 What is up you guys, welcome back to another one. If you are new to the channel, I am Gold Pony. I do new Clark Chuck SUV reviews on YouTube, and today we are in the new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA, courtesy of Mercedes-Benz of Hagerstown in Hagerstown, Maryland. For more information on their inventory, please feel free to check out the link in the description box below. And so having recently reviewed the A-Class by Mercedes-Benz, this essentially is the next step up from that, so I did wanna check this one out, of course, very good looking vehicle, plenty of changes for 2020. This essentially is a four-door coupe, reason being there's actually frameless doors. I'll show you guys that a little later in the video, but before I get ahead of myself, what do you say? Let's just go ahead and jump right into it, and as always, let's start with pricing. It's a pricing for the CLA 250. We'll start at $36,650. For the Formatic or the all-wheel drive version, that starts at $38,650. Regardless, Power Plant is going to be the same though. Powering this beast is going to be a two-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, putting out 221 horsepower at 5,800 RPM, 258 pound-feet of torque, available from the PowerBand of 1,800 to 4,000 RPM. Power, again, sent to front wheels or all wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch with paddle shifters, which you guys know we will be testing out in a little bit here. Nonetheless, zero to 60 time comes in at approximately 6.3 seconds. MPG numbers, 23 city, 33 highway, taking premium, unleaded fuel. And there is that auto-start-stop system, of course, meaning when you're stopped at a red light or a stop sign, engine will shut off. There's a button just below the engine start button to turn that feature off if that started to annoy you. But it is there as a fuel-saving measure. So that, I suppose, is a good thing as well. But before we do any kind of paddle shifter test or anything like that, don't want to mention there are some drive modes. That drive mode button labeled Dynamic Select is located just to the left of the touchpad controller. That will include eco, comfort, and sport, adjusting things like the throttle response, shift points, steering sensitivity, and the eco-start-stop system. But so, having said that, I think it is now time. Let's do a quick little paddle shifter test here to start. Just want to see how quickly they react for us. So let me find a straightaway and let's give that a shot. All right, you guys, here we go. Dang, oh my goodness. This thing has got get up and go. Paddle shifters are instantaneous. Absolutely love it. Wow, that was fun. Definitely going to have some fun in the back roads in this thing. If you were to use the paddle shifters, they're also, of course, there for engine braking when it starts the snow out. But dang, those things react quick. So wow, absolutely no issues with reaction times when it comes to those paddle shifters. That was actually more than I expected. So well done, Mercedes-Benz, for that. But now, having done that, I think it's time. Let's go ahead and find a straightaway. Let's do a quick little acceleration test. What do you know, we found a straightaway here in five, good braking, four, three, two, one, go. Oh my goodness. Yeah, sometimes with turbocharged engines, you guys, there's turbo lag. There is no turbo lag here. That is wonderful. Absolutely love that instant acceleration, instant power to the ground, no slippage because we've got the 4Matic all-wheel drive system. That was brilliant. Absolutely no issues with merging onto the highway. Plenty of acceleration. I know a lot of people are gonna be wondering, it's the 250, is that gonna be enough power? Yes, I can tell you it is enough power, certainly. Definitely for merging onto the highway and even for having some fun as well. That was plenty of power for the CLI. So once again, well done, Mercedes-Benz. But as always, to go along with that acceleration, braking is equally important. And so up front, you will find 12.6 inch ventilated front discs. In the back, 11.6 inch rear disc, perforated front disc with painted cowpers. If you were to go with one of the AMG line packages, so that's always a plus. As far as the braking feel goes, like I mentioned earlier, braking feel is perfectly fine. Certainly no issues bringing the CLI to a stop here. Touching on suspension and handling, up front you're gonna get a McPherson strut front suspension in the back, independent multi-link rear suspension. And according to Mercedes-Benz, the CLI has been tuned for excellent balance of comfort and sportiness. And I will say it is a pretty comfortable ride so far, so we'll test it out, but lowered comfort suspension comes with the AMG line packages. So it is gonna be lowered slightly for better air dynamics, also better looks of course, but I like how they throw in their comfort suspension as well, because a lot of times when you lower a car, it kind of sacrifices ride quality. So that's a plus that they kind of went for the best of both worlds there. Direct steer system again, coming with the AMG line packages that adjust the steering ratio, provides a quicker steering with lighter effort. And I will say though, even though we don't have one of the AMG line packages, as far as that steering ratio goes, I