All-new Mercedes-Benz CLA goes on sale locally

Double Apex was invited to the national launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA held in the Western Cape.

Just about every new car launch held these days seems to be that of an SUV/crossover. We can hardly blame OEMs for giving the market what it wants. So it was quite a refreshing change to attend the launch of an all-new sedan, and a Mercedes at that. The brand, did after all, forge its reputation on providing car buyers with solid sedans over several decades.

Small in size

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is the smallest sedan on offer by the Three-Pointed Star. A range that starts with the CLA and ends with the S-Class/Maybach by way of the C- and E-Class. The ‘entry-level’ model of this family has often been the recipient of advances in tech elsewhere in the range. Some advancements are designed for and introduced with the likes of the S-Class, then eventually filter down the range, which is the case here.

Big on Style

The latest generation CLA has the same overall appearance of its predecessor, which was, arguably, the best looking small sedan on the market. The successor has the same overall demeanour: low-slung body, wide stance, short overhangs and swooping roofline. In a word, it is stylish. Body-wide head- and taillamps are part of the new exterior appearance, linking to other new-age models in the portfolio. Mercedes-Benz designers have also covered the nose, and parts of the tail, with countless Three-Pointed Stars

Some may feel that this is simply an update of the older CLA, but the latest version in all-new from the ground up. In fact, the latest CLA was designed to be an electric vehicle first and make accommodation for traditional powerplants second, which is reversal of what we’ve seen to date. The small sedan has grown in most directions offering more cabin space, particular up front. As a result of the increased dimensions it is almost as large as the previous-gen C-Class. A single-piece panoramic glass roof, that spans from front to rear of the cabin, is standard across the range.

Big on Tech

The latest CLA has the same digitised interior treatment as almost all other current Mercedes. The instrument cluster ahead of the driver measures 10,25 inches. In the centre of the dashboard sits a 14-inch infotainment screen. Both of these are offered as standard across the range. Owners can have up to three screens across the facia. The new CLA can be configured with a 14-inch passenger screen, if you tick that option when buying new.

Another highlight of the cabin is the introduction of the proprietary Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The interface is powered by ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and the MBUX Virtual Assistant. The system ‘learns’ about individual users, via the profiles they create when they login, and can react to each users specific needs. It is said that it also reads driver emotions to adjust its responses.

Hybrid Power

For now, the CLA range consists of just a single derivative, the CLA 200. Buyers can choose between Progressive or AMG trim levels. This derivative is powered by a 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol engine. In addition, supplemental drive is a provided by an electric motor that is integrated into the eight-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission. All together the powertrain produce 120 kW and 250 N.m of peak torque, all of it sent to the front wheels. Mercecedes claims a frugal 5,4 L/100 km.

A Quick Drive

We piloted the CLA 200 on a trip around the Cape CBD and around the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive on a chilly and misty winter’s morning. The cabin felt cosy with the standard dual-zone climate control protecting us from the low temps outside. While cruising through the waterfront precinct we noted that the new hybrid tech allows the car to be driven on battery power alone at low-ish speeds, switching off the motor when high torque isn’t needed. This is a really handy trick that will work well in rush-hour traffic.

The cabin proved to be well-insulated from temps and noise, feeling quite premium as the car ‘sailed’ quietly through city streets and then later down some of the mountain passes we tackled. All in all the CLA continues the theme of bringing the brand’s luxury to a wider audience.