A combined 27 MPG won’t break any records, but for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4matic, it’s a reasonable trade-off. This isn’t a super-efficient eco-car; it’s an entry-level luxury sedan designed with sporty driving and all-wheel drive in mind. The typical CLA buyer values style and the prestige of the Mercedes star, and they’re okay with average fuel economy to get those things.

City and highway performance

The CLA250 4matic’s EPA estimates are 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city number is good for a car of this class, showing the smooth low-end power from the turbocharged 2.0L engine. The highway number, while not amazing, is good enough for comfortable long trips. The seven-speed automatic transmission (AM7) is important here, keeping the engine at the right RPMs for both performance and efficiency. Some rivals have automatics with more gears, but this one works well with the engine.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4matic will cost about $2,150 per year for fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the average national gas price when the EPA tested it. Your actual costs will vary depending on how you drive, the type of fuel you use (premium is recommended), and how much gas costs. Still, this $2,150 figure is a standard way to compare the CLA250’s fuel costs to other cars.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers are a good starting point, but many drivers find their actual gas mileage is different. The CLA250 4matic’s turbocharged engine reacts quickly and encourages spirited driving, which will affect fuel consumption. Accelerating hard, braking often, and idling for long periods will all lower your MPG. Driving mostly in city traffic, especially in stop-and-go conditions, will also likely give you lower fuel economy than the EPA’s 24 MPG estimate. However, driving consistently on the highway at normal speeds could give you better than the 32 MPG rating.

How it compares

Among entry-level luxury sedans with all-wheel drive, the 2015 CLA250 4matic’s fuel economy is competitive, but not the best. For example, the 2015 BMW 328i xDrive was rated at 26 MPG combined (22 city/34 highway), a similar number. The Audi A3 2.0T quattro got 25 MPG combined (22 city/31 highway). These differences are small, but they matter to luxury buyers who care about fuel. Someone considering all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data might be looking for a practical compromise between efficiency and the driving experience. Shoppers should examine CLA250 MPG across all years, as there were subtle powertrain changes that influenced fuel economy over its production run. These comparisons show that the CLA250’s fuel economy isn’t a highlight, but it’s not a big drawback either.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the “ECO” drive mode. This changes the throttle response and the transmission’s shift points to improve fuel efficiency. It might make the car feel a little slower, but it can improve MPG, especially in city driving where you don’t need to accelerate as much.

Check your tire pressure often. Underinflated tires increase resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. The recommended tire pressure is usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Keeping your tires properly inflated can noticeably improve your MPG.

Watch traffic and drive smoothly. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard, as these waste fuel. By looking ahead and keeping a steady speed, you can reduce how much fuel you use. The CLA engine responds well to a controlled driving style.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly, and idling uses fuel without moving the car. This is especially important in cities, where idling can waste a lot of fuel.

On the highway, use cruise control. Keeping a consistent speed on the highway reduces acceleration and deceleration, which saves fuel. Cruise control also helps you avoid speeding, which can further decrease your MPG. Setting the cruise on long trips can help the driver be less tired and more aware of what is going on around them.