Express your drive: the new Mercedes-Benz CLA

01/18/2023

Mercedes-Benz

With numerous innovations and upgraded standard equipment, the Mercedes-Benz CLA Coupe continues to be a trendsetter in the compact segment. The newly shaped front fascia, revised radiator grille with star pattern and new rear diffuser sharpen the sporty character. Added to this are the modernized graphics in the LED High Performance headlamps, which are fitted standard, and the LED taillights. The new paint colors Hyper Blue (exclusive to the CLA models) and Starling Blue, as well as three additional wheel designs in sizes up to 19 inches, extend the choice for individualization. The new 2024 CLA Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

Exclusive interior with high-tech look, fresh colors and new trims

The highlight of the interior is the free-standing dual screens. It includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch multimedia display as standard. They offer a holistic high-tech experience and create an exceptionally open spatial architecture. The steering wheel is upholstered in Nappa leather as standard, while a heated steering wheel is also available in the AMG Line for the first time. New trim elements in a dark carbon look, open-pore brown linden wood or brown microfiber (AMG Line only) further enhance the interior.

The Progressive equipment line offers three interior colors: Black, Macchiato Beige and Sage Grey. In the AMG Line, the standard seat upholstery in MB-Tex/microfiber is now also available in Bahia Brown. A total of five upholstery colors are available in the AMG Line: Black, Bahia Brown, Sage Grey, Titanium Grey Pearl/Black and Red/Black.

The MB-Tex/microfiber seat upholstery consists largely of recycled materials, 65 percent in the middle section of the seat and 85 percent in the bottom fabric. The use of recycled materials is an important measure on the way to CO2 neutrality. As early as the end of this decade, Mercedes-Benz aims to at least halve the CO2 emissions per passenger car in the new vehicle fleet over the entire life cycle compared to 2020. From 2039 onwards, the passenger car and van fleet aims to be CO2-neutral with offsets across the entire automotive value chain.

Significantly upgraded equipment

Mercedes-Benz has significantly upgraded the standard equipment and tailored the offer logic even more precisely to specific customer tastes. For example, the standard equipment of the new CLA already includes Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera and the USB package, in addition to the leather steering wheel and LED front headlamps. Customers also receive the Parking Package and Mirror Package as standard equipment. Other functional equipment is bundled into packages based on real customer behavior.

Latest generation MBUX and Burmester(R) sound system with Dolby Atmos(R)

The CLA Coupe features the latest generation of MBUX - with newly designed display styles: "Classic" provides all relevant driver information, "Sporty" impresses with the dynamic tachometer and "Discreet" is limited to the most essential items. Together with the three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) and seven color worlds, the instrument cluster and central display can be individualized according to the driver's preference and the situation. The central display offers all previous functions such as navigation, media, phone, and more, and can be operated conveniently as a touchscreen.

The revised telematics system impresses with a new design and improved performance. A new feature is wireless smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For further connectivity, the CLA Coupe has an additional USB-C port and increased USB charging capacity. All USB ports are also now illuminated.

With the activation of online services in the Mercedes me app1, the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant becomes even more capable of dialogue and learning. Certain actions can also be triggered without saying "Hey Mercedes." The MBUX voice assistant can also explain vehicle functions.

In conjunction with the latest MBUX infotainment, the optional Burmester(R) surround sound system now features the immersive Dolby Atmos(R) audio experience, which gives music more space, clarity and depth. Dolby Atmos(R) allows discrete audio elements or objects to be placed in a three-dimensional sound field and adapted to any playback environment.

The new CLA is also available with enhanced driver assistance technology. With the upgraded Driver Assistance Package, Lane Keeping Assist is controlled much more comfortably by the active steering control. The next generation Parking Package, equipped standard, supports longitudinal parking and offers 360-degree visualization for camera-assisted parking using 3D images.

Electrified powertrain

The mild hybrid four-cylinder gasoline engine is equipped standard with an additional 48-volt on-board power supply that supports agility at start-up with 13 hp more power. The new belt-driven starter-generator noticeably improves customer comfort and experience by enabling low-vibration and low-noise engine starting as well as coasting with the combustion engine switched off. During braking and acceleration, the starter-generator recuperates and thus supplies the 12-volt on-board network and the 48-volt battery with electrical energy. This can support the combustion engine during acceleration. The new ECO Score 3.0 motivates drivers to adopt fuel-saving behavior through a differentiated evaluation of the various driving phases.