pulled into a gas station to do a little turnaround back there. One of the best turning radiuses I've experienced in quite a long time. I feel like this thing turns on a dime when you're at slow speed, so insane, insane turning radius on this thing. So if you have to move around in tight spaces in the CLI, this car is made for you because it really is quite impressive out of the 500 plus cars I've reviewed. This is one of the best when it comes to the turning radius, I will say that. Diven also mentioned though, there is an adaptive damping suspension available for $850. That's usually an option I've recommended people just because it monitors each shock absorber individually. Not only giving you a smoother ride, but it also tightens up the suspension during heavy cornering. Again, giving you the best of both worlds. So for only $850, that really isn't a bad option there, if you ask me. But so overall, when it comes to the ride quality, like I was saying earlier, it's perfectly fine. It's as expected for the CLI 250. Steering feel is definitely nice. I will say that. It's gonna be better with the AMG line packages, but it's not that bad. It does have a nice weight to it. No dead spots in the steering or anything like that. Instantly points you in the direction that you wanna go. So I certainly am satisfied with the CLI 250 steering feel. When it comes to cabin noise, that's just fine as well. Again, I'm getting a little bit of climate control noise, but that's really about it. So little bit of engine noise too, which I do like. I'm always a fan of the engine noise, especially when you really get into it. But overall, everything is fine there as well. Touching of visibility. Although it is a sloped roofline, I can still see plenty fine out the backs. There's certainly no issues there. For me, visibility is just fine. Rain-sensing windshield wipers do come standard as well, wanted to mention that. Meaning when the CLI starts to detect any kind of mist or rainfall, it will automatically turn on those windshield wipers. One less thing you gotta worry about there. And a head-up display is gonna be available for $1,100 if you wanted to go that route projecting your speed. And the speed limit, for that matter, onto your windshield. So a little better visibility when it comes to that too. But that about rounds out the performance segment of this review. Let's now go ahead and take a look at the exterior of this brand new 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250. All right, here she is, you guys. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 finished in Iridium Silver Metallic, in case anybody was curious there. Let's go ahead and start up front on this one. Gloss black front grille is the standard configuration on the 250. Diamond block front grille with a chrome finish is going to come with the AMG line packages. There is an illuminated star available for $450 if you wanted to go that route as well. Also with those AMG line packages, you will get a unique front bumper. LED headlights with LED daytime running lights come to the sides. That is the standard configuration. They of course will come with the automatic feature as well, meaning when it starts to get dark at night, they will turn on automatically for you there. There is an exterior lighting package. I wanted to mention that. That goes for $900. That gives you adaptive LED lighting and adaptive high beam assist. Adaptive LED lighting, meaning when you're going around to bend at night, those headlights will swivel based on your steering angle, better help illuminating what is around that bend. So you're less likely to hit a deer or some other kind of animal basically. But headlight design also changed for the 2020 model year to more of a sleeker look in my opinion. So I did want to mention that. That is one of the changes for the 2020 CLA 250. But now let's go ahead and make our way to the side. First thing I wanted to mention, chrome window surrounds coming standard on the CLA 250. Body colored power adjustable side mirrors. They will be heated with integrated turd signals actually as well. And again, you are looking at a four door coupe silhouette meaning if I were to open one of these rear doors or even the front doors for that matter, it will be a frameless design. So just like a coupe would be essentially. So that is pretty cool. I like that. Taking a look down at the wheel setup, 18 inch multi spoke alloys will be the standard configuration. AMG line packages will give you 18 inch double five spoke design and there are some 19 inch wheel designs available as well. Also the side skirts are going to change ever so slightly if you were to go with one of those AMG line packages as well. So I did want to mention that. But so now since we are around back, typically I'll mention a shark fin antenna, but surprisingly the CLA does not have one. I don't know. It's kind of a sleeker design. So I don't mind it. But anyways, let's go ahead and take a look at the back here. Rear spoilers optional for $350. We of course don't have it here today, but you can get one if you wanted it. LED tail lights is the standard setup. They definitely look good in the back there. Just below it all dual exhaust outlets with chrome tips. So I do believe you guys know what we have to do next back here, as always here is that exhaust clip. It's