By Otsile Kadiege

A couple of years ago, Mercedes-Benz announced that the brand will be chopping a few of its models from its future lineup which led some, ourselves included, to believe the CLA might be one of the models that’ll face the axe. That quickly changed when we saw spy images of prototypes testing then an official concept CLA and teaser campaigns from ‘MB’ confirmed a successor will soon be unveiled.

Yesterday, Mercedes-Benz officially peeled the camouflage off the third-generation CLA. The newcomer boasts polarizing looks, a premium cabin filled with new technologies, a longer wheelbase, all-electric derivatives dubbed ‘CLA with EQ Technology’ and a raft of new features as well as mechanical upgrades.

Exterior design and styling

The new CLA embodies the next evolutionary step in the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of ‘Sensual Purity’, which was already previewed with the Concept CLA Class. Highlights of the new CLA’s exterior design and styling include a shark-nose front-end with an LED light bar just beneath the bonnet, full-LED headlights with ‘Three-pointed Star’ Daytime Running Lights (optional Multi-beam LED headlights), an illuminated Mercedes-Benz logo and an illuminated grille surround for the combustion engine CLAs. The electric CLA sets itself apart with a closed grille panel with 142 tiny illuminated and animated Mercedes-Benz stars.

In profile, the CLA continues its fastback-like silhouette and now measures 4,723 millimetres – about four centimetres longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase has increased by over six centimetres to 2,790 millimetres. Other highlights include flush door handles, frame-less doors and alloy wheel sizes ranging between 17- and 19-inches. The ‘GT’ rear of the CLA gets star-shaped taillights which are connected by an animated band of light.

Interior design and technology

Inside, the new CLA boasts a modernized take on a typical Mercedes-Benz interior design and styling with big car technology. Stand-out features include an AMG Line flat-bottom steering wheel, an optional floating MBUX Superscreen (comprising a 10.25-inch driver display, a 14-inch central display and another 14-inch display for the passenger) running on a new MBUX infotainment system which runs on a new MB.OS with integrated AI, a floating centre console, ambient lighting, a fixed glass roof, seats made from recycled materials, and an optional 16-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System with an 850-watt amplifier.

Advanced driver assistance systems

The new CLA models in Europe come standard with extensive safety equipment and the Distance Assist Distronic. Technical details include eight cameras, five radar sensors, twelve ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled supercomputer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.

Mercedes-Benz bundles additional comfort assistance systems under the name MB.Drive. The following digital extras are available or planned: Drive Assist, Drive Assist Plus. Drive Assist Pro, Drive Parking Assist and Drive Parking Assist 360.

Electric drivetrain

According to Mercedes-Benz, the new CLA with EQ Technology is the “one-litre car” for the electric age thanks to its claimed low consumption and impressive range in this segment. Initially, the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology and the CLA 350 4Matic with EQ Technology will be launched. By the end of the year, the model range will be expanded to include additional battery-electric variants and the CLA with a high-tech hybrid engine.

With a range of up to 792 kilometres according to WLTP, the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology offers a large radius in its class. This 200 kW model variant can travel from Stuttgart to Kiel or from Bremen to Munich without charging stops. The 260 kW CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology is positioned as the performance version at the top end of the model range and Mercedes-Benz claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Both power levels reach speeds of up to 210 km/h.

800-V architecture and suspension

Highlights of the all-electric CLA include the 800-volt electrical architecture and advanced drive units with a two-speed transmission on the main drive at the rear axle. The 800-volt system maximizes efficiency and performance and can significantly reduce charging time in conjunction with the new battery generation. Mercedes-Benz claims the CLA with EQ Technology can recharge with up to 325 kilometres of range in just ten minutes. Fast DC charging is possible with up to 320 kW for both the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4Matic.

The CLA comes as standard with a steel-sprung comfort suspension featuring a newly developed three-link front axle. The lower control arm comprises the transverse and thrust arms, both made of forged aluminium. As with a McPherson configuration, the strut guides the wheel and is directly connected to the steering knuckle. The third link, the tie rod, is part of the rack-and-pinion steering. The transverse steering gear is positioned in front of the wheel centre, leading to the desired self-steering behaviour and precise steering response. The steering knuckle, connecting the lower control arm with the strut and supporting the wheel and brake system, is made of cast aluminium. In addition to lightweight construction, high camber stiffness was prioritised for this component, creating the best conditions for good steering response and low noise.

At the rear is a newly developed multi-link axle. This high-quality suspension concept is well known from Mercedes-Benz vehicles from the mid- and full-size classes. The company is now also bringing it to this segment.

Availability

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to announce local availability.