Can you buy a brand-new Mercedes-Benz for less than the price of the average new car?
The average new car price is around $48,841, according to personal finance site MoneyGeek.com. Mercedes-Benz isn’t exactly known for affordability, but some of its new cars and SUVs start under the average new car price in 2025.
One luxury Benz small car is surprisingly affordable compared to current new car models. Is it worth considering, and how does it stack up against key rivals in its segment?
Mercedes-Benz’ 2026 CLA 250 Coupe has a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $42,750. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with mild hybrid drive. This powertrain makes the small car slightly more efficient compared to a typical gas engine.
The CLA 250 Coupe produces 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It achieves 31 miles per gallon combined. The Mercedes-Benz CLA has a 13.5-gallon fuel tank capacity. It can travel for around 418 miles on a full tank of gas, which is decent for its segment.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA includes plenty of standard features that provide great value for the money from tech to creature comforts.
Mercedes’ most affordable car for 2025 also features several standard safety features like active brake assist, blind-spot assist, and an advanced tire pressure monitoring system. It incorporates luxury touches that aren’t standard on most mainstream vehicles like its MB-Tex upholstery and heated power side mirrors.
The luxury car also comes standard with a large 10.3-inch infotainment screen. How does the new CLA coupe compare to other luxury coupes in its segment?
Some of the Mercedes-Benz CLA’s key rivals include the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Audi A3, and the Cadillac CT4. Mercedes’ affordable coupe outclasses many of its rivals in terms of style, standard tech, and ride quality.
The Audi A3 may be a better all-around affordable luxury car because its mixes engaging driving dynamics with a luxurious interior. It’s more practical because its sedan body style makes it easier to accommodate more than one passenger.
The Cadillac CT4 handles well and is a great choice for driving enthusiasts that care about driving experience more than creature comforts. BMW’s 2 Series Gran Coupe is a solid choice for folks interested in an entry-level BMW that captures the brand’s ethos without breaking the bank.
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA is has plenty of attractive features and decent performance specs, but it isn’t the undisputed best in its segment. The 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe is the more affordable German luxury automobile ($39,600). Additionally, BMW’s luxury car is slightly more powerful and has better driving dynamics than the CLA.
If you’re looking for an entry-level Mercedes car with great features and a refined cabin, the CLA is a solid option. If you want the best affordable luxury coupe on the market for 2025, you may enjoy the CLA’s BMW rival, the 228 Gran Coupe instead.

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