up now since we are around back. When it comes to opening that rear trunk, there actually is a button on the key fob. That is one way you can go about doing it. But the way I would go about doing it, cause this is really cool. It's kind of like what Volkswagen does essentially if you just press in within the Mercedes-Benz Lego. It's like secret agent style. You just press in there. Nobody knows that that's the way you open the trunk. And that actually opens it up for you. So that's pretty darn cool. That's the way I would do it. But once opened up cargo capacity comes in at 11.6 cubic feet. If that was not enough space, there is a 40, 20, 40 split, meaning the rear seats do fold down for quite a bit of extra space there if you needed it. There are also tie down anchors found in that cargo area. There's some netted side pockets. And there's a 12 volt power outlet back there if you needed it. And make our way up to the rear legroom. That comes in at 33.9 inches. For reference, I mean even six feet tall. This is how much space I have back there. Rear ventilation also comes standard back there. There is a rear center armrest with cup holders. You have a couple phone charging ports with a little bit of storage space. And as expected, some front seat back mat pockets back there as well, though nobody uses maps anymore. But nonetheless, make your way to the front seats. Eight-way power adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar. You do actually have memory settings for up to three different drivers. That comes standard. That's pretty cool. Adjustable cushion length in the front of the seats. That's also pretty cool. You don't always see that on sedans. Integrated headrest into the front seats. So it's essentially a one-piece design. It's not separate. So it's kind of a more of a race car-style seat. So I do like that as well. Heated front seats add $580. If you wanted to go that route, you can get heated and ventilated front seats for $1,030. They are available there as well. And the seats are plenty comfortable. That was one of the first things I noticed. Very, very comfortable seats in the CLI 250. But then take a look at the steering wheel. It is tilt and telescoping. It is leather-wrapped. It is a flat bottom if you go with one of the AMG line packages. But since we don't have that today, we have your standard circular steering wheel, of course. Heated steering wheel goes for $250. That is an available option if you wanted to go that route as well. Now let's take a look at the startup. Let me start by showing you guys the key here. All of your buttons are located on one side of the key. You do have lock, unlock, that button to pop the rear hatch. However, it is all keyless entry. So simply just leave the key in your pocket, walk up to the CLI. There is a push button start located just to the left of the three climate control vents. So all I'm going to do, simply put my foot on the brake and press that engine start button there. It's about once started up. As far as the gauge cluster goes, a seven-inch digital gauge cluster is the standard setup. However, there is a premium package that is available for $1,650. We do have that package today. Therefore, that is going to add along with other things, of course, a 10 1⁄4-inch digital gauge cluster. And that is going to be mirrored with the tech display as well. We'll get into that in a second. But touching on the gauge cluster with that 10 1⁄4-inch design. Love that, by the way. Definitely an option I would recommend if you're going this route, but it is completely customizable. Of course, you can check out your outside temperature, how many miles you have left until you hit empty. You can make a larger digital gauge setup in the middle if you wanted that. But my favorite part about really all Mercedes-Benz gauge clusters when it comes to the bigger design, there is an option titled Designs and Display. And so when you hit that, you have the option between Classic, Sport, Progressive and Understated. So Understated is going to be your minimalist design. Progressive is what I've left it on this drive because that's my favorite setup. Then there's Sport and there's Classic, of course, if you like that classic style design. But it really allows you to customize the gauges to make it your own. And that's why I love it. So absolutely love that in case I didn't mention to you that I did already. Anyways, let's go ahead and touch on overall interior quality. First thing I noticed, Panorama Roof coming standard on the CLA250. That is a very large moonroof going all the way into the back seats. Love that. Dual-zone climate control also coming standard. Universal garage door opener goes for $280. You can find up to three different garage doors located just underneath the rear of your mirror. We do have that today. Wireless phone charger we also have that is located just in front of the cup holders. That's always nice. 64 color ambient lighting is an option for $310. I would recommend, again, we have that one today, completely changes the mood of the car, especially at night. And I will say Mercedes-Benz has the very best ambient lighting displays that I've experienced in my last 500 cars I've reviewed. Still to this day, Mercedes-Benz does ambient lighting the best, in my opinion. One of the best parts about the ambient lighting though