Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the third generation CLA sedan, as the first member of its completely new compact car family which, for the first time, will not include any A-Class models.
Love it or loathe it, the new CLA is a bold new vehicle, with swoopy styling that would not appear out of place on a concept car and a futuristic cabin with an available full-length screen.
It’s also available as an electric variant for the first time ever.
Dimensionally the new model is 35mm longer than its predecessor as well as 25mm wider and 29mm taller, with its overall length of 4,723mm making it just 28mm shorter than the latest C-Class sedan. Not only is it more spacious than ever, but the electric versions boast a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet.
Those opting for this “CLA with EQ Technology”, as the EV version is called, can choose between two variants: a front-wheel drive CLA 250+ with 200kW and an all-wheel drive CLA 350 4Matic that boasts 260kW.
Both are fitted with a new-generation 85 kWh lithium-ion battery whose energy density has been improved by up to 20%, allowing the CLA 250 to cover up to 792km and the CLA 350 up to 771km on the WLTP test cycle. However, real-world range may differ.
Those not wanting to go the electric route will be able to opt for a range of 48-volt hybrid models, featuring a newly developed 1.5-litre Miller-cycle petrol engine and 1.3 kWh lithium-ion battery, with an electric motor that can power the vehicle on its own when less than 20kW is needed. Detailed specifications for the mild hybrid powertrain have yet to be released.
You’ll be able to tell the petrol and EV versions apart by their frontal fascias, with the former featuring a traditional grille and the latter dazzling onlookers with an illuminated panel sporting 142 chrome-effect stars.
The cabin is equally striking, with an available MBUX Superscreen that stretches across the dashboard. Featuring Unity Game Engine graphics, its control and display concept is tailored to individual customer preferences. Regular versions feature a decorated panel in place of the passenger-side digital screen, as per the bottom picture.
The new CLA also ushers in the brand new MBUX Virtual Assistant. Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) from Microsoft’s ChatGPT4o as well as Google Gemini, the system has short-term memory and is said to be capable of complex conversations of the kind you’d have with a friend.
It also enables intelligent navigation with 3D representation of the surroundings and personalised conversational responses about navigation and points of interest.
Details about the South African availability of the new Mercedes CLA will be made available at a later date.
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