The Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan has received a slight makeover, along with its European wagon sibling, with revised styling, upgraded technology, and mild-hybrid power.
the facelift 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has been revealed, ahead of an Australian launch in the third quarter of this year (July to September).
Following the tracks of the wheel of updated One class Y Class B hatchbacks, the facelift to the LAC The sedan, and its Europe-exclusive Shooting Brake wagon derivative, features an updated exterior, interior and engine range.
An Australian launch is expected between July and September 2023, in sedan form only. The model range is expected to reflect Mercedes Benz existing range, with CLA200, CLA250 4Matic, AMG CLA35 and AMG CLA45 S variants.
Exterior revisions include a modified front bumper and new star-pattern grille, resembling the larger C-Class, plus a redesigned lower rear bumper and new LED graphics on the headlamps and taillamps.
Buyers can choose from three new alloy wheel designs for standard Mercedes-Benz models, ranging from 17 to 19 inches in diameter, plus two new paint colors, Hyper Blue and Spectral Blue.
Other updates for the Mercedes-AMG CLA35 and CLA45 S versions include the addition of the ’45 to ’35 ‘Panamericana’ grille, an AMG badge above the grille (instead of the second Benz star), new front bumpers, new 18 or 19 inch wheel designs and revised taillight graphics for 45 models.
Inside, the Australian-standard dual 10.25-inch screens are now fitted to all European models, and the center console trackpad for the infotainment system has been dropped in favor of touch-screen control only.
The displays get updated software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (in addition to wired), redesigned instrument display views, an updated “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, and an improved “telematics” smartphone companion app.
Other technological changes include Dolby Atmos technology for the optional Burmester surround sound system, an additional interior USB-C port, and lighting for all USB ports.
There’s a new steering wheel borrowed from other Mercedes-Benz models, and upholstered in nappa leather or ‘Artico’ synthetic leather, plus new trim inlay options and new seat trim and color options for several models, many of which which use more recycled materials than before.
The heated steering wheel is already available for the first time in the AMG Line versions.
Meanwhile, the full AMG 35 and 45 S variants get a new AMG Performance steering wheel with rotating drive mode dials and new AMG screens for the infotainment system.
They also get new upholstery options for the regular sports seats or upgraded AMG Performance buckets: a new shade of brown for the Artico and microfiber combination, sage gray and black for the Artico leatherette, and pepper red and black for the seat option. full leather.
Safety has been improved with refinements to the lane-keep assist system and an improved auto-park feature that includes a 3D view for the 360-degree camera.
Buyers in Europe can choose from an upgraded range of four-cylinder engines which, in the case of standard non-AMG petrol engines, add 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to reduce emissions and add a 10kW boost under acceleration. strong. .
The standard Australian range is likely to continue to offer a choice of front-wheel drive CLA200 (120kW/250Nm) and all-wheel drive CLA250 4Matic (165kW/350Nm) petrol variants. It’s unclear if Europe’s mild hybrid technology will be offered locally.
Plug-in hybrid variants for sale in Europe have also been upgraded with larger battery packs, more powerful electric motors, and faster charging; however these are not available in Australia.
The AMG CLA35 also gains mild-hybrid power in Europe, a new front radiator and a switch from a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission to the AMG CLA45 S’s new eight-speed unit.
Engine power remains unchanged in both AMG versions (mild hybrid technology for 35) with 225kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the CLA35, or 310kW/500Nm from a different 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder in the CLA35. the CLA45 S.
The facelift also introduces a new special edition model, the AMG Street Style Edition for the CLA45 S, in foreign markets.
The edition adds Mountain Gray matte paint, AMG exterior decals, orange accents, matte black 19-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, AMG aerodynamics, Night I and Night II packages, and an AMG fuel filler cap.
It also includes suede upholstery with orange stitching, AMG Performance bucket seats with ‘CLA 45 S’ embroidery on the headrest, leather and microfiber steering wheel, AMG door sills, red ambient lighting and exclusive floor mats.
He 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA The range expires in Australia in the third quarter of 2023 (July to September). Pricing will be confirmed closer to launch.
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