 250 Sport lies the M 270.920 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine is a member of Mercedes-Benz’s modular engine family, known for its compact dimensions and efficiency. It utilizes direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 218 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque between 1200 and 4000 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The engine is transversely mounted in the front of the vehicle.
The “Sport” designation included Mercedes-Benz’s 7G-DCT (7-speed dual-clutch transmission). This transmission is renowned for its quick and smooth shifts, contributing to both performance and fuel efficiency. The 7G-DCT allows for both automatic operation and manual gear selection via steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The transmission’s gear ratios are tuned to provide a balance between acceleration and cruising comfort. First gear is relatively short for quick off-the-line acceleration, while higher gears are geared for fuel efficiency at highway speeds.
Driving Characteristics
The CLA 250 Sport with the 7G-DCT offers a noticeably more engaging driving experience than the base CLA 200. The 218 hp engine provides ample power for everyday driving and confident overtaking maneuvers. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes approximately 6.1 seconds, making it a competitive performer in its class. The 7G-DCT transmission contributes to this performance with its rapid gear changes. While not as brutally fast as the CLA 45 AMG, the 250 Sport delivers a satisfying level of performance for most drivers.
The transmission’s shift points are generally well-programmed, providing smooth transitions between gears. In manual mode, the paddle shifters allow for precise control over gear selection. The suspension is tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, providing a reasonably compliant ride while still offering good body control in corners. The front-wheel-drive configuration provides good traction in most conditions, although it can exhibit some torque steer under hard acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The “Sport” trim level of the CLA 250 included a number of standard features designed to enhance both the aesthetic and driving experience. These typically included sport seats with enhanced bolstering, a sport steering wheel, aluminum pedal pads, and unique exterior styling elements such as a rear spoiler and revised front and rear bumpers. Interior upholstery was typically a combination of leatherette and fabric, with options for full leather available. Standard equipment also included Mercedes-Benz’s infotainment system with a central display screen, Bluetooth connectivity, and automatic climate control. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring.
Chassis & Braking
The CLA 250 Sport utilizes an independent suspension system at all four corners. The front suspension employs a McPherson strut design with coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension features a multi-link setup, also with coil springs and an anti-roll bar. This suspension configuration provides a good balance between ride comfort and handling precision. The braking system consists of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) are standard features, enhancing safety and control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CLA 250 Sport was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its stylish design, comfortable interior, and engaging driving experience. Critics noted that the 218 hp engine provided ample power for most drivers, and the 7G-DCT transmission was lauded for its smooth and quick shifts. Compared to the base CLA 200, the 250 Sport offered a significant performance upgrade. Compared to the CLA 45 AMG, it provided a more accessible price point and a slightly more comfortable ride. Fuel economy was also a strong point, with combined fuel consumption figures around 38.6 US mpg.
Legacy
The M 270 engine family, including the version used in the CLA 250 Sport, has proven to be relatively reliable. Common issues are typically related to the turbocharger and fuel injectors, but these are not widespread. On the used car market, the CLA 250 Sport remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a stylish and well-equipped compact coupe. Its combination of performance, fuel efficiency, and Mercedes-Benz luxury continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and timely replacement of wear items, is crucial to ensuring the long-term reliability of this powertrain.
