Details of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA have been revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show, the four-door coupe is scheduled to arrive Down Under in the third quarter of 2019.
Design features that make the new CLA stand out include the long, stretched entry line above the windows and frameless doors whilst the facade is raked forward emanating a shark nose complimented by the long bonnet with powerdomes.
Other features include flat headlamps, a diamond radiator grille with central star, two-piece taillights and a number plate housing in the bumper.
In terms of size, the new CLA has slightly grown with the length now measuring 4688mm (+48mm), width is now 1830mm (+53mm) while the wheelbase has grown 30mm to 2729mm. Interestingly, the height drops slightly to 1439mm (-2mm).
Internally a wing-shaped dashboard extends across the width of the CLA with a free-standing windscreen display and turbine-look air vents for contrast.
Following the introduction of MBUX – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience – last year, the new level of assistance is being introduced in the new CLA; MBUX Interior Assist.
MBUX now supports the occupants by making various comfort and MBUX functions even simpler and more intuitive. Interior Assist operates in non-contact mode and functions both in sunlight and in complete darkness.
Energizing comfort control will be available in the CLA which links various comfort systems in the vehicle such as from the new Energizing Coach in the Energizing Package Plus.
The Energizing packages with energizing coach can also be used with the new Mercedes-Benz vivoactive 3 Smartwatch, which just debuted at CES, or another compatible Garmin wearable to use personal stats including stress level or quality of sleep to optimise the accuracy of the recommendations it makes.
Also equipped in the new CLA are the latest driving assistance systems including active brake assist, active emergency stop assist, active lane change assist, active lane keeping assist and pre-safe plus as well as multibeam LED headlamps with 18 individually controllable LEDs.
Mercedes-Benz has also focused on the driving dynamics of the CLA with a wide track (an extra 63 mm at the front and 55 mm more at the rear compared to its predecessor) and a lower centre of gravity.
Under the metal is found a decoupled multi-link axle at the rear for reduced noise and vibration, a Direct-Steer system as standard and hydromounts at the front. A stabiliser bar with a larger diameter reduces body roll with the option of an active adaptive damping system available.
There is also a range of wheels available in sizes from 16-inch to 19-inch wrapped in tyres ranging from 205/60 R16 to 225/40 R19 as standard.
Initially, the CLA250 will be available with a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine outputting 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque, mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Mercedes-Benz has stated a range of diesel and petrol engines will join the line-up though specifics are yet to be confirmed, however, it’s likely engine options will closely mirror those found in the new A-Class and B-Class.
Depending on the market, a variety of front- and all-wheel drive variants will be available, along with manual and dual-clutch transmissions.
At launch, the CLA will also be available as a limited edition model known as the Edition 1 which will be differentiated by a range of visual accents.
Australian specifications and pricing will be confirmed closer to the CLA’s local launch in the third quarter of 2019.
More: All News
