2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 is a saloon/sedan powered by a 2L 4-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine. Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 32–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mercedes-Benz CLA250 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA250: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged.
Full Specifications
| Engine | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM7) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 89 cu ft (2,520 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 30 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 25 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 190 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,850 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250, all with the 2L 4-cyl turbo engine. Combined fuel economy ranges from 27 to 29 mpg (US), or 32 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | 4-Wheel Drive | 32 | 27 (24/33) | 201 | $3,050 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (25/35) | 190 | $2,850 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Running Costs: 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
No NHTSA crash-test rating is on record for this model year. The NHTSA rates only a subset of vehicles each year; you can browse every rated vehicle on our NHTSA Safety Ratings hub.
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 7 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250. The most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (2), Unspecified (2), Vehicle speed control (2). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported injury. That is well below the median of 24 complaints across the 13 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Fuel system (2 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Throttle & cruise control (2 owner complaints) — Check throttle response and cruise control are smooth, and ask about any software or throttle recalls.
- Driver-assist sensors (1 owner complaint) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Mercedes-Benz models in our database average about 26 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250's 35 mpg is 9 mpg above that make average. Its 190 g/km CO₂ figure is 78 g/km lower than the 268 g/km Mercedes-Benz average.
Of the 13 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Mercedes-Benz CLA250 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?
It's fitted with a 2L 4-cyl turbo premium gasoline engine, paired with a automatic (am7) transmission.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 32 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,850 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250?
Among the 7 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Fuel/propulsion system (2 complaints), Unspecified (2 complaints), Vehicle speed control (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 89 cubic feet (about 2,520 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.