The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed, showcasing an upmarket design, new platform and new-generation engines.
Underneath that sharp-looking exterior is a new platform from the Stuttgart-based brand. Dubbed Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA), this new setup can be configured for both internal combustion powertrains and electric motors.
Right away there’ll be two electric derivatives with turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrains following on. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology features a single motor making 200 kW and 335 Nm driving the rear wheels, while the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology punches out 260 kW and 515 Nm from a dual-motor setup, and adds all-wheel drive into the mix.
Both of these derivatives have 800V architecture and 85 kWh batteries, with support for DC charging speeds up to 320 kW. Merc claims ranges of up to 792 km and 771 km respectively, and says the aerodynamics play a huge part of the impressive range. Performance is good too, with 0-100 kph dispatched in 6.7 and 4.9 seconds respectively.
Mercedes-Benz confirmed a new 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine will also be available, but didn’t confirm numbers. All we know is that two outputs will be offered and a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. There’s a new 48-volt battery with a capacity of 1.3 kWh and the motor is integrated into a brand-new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is larger than the outgoing model. Its new overall length puts it at just over 4.7 metres, that’s in the same ballpark as a current C-Class sedan. It’s also wider and sitting fractionally higher than before, plus the wheelbase has been extended by 6 cm too.
The all-new CLA styling looks sharp, but cynically you could say its resembling a sharp facelift as opposed to a next-generation model. The Mercedes-Benz stars are neatly integrated into the daytime running lights and the light bar trend continues both at the front and rear. The flush door handles we’ve seen on higher-spec Mercs has filtered down to the CLA.
Climb inside and it appears as if the obsessions with touchscreens is still strong. The upright dashboard can have up to three screens, admittedly the 14-inch passenger screen is an optional extra. The dashboard screen is 10.25-inches in size, while the infotainment system boasts a 14-inch infotainment screen.
The new CLA features the brand-new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) which is backed by artificial intelligence. Merc’s claiming this is the most intelligent vehicle ever and it’s probably only going to get smarter and more capable thanks to regular over-the-air updates and connection to the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud. This new system marks the start of the 4th-generation of MBUX interface and the AI is sourced from Microsoft, Google, and ChatGPT4o.
When will the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA come to South Africa?
Mercedes-Benz SA confirmed that the new all-new CLA will be headed to our shores in early 2026. The engine lineup will be finalised closer to the product’s debut.
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