When you compare a Mercedes-Benz against rival cars from other luxury import brands, you discover that it's hard to beat German engineering. When it comes to quality, performance and refinement, Mercedes-Benz is revered for a reason. Compared to cut-rate alternatives like the 2021 Acura ILX, there's just no comparison. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is one of the most affordable ways to step up to Mercedes-Benz quality -- yet it still gives you a whole lot more than its rival from Acura. Learn more in the comparison below, then come visit our location near Murrieta and Menifee to take a test drive!
The Acura ILX features the shape and design of a typical compact sports sedan. Instead, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA coupe combines the convenience of a four-door sedan with the sleek, sporty shape of a coupe. It's roughly the same overall size as the 2021 Acura ILX, but its rounded greenhouse provides a more premium, more aerodynamic look.
You also get a standard panoramic roof on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA, one that lets in a whole lot more sun, light and fresh air than the smaller, standard sedan sunroof on the 2021 Acura ILX.
And when you need to carry longer items and extra passengers in your CLA coupe, the rear seats fold down in a 40-20-40 three-segment split with access to the cargo area. In the Acura ILX, the rear seatback folds down in a single piece, so you can carry longer cargo or rear-seat passengers -- but not both.
Whereas the 2021 Acura ILX still uses ordinary gauges with a small driver information display in the dashboard, the entire instrument cluster in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a dynamic digital screen. Adjust the multifunction display using intuitive steering wheel controls. And beside the digital dashboard, a 7" touchscreen display comes standard, much larger than the screen in entry-level 2021 Acura ILX. You'll even get standard Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ support, which is only available on the 2021 Acura ILX when you upgrade to a more costly trim level. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is simply more advanced, more comfortable and more convenient inside than its Acura rival.
The engine in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that's smaller than the engine in the 2021 Acura ILX -- but since it's turbocharged and sport-tuned, it provides more horsepower, a whole lot more torque and even better fuel economy! The Acura ILX features a naturally-aspirated engine instead. That means the Mercedes-Benz CLA has more quickness and better acceleration.
What's more, only the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with 4MATIC® all-wheel drive. The 2021 Acura ILK offers only a front-drive platform. With 4MATIC®, you'll get even better grip and control on any surface, for more confident handling, better acceleration and all-weather ability.
Best of all, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers not only more performance, features and technology -- it offers more driver assist technology, too. It comes standard with Blind Spot Assist, which can indicate traffic hiding unseen in your vehicle's blind spot. A similar feature is available on the 2021 Acura ILX, but only on more premium trim levels. And with the available Active Parking Assistant, the Mercedes-Benz CLA can even practically park itself, steering itself into and out of perpendicular and parallel parking spots. That feature is ideal for commuting downtown! And it's the kind of feature you just can't get on the 2021 Acura ILX.
At a starting MSRP of $37,850, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA costs a bit more than an entry-level 2021 Acura ILX. However, as you can see, it provides a whole lot more value with more standard equipment. And while you may be able to get some similar features on the Acura ILX as upgrades, nothing can match the quality, refinement and excitement of a German-engineered Mercedes-Benz. Come discover all this for yourself during a test drive at Mercedes-Benz of Temecula!
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|
2021 Acura ILX |
| $37,850 | Starting MSRP* | $25,950 |
| 221 | Standard Horsepower | 201 |
| 258 | Standard Torque (lb-ft) | 180 |
| 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Highway | Fuel Economy | 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Highway |
| Standard | Panoramic Sunroof | Not Available |
| Standard | 40-20-40 Split Folding Rear Seats | Not Available |
| Standard | Power Front Seats w/ Position Memory | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Compatibility | Available Upgrade |
| Standard | Blind Spot Monitor | Available Upgrade |
| Available Upgrade | Self-Parking Mode | Not Available |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA |
|
|
| 2021 Acura ILX |
| $37,850 |
| Starting MSRP* |
| $25,950 |
| 221 |
| Standard Horsepower |
| 201 |
| 258 |
| Standard Torque (lb-ft) |
| 180 |
| 25 MPG City / 35 MPG Highway |
| Fuel Economy |
| 24 MPG City / 34 MPG Highway |
| Standard |
| Panoramic Sunroof |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
| 40-20-40 Split Folding Rear Seats |
| Not Available |
| Standard |
| Power Front Seats w/ Position Memory |
| Available Upgrade |
| Standard |
| Apple CarPlay™ / Android Auto™ Compatibility |
| Available Upgrade |
| Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitor |
| Available Upgrade |
| Available Upgrade |
| Self-Parking Mode |
| Not Available |
*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.
