Any day now, the announcement of the new generation CLA making its debut on local shores is imminent, and in that announcement, we should be ready for a completely new offering, as it has done away with full internal combustion powertrains and has gone the route of New Energy. But before we get to see the new CLA, Mercedes has given the current-gen CLA a new "Night Edition" and "Final Edition" CLA 45S AMG as a final hurrah.
Just for more context the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a now versatile lineup, featuring advanced Electric (EV) powertrains as the primary focus and a way to adhere to EU regulations, alongside that EV option will be a new efficient 1.5-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid petrol engine sourced from China through a partnership with Geely. Ground up, the car is built on the new Modular Architecture (MMA), it offers 800-volt charging for EVs and 48-volt, 8-speed hybrid configurations for combustion models.
Now, back to the matter at hand . This "Night Edition" is, of course, the more tame and normal variant of the CLA you can buy, while the CLA 45S "Final Edition" is a monstrous rocket to feed your inner child (read about the 'Final Edition'). So, as a form of saying farewell to the current gen, you can expect the Night Edition to gain some bits and bobs that weren't originally available in the range on the exterior and interior, all the while maintaining that signature Merc flamboyance.
Starting on the exterior, where you have a new exclusive paint option called MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey, which is a standout that is accompanied by more touches, like blacked-out front lower air intake opening, mirror housings, window line trim strips, and of course, there is the unmistakable and distinctive star-pattern radiator grille louvre.
Along the side you get exclusive AMG alloy wheels specifically available for the CLA Night Edition and around back there is a rear apron with a diffuser look.
The interior, still available in different colors like red or cream, consists of a familiar setup which is the floating Widescreen Cockpit with the signature dual-screen display, featuring the 10.25-inch central touchscreen and the latest 4.0 generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
There are still materials of the highest quality in typical Benz fashion as can be seen from the Nappa leather steering wheel and sports seats which will standard in the Night Edition, whilst some other creature comforts include a 64-colour ambient lighting, high-end Burmester® 3D Surround Sound system, which includes 12 to 16 speakers, and turbine-look air vents finished in silver chrome.
Whilst we wait for the launch of the newest CLA and all of its confirmed engine options and specs for our local market, let us take a look at what is available in the current generation range for power.
Mercedes-Benz CLA current engine options and power :
CLA 200 (1.3L Turbo Petrol Mild-Hybrid): 1.3-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 120 kW and 270 Nm
CLA 220d (2.0L Turbodiesel): 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 140 kW and 400 Nm
And topping the range sits:
AMG CLA 35 4MATIC: AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline-4 turbo + 48V mild-hybrid, 225KW and 399Nm
AMG CLA 45 S 4MATIC+: Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline-4 turbo, 310KW and 500Nm
Pricing for the new Night Edition will be from : R958 418 and it the purchases comes equipped with a 5 year / 100 000km service and maintenance plan.