Updated Mercedes-Benz CLA goes mild hybrid

MERCEDES-BENZ has given its CLA four-door coupe and shooting brake range a front-to-back facelift with mild-hybrid drivelines, extra tech throughout and increased outputs from plug-in hybrid systems. 

Arriving in Australia during the third quarter of this year, the revised CLA line-up is expected to reflect the existing four-variant range that opens with the CLA 200 and tops out in fire-breathing CLA 45 AMG 4Matic+ guise.

GoAuto understands plug-in hybrid variants are not on the agenda for this generation of CLA in Australia.

The German powerhouse has strengthened the CLA range with sportier looks, reshaping the front apron and revising the grille. The front end also gets new high-performance LED headlights with standard auto high-beam. 

Interior tech gets a bump, with a 7.0-inch and 10.25-inch displays as standard (twin 10.25-inch screens are available depending on options and variant) running the latest-generation MBUX operating system and extra USB charging ports.

An optional Burmester surround sound system is also available, with Dolby Atmos spatial audio said to offer a “three-dimensional sound field”. 

Comfort seats are now standard in both coupe and shooting brake models, upholstered with a combination of Artico synthetic leather and three-dimensionally embossed fabric finished in black. 

Mercedes-Benz has fitted an upgraded suite of safety systems to the CLA range, with improvements to lane-keep assist and a next-generation parking package with 360-degree visuals.

Globally, a total of 35 CLA variants have been updated, all equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid systems with belt-driven starter-generators that provide a temporary power boost of 10kW as well as fuel-efficiency benefits. 

According to Mercedes-Benz, the mild-hybrid system also improves comfort and offers seamless start-stop and coasting functions.

During acceleration and braking, the starter-generator captures and supplies energy to the 12-and 48-volt onboard systems. This can then be used to support the ICE engine during acceleration, improving fuel economy. 

Plug-in hybrid models score an improved high-voltage battery with a higher usable energy capacity, resulting in more electric range and an extra 5kW of power. It is unlikely Australia will receive the plug-in hybrid models.

A new front radiator has also been added, which is said to improve temperature management “at the limit”. 

AMG models also receive updates, with exterior design changes, fresh alloy wheels, new colours for the seat covers, the same mild-hybrid system as the standard range, and new Street Style 45 variants. 

Power remains the same with 225kW/400Nm on tap, supplied by the potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the current line-up. 

The special edition CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ coupe and shooting brake models are finished in a unique mountain grey mango colour, and ‘chequered flag’ AMG logos. 

Inside, the Street Style variants feature bright orange highlights, aluminium trim, and edition specific red lighting.