Mercedes-Benz launches new CLA with advanced features and technology

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has just been officially launched, inspired by the design of the Concept CLA Class model introduced in 2023.

Unlike the discontinued A-Class hatchback/sedan, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is still positioned as an entry-level model, targeting young urban customers.

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has dimensions of 4,723 x 1,855 x 1,468 mm, surpassing the previous version. The wheelbase also increased by 61 mm, reaching 2,790 mm.

The new CLA is equipped with a front light cluster with a three-pointed star-shaped contour light. This motif also appears on the simulated radiator grille of the pure electric version, with a glowing feature. Meanwhile, with the internal combustion engine version, the radiator grille is decorated with a characteristic three-pointed star motif.

The CLA with EQ technology is the first modern Mercedes-Benz to feature a front luggage compartment, the company says. The space has a capacity of around 101 litres.

However, the rear luggage compartment capacity is reduced by 55 L, to only 405 L. The reason is said to be due to changes in the design of the car's electric battery pack.

The interior of the Mercedes-Benz CLA is completely redesigned with a 10.25-inch digital dashboard and a 14-inch central touch screen. With the MBUX Superscreen option, the car is supplemented with a 14-inch passenger seat screen.

This coupe is equipped with the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with integrated virtual assistant MBUX Virtual Assistant. This function uses artificial intelligence from ChatGPT and Google Gemini to process user requests.

Depending on the different styles, the interior of the CLA will use more diverse seat and interior materials than previous versions.

At launch, this model is distributed in two pure electric versions, the CLA 250+ and the CLA 350 4MATIC. With rear-wheel drive and 272 horsepower, the CLA 250+ can accelerate from 0-97 km/h in 6.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 209 km/h.

Meanwhile, the CLA 350 version is equipped with two electric motors with a full-time 4-wheel drive system, with a capacity of 354 horsepower. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 97 km/h in 4.8 seconds and the maximum speed remains at 209 km/h.

Both versions are equipped with an 85 kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt battery pack with an 800 V configuration. The travel capacity in one charging cycle is 694-792 km and 672-771 km respectively.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz will also launch a CLA version using an internal combustion engine with 2 options of front-wheel drive or full-time 4-wheel drive.

Deliveries of the new generation Mercedes-Benz CLA are expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with the hybrid version set to follow shortly thereafter.

With a price tag that could be under $60,000, the all-electric version of the Mercedes-Benz CLA could compete directly with the Tesla Model 3 or BMW i4.