Mercedes-Benz have just taken the covers off of their upgraded CLA and the changes include cosmetic upgrades, specification enhancements and electrified powertrains.
Exterior Design
Up front, the upgraded CLA now sports a newly shaped front apron, with the revised radiator grille with a star pattern taking center stage. Flanking the grille is a set of standard LED high performance headlamps with modernized graphics. At the rear, the CLA gains a new diffuser and LED taillamps.
Two new colors which are exclusive to CLA models (Hyper Blue & Spectral Blue) are now available to choose from along with three new alloy-wheel designs in up to 19-inches in size. Fitted as standard are a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in Vanadium Silver or a five-double spoke design in high-gloss black with high finish.
Interior Design
Inside, the CLA gains a 7.0-inch and 10.25-inch display as standard with two 10.25-inch displays optionally available. The new generation steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather as standard however is available in ARTICO man made leather for the first time. New trim elements in a dark carbon look, open-pore brown lime wood or brown MICROCUT microfibre (AMG Line only) are on offer to further enhance the cabin of the CLA. For the first time, a heated steering wheel is available in the AMG Line.
The comfort seats, fitted as standard with a combination ARTICO man made leather and three-dimensionally embossed fabric in black, are also optionally available in trendy sage grey. Noteworthy, the Progressive equipment lines offer three interior colors, namely: black, macchiato beige and sage grey. AMG Line models will benefit from five upholstery colors, namely: Black, Bahia Brown, Sage Grey, Titanium Grey Pearl/ Black and Red Pepper/ Black for the first time.
Specification Enhancements
Now on offer as standard in CLA models is High-beam Assist, a reversing camera and the USB package. These are in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED front headlamps. CLA models equipped with the Progressive trim line and upwards will also gain the Parking Package and Mirror Package.
The latest generation of MBUX is now fitted to CLA models and now boasts various newly designed display styles, namely: Classic, Sporty and Discreet. The digital instrument cluster may be customized to customers' preferences. The central digital touchscreen display offers the same functions as before; navigation, media, phone, vehicle etc. New to the infotainment system is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Further connectivity is made possible thanks to an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging capacity. All USB ports now feature illumination.
Working alongside MBUX is the optionally available Burmester surround sound system which now boasts the immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience. Overall safety assistance has been improved and Mercedes-Benz say that with the upgraded Driver Assistance Package, the Lane Keeping Assist is controlled much more comfortably by the active steering control. The next generation of the Parking Package now allows for longitudinal parking and also offers 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking with the use of 3D images.
Electrified Powertrains
The upgraded CLA models' engines will benefit from electrification and will also include four-cylinder units paired to either a 7 or 8-speed DCT as standard. The mild hybrid motors will be fitted with a 48V power supply to aid start-ups thanks to the addition of 10kW. The new belt-driven starter-generation enables low vibration and low noise engine starting levels.
During braking an acceleration, the starter-generator recuperates and supplies the 12V on-board network and the 48V battery with electrical energy, resulting in support of the combustion engine during acceleration.
The line-up of engines hasn't been confirmed for the local market for the upgraded model however if the current line-up is anything to go by, the upgraded model line-up should consist of the following, excluding AMG models:
| CLA200 | CLA 220d |
Displacement (cc) | 1,332 | 1,950 |
Rated output (kW) | 120 | 140 |
Add. output (kW) | 10 | 10 |
Rated torque (Nm) | 270 | 400 |
Claimed fuel consumption (WLTP) | 6.5-5.9 | 5.5-5.0 |
Acceleration 0-100km/h | 8.4 | 7.3 |
Top speed (km/h) | 229 | 244 |
The upgraded CLA will be making its way to local shores in the course of 2023 and we expect local pricing and specification to be confirmed closer to the launch date.