At a glance

CLA 250 Coupe CLA 250 4MATIC Coupe

Displacement cc 1,991 1,991

Rated output hp 221 221

at rpm 5,500 5,500

Add. output (boost effect) hp 13 13

Rated torque lb-ft 258 258

Acceleration 0-60 mph s 6.3 (est.) 6.3 (est.)

Top speed mph TBA TBA

Updates for CLA from Mercedes-AMG

Newly designed headlights and taillights

CLA 35 with AMG-specific radiator grille

Belt-driven starter-generator and 48-volt electrical system for CLA 35

CLA 45 S power output elevated to 416 hp

AMG Performance steering wheel as standard

Numerous updates make the CLA Coupe from Mercedes-AMG even more desirable. The new exterior design is particularly striking on the CLA 35 Coupe. Both models have been given an AMG-specific radiator grille with vertical slats, a reshaped front fascia and a round badge with the AMG emblem that reinforces the brand identity for both models. The revised design of the inside of the LED headlights and the LED taillights also highlight the changes in each model. The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 and CLA 45 S Coupe will arrive at U.S. dealerships later in 2023.

New AMG alloy wheels

There are three new alloy wheels for the 35 models: standard 10-spoke, 18-inch wheels in black with high-gloss machined surfaces, and optional 19-inch wheels with a five-twin-spoke design in matte black with high-gloss machined surfaces or in matte black with a high-gloss machined rim flange. New wheels for the CLA 45 S include standard 19-inch wheels with a five-twin-spoke design in matte black with high-gloss machined surfaces, or optional 19-inch wheels in a five-twin-spoke design in matte black with a high-gloss machined rim flange.

New interior upholstery colors

In the interior, customers will discover new upholstery for the standard sports seats or the optional AMG Performance seats. Sage Grey/Black MB-Tex and Red/Black leather upholstery is available for the first time with a leather seat option. For the trim elements, open-pore brown linden wood trim completes the optional selection.

The Mercedes-AMG CLA models offer the new AMG Performance steering wheel with double-spoke design and seamlessly integrated AMG Drive Unit buttons as standard. The AMG steering wheel buttons impress with brilliant displays and intuitive operation. These allow for important driving functions and all drive programs to be controlled without the driver taking their hands off the steering wheel.

The new Mercedes-AMG CLA models also benefit from the latest generation MBUX: more performance and the AMG-specific screen design make the brand experience tangible.

AMG CLA 35 technically upgraded

The CLA 35 is now equipped with a 48-volt electrical system and a belt-driven starter-generator. The second-generation starter-generator acts as a mild hybrid, providing a temporary power boost of 13 hp as well as functions such as coasting and recuperation for greater efficiency. The 48-volt technology also increases comfort, as the transitions of the start-stop and coasting functions are almost imperceptible. The powerful and agile, AMG-enhanced 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 302 hp, which is variably distributed to all four wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT(R) DCT 8G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The sporty performance (0-60 mph acceleration in 4.8 seconds) is combined with a wide range of driving experiences - from very sporty to comfort. The new front radiator improves temperature management at the limit.

AMG CLA 45 S increased output

With its power output elevated to 416 hp, an increase of 34 hp, the CLA 45 S accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. The top speed is limited to 167 mph. In addition to the pure performance figures, the Handcrafted AMG 2.0-liter turbo engine impresses with its spontaneous response. The performance capabilities are extenuated through the new AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus, which includes a fixed rear spoiler. This generates powerful negative lift force at the rear axle and improves handling at high speeds. The striking AMG rear spoiler also ensures the expressive look of an uncompromising racer.

At a glance

Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 Coupe Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S Coupe

Engine AMG-enhanced 2.0L inline four with exhaust-gas turbocharger Handcrafted AMG 2.0L inline four with twin-scroll exhaust turbocharger mounted on roller bearings

Displacement cc 1,991 1,991

Rated output hp 302 416

at rpm 5,800 6,750

Rated torque lb-ft 295 369

at rpm 3,000-4,000 5,000-5,250

Drive AMG Performance 4MATIC variable all-wheel drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive with AMG TORQUE CONTROL

Transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT(R) DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission AMG SPEEDSHIFT(R) DCT 8G dual-clutch transmission

Acceleration 0-60 mph s 4.8 (est.) 4.0 (est.)

Top speed mph 155 167