Despite being touted as a “coupe” by its makers, Mercedes-Benz’s CLA is the entry-level four-door sedan model in Mercedes’ vast range on sale here in South Africa. At present there are close-on 20 distinct model ranges in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. And this figure doesn’t include the performance-orientated Mercedes-AMG variants. Nor does it include the various trim levels such as AMG-Line, or the various “editions” that many of the models can be ordered in.
The Previous-generation CLA
The first generation Mercedes-Benz CLA was produced in Hungary from 2013 to early 2019. Known as the C117 series within Mercedes-Benz, this model boasted the lowest drag co-efficient (wind resistance factor) of any production car, with a Cd of 0,23. Mercedes-Benz refer to the CLA as a coupe, but essentially it is a style-orientated four-door sedan.
The current Mercedes-Benz CLA is known as the C118 series and went into production early in 2019, with the new model launched here in June 2019. Currently the Mercedes-Benz CLA is available with a choice of two engines, these being a 1,3-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2,0-litre turbocharged diesel.
The powerful (and more expensive) Mercedes-AMG versions of the CLA use a 2,0-litre turbo petrol engine in two different states of tune.
We currently have over 240 New and Used Mercedes-Benz CLA cars for sale of both first and second-generation CLA models.
Top 3 CLA things to know
- The Mercedes-Benz CLA is based on the same platform as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. While the A-Class is Merc’s signature hatchback and an entry model to the entire Mercedes-Benz range, the slightly more-expensive Mercedes-Benz CLA is the entry-level four-door sedan, coming in below the C-Class in terms of price and size.
- The CLA model range is a front-wheel-drive car, with consequently different attributes to the slightly larger C-Class, which is rear-wheel-drive. Experts rate the latest version of the A-Class and the CLA as a big step forward in terms of ride refinement and handling, compared to the first-gen model. The latest CLA body shape has more of a wedge look and most people find it more attractive than the slope-backed first-generation CLA.
- The CLA features the ultra-modern Mercedes infotainment system, known as the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). This sees the instrumentation fully-digitised and it also features the zany “Hey Mercedes” voice control command system, as well as gesture control.
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