For most drivers, when you think of a Mercedes Benz, it’s easy to picture models like the S-Class and G-Wagon. These are the cars that Mercedes wants to show off, and it’s easy to see why – but what about the models for the ‘average’ owner? Is there a Mercedes that you can drive and afford if you’re a newer driver?
Let’s get this part out of the way first – there are no ‘budget’ Mercedes models. Every model in their range gives you high-quality interiors, fairly powerful engines, and some incredible technology. That doesn’t mean that every model is unattainable, though.
In this article, I’ve covered the models I believe are best for new drivers. If you’re looking for your first car or looking to upgrade, you’ll find the info you need below. I’ve explained the specs I would go for on each Mercedes model and how much they will cost you (both new and preowned)
Let’s get started!
GLA 250 – From $37,500 new
- From $37,500
- 2.0-liter engine
- 221 bhp
- 34 mpg
First on our list is the GLA, Mercedes’ entry-level SUV. It’s listed as an SUV on their website, but the GLA is better described as a tall hatchback. You get a raised driving position, but the passenger and storage space doesn’t compare to other SUV models, so what role does the GLA fill?
That might sound like a negative introduction to this car, but in all honesty, we are big fans of the GLA. In its entry-level spec, the 250 models, you have an ideal city car. It’s spacious enough to carry 4 people on short journeys, it’s small enough to park easily, and you don’t have too much power. All these factors make the GLA an ideal car for new drivers.
The GLA might be an entry-level model, but Mercedes hasn’t neglected this car. In previous years you could expect to see a lack of effort in their least expensive models, but Mercedes has included a number of impressive features in the GLA. You get the dual-screen option that’s now a staple of modern Mercedes,’ and there’s a good amount of high-quality materials in the cabin. It’s not S-Class levels, but it’s what you would expect for under $40,000.
The best GLA 250 spec
Starting with the GLA’s exterior, it’s slightly disappointing to see a lack of color variety. Most of the options are silver, grey, or black, so we’d have to pick the Denim Blue. All metallic paints are $750, but they are an upgrade over the basic paints. The standard 18-inch wheels are perfectly fine, but we would upgrade to the 18-inch 10-spoke design for $800.
Inside the GLA, we don’t see any value in upgrading the standard black seats. They come in MB-Tex, so they’ll be easy to keep clean, and the $1,450 cost for leather is high. For $325, you can get a wood finish on the dashboard and doors, but we’d skip that option too.
Options-wise, we have to go with the ambient lighting system. At just over $300, this is one of the best systems on the market, so it’s definitely worth considering. Heated seats at $500 are a good choice too, and the premium package would tempt us too. At $1,850, it’s expensive, but the upgraded screens and keyless entry are great upgrades.
- Metallic paint: $750
- 10-spoke 18-inch wheels: $800
- Ambient lighting: $310
- Heated front seats: $500
- Premium pack: $1,850
Our thoughts on preowned GLA models
There aren’t too many GLA models on the preowned market, but if you’re looking to save some money, the 2020 and 2021 models are a great choice. For models with around 20,000 miles, you should expect to pay in the region of $30,000. This isn’t a fantastic reduction against a new GLA, but most of the examples we found came loaded with options and features.
Preowned 2022 models are still at a premium; if you want low-mileage versions, you’re going to pay close to the new vehicle price. These models usually include a wide number of options, including the all-wheel-drive system.
For models in the $25,000 range, you’re looking at 2017/18 models with at least 50,000 miles. The interior of these previous generations’ GLA models is enough to keep me away, but it’s tempting with the cost difference.
C-Class 300
- From $44,850 / £45,165
- 2.0-liter engine
- 255 bhp
- 30 mpg
Up next is one of the most popular Mercedes models, the C-Class. This mid-tier sedan has undergone some radical changes over the years, and like its rivals at BMW and Audi, the C-Class is a gateway to luxury cars for many a new driver.
The current C-Class range starts with the C300. I’m a self-confessed BMW fanboy, but I think the design of the C-Class, both inside and out, is excellent. It’s not as aggressive as the current 3 Series or A4 models, and for that, you get more of a ‘luxury’ feeling.
The interior space isn’t outstanding, but 4 people can manage on longer trips. With 255 bhp, the C300 has enough power for every occasion, and this latest version includes mild hybrid tech. All of this makes the C300 a car you can easily live with and use with almost every occasion.
This isn’t the perfect sedan, though. It’s a little too expensive in its base form, and optional extras soon add up the cost. It’s still a capable sedan, and you get that Mercedes quality that does set the C-Class apart from many of its competitors.
The best C-Class spec
Starting with our choice of paint, it’s worth opting for the $750 metallic paint. You get a range of colors, with Mojave Silver and Starling Blue being our favorites. The entry-level options for alloy wheels are more than enough so we wouldn’t be upgrading.
