Full tank of petrol, nothing planned for the day, and about 100 miles to cover—so naturally, it was road trip time. The destination was my sister’s place, roughly a two-hour drive away, according to the sat nav. Typical UK vibes though: yesterday was pushing 30°C, and everyone was stuck at work. Today? Saturday, no work, and the weather is completely miserable. Grey skies, cold, and just generally depressing. But hey, complaining about the weather is basically a national hobby in the UK.

Why This Car Matters

Back in December, I helped my sister shop for a car, and she ended up buying this Mercedes-Benz CLA 180. At the time, I never really did a proper walkthrough or review, so I figured this road trip was the perfect excuse to finally show it properly—months later, in the middle of July.

She’s had the car for a while now, and it’s fully spec’d with plenty of tech and comfort features. Before setting off, I jumped inside to take a proper look around.

Interior & Tech Overview

The first thing you notice is how digital everything feels. The CLA comes with a large dual-screen setup—one screen for the instrument cluster and another for infotainment. Music, navigation, and vehicle settings are spread across both, and while it may be overkill for some, it definitely gives the cabin a modern, high-end feel.

There’s:

• Keyless entry and keyless start

• Touchscreen infotainment with a touchpad controller

• Reverse camera and parking sensors

• Ambient lighting that runs through the doors and interior (yes, I changed it to red… don’t tell her)

The steering wheel is incredibly light—almost too light—which takes a bit of getting used to. Climate controls, media, and car settings are all easily accessible, and Mercedes’ layout feels intuitive once you stop pressing random buttons out of curiosity.

Comfort Features & Practical Touches

Up front, you get electrically adjustable seats with memory functions, seat heating, and window controls neatly placed on the doors. There’s also a dedicated button to open the boot from inside, which is one of those small features you don’t realize you need until you have it.

The gear selector is mounted on the steering column, similar to Tesla’s setup, which frees up space in the center console. Cup holders, storage compartments, and USB ports are scattered throughout the cabin, making it very road-trip friendly.

Sunroof & Lighting

The panoramic sunroof is a standout feature. With the push of a button, it opens up the cabin or can be fully closed off for privacy. Interior lighting extends to the roof controls and rear cabin as well, adding to the premium feel—though a couple of front lights may need checking.

Rear Seat Experience

Let’s be honest: the back seats aren’t exactly spacious. I’m about 5’8½, and legroom is tight. You can sit back there, but it’s not ideal for long journeys—especially if you’re behind the driver.

That said, rear passengers do get:

• Rear air vents

• USB-C charging ports

• Fold-down armrest with cup holders

• ISOFIX anchor points for child seats

It’s fine for short trips or smaller passengers, but this is definitely a car that prioritizes front-seat comfort and style.

Driving Impressions

The CLA 180 isn’t a performance monster, but it moves well enough for daily driving and motorway cruising. It’s smooth, comfortable, and easy to drive—perfect for relaxed road trips. While it doesn’t have the punch of my BMW Z4, it still holds its own and feels refined on the road.

Final Thoughts

This CLA is packed with features, tech, and comfort, and it’s easy to see why my sister enjoys it so much. From ambient lighting to digital displays and smart convenience features, it’s a solid all-rounder for everyday driving and longer journeys.