is the ambient lighting around the circular air vents in the middle there. You never see that on any other manufacturer, but you do on Mercedes-Benz and I love that. But overall, perfectly fine design. You have some contrast stitching up on the dash up here. I like the silver design as well, incorporated with the ambient lighting. It definitely looks good. Very nice look to it. You have a phone charger, 12-volt power outlet, of course your cup holders. And within the center armrest, there's a decent amount of storage, as well as two phone charging ports in there as well. And if you look up on the roof, you do have an overhead sunglass holder there too. So when it comes to interior quality, Mercedes-Benz definitely always gets it right. But now, let's go ahead now and take a look at the tech display on this one. And so like I was mentioning to you guys, you can get either a seven-inch display that comes standard or the 10 and a quarter inch with the premium package. That of course is what you're looking at right now. To control that, again, it is a touchscreen display, but you can also control it using the touchpad controller and buttons located just behind the cup holders. And there's always Mercedes-Benz voice control. You say, hi Mercedes, and then you can basically tell it whatever you wanted to do. But nonetheless, Bluetooth audio streaming coming standard Android Auto Apple CarPlay, factory navigation system is available with the multimedia package. It gets for $1,150. Again, you could check out your ambient lighting colors up there, and again, 64 different colors. That is a lot, and that is really the benchmark for all other manufacturers out there as well. Check out your climate control settings up there, radio information as well. And by the way, when it comes to the sound system, eight speakers is the standard setup, but there is an optional sound system. That is the 12-speaker Bermester sound system that goes for $850. It comes with 590 watts, nine-channel digital amplifier. That's not the one we have today though. We do have the eight-speaker standard sound system. So what do you guys say? Let's go ahead and turn on the radio, see what we got playing today, and let's test out the clarity of this one. So hot, so hot, so hot, so hot, so hot, so hot. Quite honestly, I would be perfectly fine with that sound system. Yeah, it's not the upgraded one, but plenty of bass, plenty of clarity. Really, that is just fine for me. So no issues with that standard sound system on the CLA there. But so then last thing on the tech display I wanted to mention to you guys is when you do put the CLA in reverse, you will find a rear view camera with dynamic grid lines. Couple different views come standard, and the camera actually comes out of the Mercedes-Benz logo. It tilts out. So if you hear a sound when you put it in reverse, that is what that is. A lot of manufacturers do it that way, but did want to mention parking assistance package goes for $1,090. That is what's gonna give you the surround view monitor if you wanted to go that route. But as always, that is going to lead us into safety. Let's say to start, front side, side curtain airbags come standard, driver and passenger knee airbags as well. In the back, you're gonna have latch, AKA lower anchors and tethers for children for the rear car seats. Tire pressure monitoring system also comes standard. There is a driver assistance package that goes for $2,250. That is going to give you essentially everything, including adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, evasive steering assist, brake assist, automatic emergency braking, speed limit recognition, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, lane change assist, pre-safe plus pre-safe sound and root-based speed adaptation. So that is essentially the safety package that is all inclusive. So that is the one you're gonna want to go with for that. But in the end, when it comes to my final thoughts, I will say plenty of acceleration, very much so surprised me when it comes to the acceleration, especially with this being the 250. So well done Mercedes-Benz for that. Love the ambient lighting on this one. Love all the tech as well. These gauges are absolutely amazing. I love that you can configure that. One of the constructive criticisms, perhaps I would say, is have more of those safety features that I mentioned in that last package actually come standard on the CLA. Like blind spot monitor, I think that is one thing that should come standard at this price point. But still, if you're buying a Mercedes-Benz, I guess who really cares about a couple bucks, a couple thousand bucks really. But anyway, it's very nice interior quality as well. Overall, I'm very impressed with this one. Plenty of power again. So definitely one to consider. So that is about it for this one though, you guys. Thank you so much for watching. Feel free to follow me on social media, the bottom of the screen there. If you like, be sure to hit the subscribe and the bell notification button. If you're into new car reviews, that is what we do here on this channel after all. Sorry about this awkward angle. I usually put the camera over here, but there's a sticker on the window, so I can't but. Anyways, do appreciate you guys watching more than you know and I will see you guys all in the next video. Siggle.