The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA has received its mid-life update, four years after the model made its debut. debut in 2019. As before, customers can choose between two body styles: a four-door coupe (C118) or a Shooting Brake (X118), as well as a wide range of powertrains.
As the Class A which was upgraded last October, the styling changes for the CLA are relatively subtle, with no change to the svelte profile that is its main selling point. At the front, the bumper has been reshaped and is joined by a revised radiator grille that now features small Mercedes-Benz stars.
The standard high-performance LED headlamps also sport a new LED daytime running light signature that ends with dotted lines at the base of each cluster. As for the rear, it gets a new diffuser to “sharpen the sporty character,” the German automaker noted, and the LED taillight also gets a new light signature.
All models come standard with 17-inch wheels, but there are options that go up to 19-inch with different designs. Additional customization comes in the form of additional paint colors called Hyper Blue and Spectral Blue, the former being exclusive to the CLA.
Inside, the standard configuration of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) systems includes a seven-inch and 10.25-inch screen. However, buyers can upgrade to dual 10.25-inch screens, and the system now offers newly designed screen styles called Classic, Sport, and Understated.
Additional USB-C ports are also part of the update, and now they’re illuminated and have increased charging capabilities. If you don’t feel like connecting, there’s now support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
With the latest generation of MBUX, the Hey Mercedes voice assistant is now capable of dialoguing and learning the driver’s preferences. The system can also deliver an immersive Dolby Atmos audio experience when combined with the optional Burmester surround sound system.
Following the latest A-Class, the touchpad in the center console has been omitted in favor of a bit more storage space. With this, the only forms of interaction with the MBUX system are the buttons on the steering wheel, the central touch screen and the voice assistant. Fortunately, there are still physical controls for the climate system.
As for other changes, Mercedes-Benz says that the steering wheel is upholstered in Artico artificial leather for the first time and that cars with the AMG Line package can now have a heated steering wheel as an option. Recycled materials are also highlighted further inside the cabin, which can be chosen with a variety of trims and finishes.
Trim packages have also been simplified following customer feedback, making it easier for them to set up their vehicles. Highbeam Assist, a reversing camera and USB package are included on the base level, with the Parking Package, Mirror Package and Tailgate Easy-Pack coming standard for the CLA Shooting Brake from the Progressive trim line. onwards.
In terms of powertrains, we start with the CLA250e, which is the only plug-in hybrid option. Updates include a more powerful electric motor that gains 7 PS (7 hp or 5 kW) of output to now be rated at 109 PS (107 hp or 80 kW) and 300 Nm of torque.
It is sandwiched between the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and the petrol engine, which is a 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder generating 163 PS (161 PS or 120 kW) and 270 Nm for a total system power of 218 PS ( 215 hp). hp or 160 kW) and 450 Nm.
A 15.6 kWh (gross capacity) lithium-ion battery is still used, but can now support a maximum AC input of 11 kW instead of the previous 7.4 kW. There is also the option of 22 kW DC fast charging, which takes the battery from 10 to 80% state of charge in just 25 minutes. Fully charged, the battery offers 71-82 km (Coupe) or 68-80 km (Shooting Brake) of electric-only range, which is a minor improvement thanks to the increased usable power capacity of the battery.
Moving on, all seven-speed DCT gasoline engines now come with a 48-volt mild hybrid system that includes a belt-driven starter generator capable of a temporary boost of 14 PS (13 hp or 10 kW). A 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder is used in the CLA180 and CLA200, with outputs of 136 PS (134 PS or 100 kW) and 230 Nm and 163 PS (161 PS or 120 kW) and 270 Nm respectively.
These are joined by the CLA250 4Matic that has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 224 CV (221 hp or 165 kW) and 350 Nm, accompanied by an all-wheel drive system. While all three of the aforementioned petrol engines are available for both the Coupe and Shooting Brake, the earlier body style can also be had in the CLA220 4Matic version which uses the same mentioned 2.0-litre unit, but tuned to deliver 190 PS. (188 hp or 140 kW) and 300 Nm.
Finally, there are three 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel that do not have any electrification, and they are the CLA180d that generates 116 PS (114 PS or 85 kW) and 280 Nm, the CLA200d that generates 150 PS (148 PS or 110 kW) and 320 Nm, and the CLA220d that generates 190 PS (188 PS or 140 kW) and 400 Nm; all three come with a seven-speed DCT transmission.
Performance times (0-100 km/h and top speed) for each powertrain are as follows:
- CLA250e: 7.6 seconds, 229 km/h (Coupe); 7.7 seconds, 226 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA180: 9.4 seconds, 216 km/h (Coupe); 9.6 seconds, 215 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA200: 8.4 seconds, 229 km/h (Coupe); 8.6 seconds, 226 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA220 4Matic – 7.6 seconds, 237 km/h (Coupe)
- CLA250 4Matic: 6.4 seconds, 250 km/h (Coupe); 6.5 seconds, 250 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA180d: 10 seconds, 205 km/h (coupe); 10.1 seconds, 203 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA200d: 8.5 seconds, 226 km/h (coupe); 8.6 seconds, 221 km/h (Shooting Brake)
- CLA220d: 7.3 seconds, 244 km/h (Coupe); 7.4 seconds, 237 km/h (Shooting Brake)