Inside the C 300, we’d keep the MB-Tex seats; they are easier to clean, and for your first Mercedes, the $1,620 cost for leather isn’t worth it. Dashboard trim options include a metal weave and a diamond pattern style, which are our favorite choices, and at no extra cost.
For options and features, I would skip the ventilated seats, and the individual tech upgrades are fairly limited. If you have the cash to spend, then the Exclusive trim is the package to go for, with upgrades that include Burmester sound system, wireless charging, and a 360-degree camera.
- Metallic paint: $750
- Exclusive trim: $2,250
Our thoughts on preowned C-Class models
For a one-year-old C300, you’ll struggle to find anything under $40,000. Most C-Class models are heavily specced so the optional extra value will push these preowned versions up. There are still some reasonable deals to be found at this level; just don’t go expecting a significant saving.
Two and three-year-old C300 models fare better. These can be found between $32,000 and $38,000, with most under 30,000 miles. These are previous-generation models, so features like the central infotainment screen aren’t present. If you’re focused on a high-quality sedan, and you’re not concerned about the latest tech, these present good value.
Going back to 2019 and older, these C300 models can be picked up for $25,000 and above. Most have reasonably high mileage, so this could be a deciding factor, but the C300 doesn’t have any major reliability issues at this amount of use.
CLA 250 Coupe
- From $39,350
- 2.0-liter engine
- 221 bhp
- 30 mpg
If you’re looking for something with a sportier design than the C-Class, and you’re not worried about practicality, then a CLA is going to be high on your list. The CLA has always been a strange car for me; the original felt like it didn’t fit into the Mercedes lineup, but it was fairly successful nonetheless. This current generation has a much-improved design, but it still feels too close to a C-Class.
Mercedes calls the CLA a coupe model, but in typical automotive naming terms, this doesn’t really fit into any category. The sloping roofline and lack of rear seat headroom is definitely a coupe-style, but the 4 doors are typical sedan. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter, and the CLA offers you a ‘sleeker’ alternative to the standard C-Class.
The best CLA 250 spec
Paint choices on the CLA are similar to most of the Mercedes range, but in this case, we think the range of standard colors is enough here. Upgrading to metallic paint gives you more choices, but even the standard options will suit most owners. One major upgrade we’d go for is the AMG Line pack. This package upgrades your wheels to 19 inches, which suits the CLA better. It also includes lowered suspension and a different front grille, helping to give the CLA a more aggressive look.
Inside the CLA 250, if you’ve gone with the AMG Line pack, this features an upgraded steering wheel and other small changes. You also have the option for unique red stitching on your seats and dashboard. Even if you don’t go with the AMG pack, we think the standard MB-Tex seats are ideal for new drivers and easier to keep clean than the leather options. Finally, the two aluminum trim options are no extra cost and work well in the cabin.
Options-wise, heated seats for $500 will be a popular choice. If you have the money, the Premium and Multimedia packs are good value, with the Premium Package our favorite. The upgraded Burmester sound system makes a significant difference, but $850 could be better spent elsewhere. The Driver Assitance Pack will be useful for some drivers, but only if you’re planning a lot of long-distance driving.
- AMG Line pack: $2,700
- Heated seats: $500
- Premium pack: $1,750
Our thoughts on preowned CLA models
One-year-old CLA models still command a premium price. At the time of writing this, the least expensive 2022 CLA was $37,000 on the Mercedes Benz-approved site. This sort of depreciation lines up with the models we’ve covered so far, but if you want a high-spec CLA and you don’t mind a few thousand miles, there are some good picks out there.
Moving down to 2021 and 2020 models, if you’re lucky, you can get a CLA for less than $30,000 here. They will have higher miles (around 40,000 from the cars we saw), but most models will be around the $32,000-$35,000 range.
2018-19 models can be found for $25,000 comfortably. These are older-generation CLA models, though, and like the GLA we covered earlier, the interior does feel dated. This may not bother some of you, though, so if your budget stretches to $25k, it’s worth looking at the CLA if you have your mind set on a Mercedes.
Other Mercedes options
Aside from the GLA, C-Class, and GLA models we’ve covered, there are a few more options in the Mercedes Benz range. The GLB is a more traditional SUV and offers more practicality than the GLA. Starting at just under $40,000 new, and with used prices close to the GLA, the GLB is definitely an option for new drivers who want a full SUV.
Models such as the E-Class sedan and C-Class coupe are worth considering too, although they are a step up in cost compared to the C300. There are options to pick up a used E-Class if you really want that extra ‘luxury’ aspect, but you’ll have to go for a high-mileage model.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Mercedes Benz range doesn’t offer a lot to newer drivers. Their electric range is overpriced in my opinion, and their higher-spec cars will be out of most drivers’ price points.
If you found this article helpful, check out our articles below on all things Mercedes and help for new drivers:
