The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4matic gets 27 MPG combined. It isn’t about being the most fuel-efficient car. Instead, it delivers a stylish and engaging driving experience in a compact size, while still achieving respectable fuel economy. Buyers attracted to the CLA aren’t only focused on saving money at the pump; they want Mercedes-Benz prestige and performance, accepting some fuel consumption as part of the deal.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the CLA250 4matic gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures show how responsive the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is, which gives plenty of power for commuting and cruising. The city rating reflects stop-and-go driving, where accelerating and braking affect fuel economy. The highway rating shows the engine’s efficiency at consistent speeds, especially when the automatic transmission is in its higher gears. The 4matic all-wheel-drive system adds weight and complexity, slightly reducing efficiency compared to the front-wheel-drive CLA250, but offering confident traction in all conditions.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4matic is $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices for premium unleaded gasoline, which the CLA250 needs. Changes in gasoline prices will affect this cost, as will driving habits. Someone who drives mostly in the city and accelerates quickly will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who drives mainly on the highway and accelerates gently could see a lower annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can change. Many things affect efficiency, including driving style, traffic, terrain, and even tire pressure. Drivers who accelerate quickly or brake hard will likely see their fuel economy drop below EPA estimates. However, those who drive smoothly, maintain consistent speeds, and anticipate traffic can often get numbers closer to, or even slightly better than, the EPA ratings. Regular maintenance, including correct tire inflation and timely oil changes, also helps fuel efficiency.

How it compares

The 2019 CLA250 4matic is in a competitive class. The BMW 228i xDrive, for example, is rated at 26 MPG combined, slightly lower than the CLA. The Audi A3 quattro gets a similar 27 MPG combined. Even the Acura ILX, while not in the same luxury group, offers only slightly better fuel economy around 28 MPG combined, even though it has less horsepower. The CLA250’s numbers are acceptable within its class. Buyers looking at cars like the CLA250 are balancing fuel economy with the driving experience, styling, and brand image that these cars offer. You can also compare CLA250 MPG across all years to see how the 2019 model compares.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy in the CLA250 4matic is to drive smoothly. Avoid fast acceleration and hard braking. Watch traffic and maintain a consistent speed, if possible. This will improve fuel efficiency and the driving experience.

Make sure your tires have the correct amount of air. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, so the engine works harder and consumes more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level. You can usually find it on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s usually better to turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, so you won’t cause wear and tear. This is especially true with the CLA250’s start/stop system, which shuts off the engine at stoplights.

Reduce the load on the engine by removing any unnecessary items from the trunk or rear seats, because extra weight reduces fuel efficiency. Also, don’t use accessories like air conditioning or heated seats unless needed, since these features draw power from the engine and increase fuel consumption. Check all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data for information on other models and their fuel efficiency.