The third generation of the small sedan has finally made its debut in South Africa. The new CLA not only gains from new looks and an extensive list of features as standard but now positions itself as the brand's most intelligent vehicle currently on sale in South Africa.
The CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz model to be developed primarily as a battery-electric vehicle before being adapted to accommodate internal combustion engines for selected markets. As a result, its proportions and styling lean heavily towards EV design principles.
The new CLA gains a new, fresh exterior design
Take a look at the front; for example, the vehicle still maintains a large gaping grille design that illuminates and consists of the Mercedes badge, which is supported by 142 tiny pointed star logos spanning the entire grille as the mesh. The redesigned grille is flanked by a new set of smart, high-tech headlamps with "iconic star-shaped" daytime running lights.
Come around to the side, and the vehicle maintains the signature sleek, sloping saloon body style, which Mercedes-Benz claims is the aerodynamic stance.
It measures 4,723 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,468 mm in height. The wheelbase spans 2,790 mm. The pop-out flush door handles complete the smooth flow of the body, and there are ample wheel designs, with more being unlocked the higher you spec the car.
The rear now gains a light bar that spans the full width of the boot lid, which has a boot space of around 405 liters, and there is no exhaust-like fakery, but instead a clean lower bumper.
The interior is a screen fest
Immerse yourself in the Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen, which consists of a three-screen setup. That's not all; this Benz runs a very intelligent operating system that incorporates Gemini and Google services for improved interaction between the car and customers. For example, if you're hungry for some pita bread and baba ganoush but don't have an exact restaurant name in mind, you can now prompt a more specific location by explaining the kind of pig-out spot you're looking for instead of saying something like, "Take me to a McDonald's" or "that fried chicken joint."
The vehicle also has an extensive list of ADAS features and parking aids that even allow your car to park itself, along with a host of onboard games to keep you and your children occupied for sure. The dashboard is completely dominated by the 14-inch display, which is as crisp as ever. The screen enables quick phone connectivity (Android Auto & Apple CarPlay) but also has built-in features like Netflix, Disney channels, and a navigation system.
When you check all the boxes, your passenger also gets a 14-inch display that is completely separate from the infotainment display, unlike some screens found in other cars that are often just a mirror of the main screen. Finally, the driver gets their own 10.25-inch display, which is highly configurable to show vital information or selected materials, including a map view.
The interior layout feels a bit roomier, which may be thanks to the standard moonroof that lets in a fair amount of light. The materials found here differ between chosen brushed aluminum, suede, soft-touch leatherette, or wood-like oak that has some grooves gnarled into it. Seat upholstery options now feature sustainable, recycled materials, including man-made ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfiber.
How does it drive?
Usually at a launch, there is a time crunch and a tight schedule to follow, so the drive is often short. However, not only did Benz plan out a chilled drive, but I happened to stray off the route guide and get lost. This gave me some more time than usual to familiarize myself with the vehicle, which was easy. The car is actually easy to control and not as intimidating as it looks, especially since it's the most technologically advanced CLA ever. It was quite good, the cabin is well insulated, the drive is smooth, and the handling is on par. I surely look forward to having the car on test to see what it is like in detail.
The car utilizes a 1.5L turbocharged engine, which is co-developed with Geely and built in China. This engine outputs 120 kW and 250 Nm. An additional bit of power is then provided by the integrated mild hybrid electric motor, which now not only starts the vehicle but also provides propulsion. The engine is paired with a newly developed 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
For now, the new CLA is only available with this one engine option, with more expected to join at a later stage ( known as the CLA 200). You will remember that the CLA is primarily an all-electric vehicle, which was converted to accommodate ICE variants for some markets that aren't yet acclimatized to the EV craze that is currently upon us.
Speaking of availability
The third generation CLA will start out at R 876,519 (according to the official website configurator) and top out at R 1,072,719, as there will be three trims to choose from for now: the Progressive entry-level, mid-level AMG Line, and top of the range AMG Plus. The purchase of the new CLA also grants you a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan. Mercedes-Benz has also tailored a couple of packages from their in-house finance program that even has extensive Guaranteed Future Value deals for all kinds of customers.
On first impressions, the new CLA feels like more than just another generation update. It's a clear statement of where Mercedes-Benz is heading, with technology taking centre stage without compromising the luxurious experience buyers have come to expect from Benz.