Buying a new car is a significant expense, and it can be a stressful endeavor. As a result, many prospective buyers turn to the internet to look for the best car in their chosen segment. Car enthusiasts also peruse these reports and lists out of pure curiosity.

One popular car that reviewers prefer is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. In fact, MotorTrend just named it the top subcompact luxury sedan. 

MotorTrend list of 2021’s best sedans

MotorTrend recently released “The Best Sedans to Buy in 2021.” The publication breaks down its choices into subgroups. They range from subcompacts to full-size and everything in between. As expected, MotorTrend’s list features many budget-friendly and practical options, along with some luxury car with all the bells and whistles. 

A few notable winners on this list include the Kia Rio for the best subcompact sedan, the Honda Accord for the top midsize sedan, and the Audi A8 for the best full-size luxury sedan. These three come with vastly different features and price tags.

So, what are the choices for consumers looking for subcompact luxury cars?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class tops the list of subcompact luxury sedans

A few 2021 models that could win subcompact luxury sedan come to mind. The BMW 2-Series and Cadillac CT4 have received excellent reviews, and their brands are widely recognized as makers of high-quality luxury vehicles. Unfortunately for them, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class stole the show and took the number one spot. The 2021 Acura ILX came in a close second, followed by the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The 2021 Cadillac CT4 and BMW 2-Series took fourth and fifth. 

Every vehicle on this list packs plenty of star power, so what makes the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class special enough to win?  

The CLA-Class at a glance

The Mercedes-Benz completely redesigned the CLA-Class for 2020. This model got a fresh and elegant look and more powerful engine choices. From the exterior, it’s easy to see this is a luxury car. Its rounded and smooth design gives it a refined look and high-end feel. There are a variety of striking colors to choose from, though Night Black looks classiest. 

The interior looks and feels like a swanky cocktail lounge, especially with the ambient lights lining the entire cabin. You can choose whichever color best suits your mood, and it gives the interior a high-tech, futuristic vibe. The seats are made with high-quality materials providing style and comfort. 

When it comes to performance, this car is fast and handles well. The base-model CLA packs a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that can produce 221 hp. 

Why MotorTrend rated the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class number one

MotorTrend ranked the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class number one mostly due to its luxurious interior and exterior and impressive performance for a car of this price. Even the base model’s tech — like the semiautonomous driving features and augmented reality navigation — dazzled the reviewers. But they deducted points for the cabin’s noisiness stiff handling at times. 

Overall, though, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class impressed MotorTrend’s reviewers, and they consider it a favorite among subcompact luxury sedans.