Mercedes set to expand new CLA series

MERCEDES-BENZ will bolster its new-generation CLA four-door coupe-style sedan range early next year with a mid-series 165kW CLA250 and AMG-bred 225kW CLA35 variant priced from $68,800 and $83,400 plus on-road costs respectively.

A sizzling 310kW CLA45 S AMG will also arrive in the first quarter of 2020 to crown the range at close to $100,000, although pricing and Australian specification will be released closer to its launch which looks set to coincide with the equivalent A45 S hyper-hatch.

The new additions will follow the CLA200 that arrived mid-year to herald the larger, more accomplished and sophisticated second-generation CLA-Class, kicking off at $59,500 plus on-roads with a 120kW/250Nm 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

This pushed the price of entry to the CLA range up $10,000 and marked a $6000 increase over the previous equivalent CLA200, but the incoming new 250 is positioned much closer to its predecessor – just $100 upstream.

An all-new variant, the CLA35 bridges the divide between the regular CLAs and the AMG performance tier, which was previously set at $93,430 for the manic CLA45.

As before, every CLA north of the 200 use a version of Mercedes’ 4Matic permanent four-wheel-drive system, and the 250 has a familiar ring about it with its use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 165kW of power (+5kW) and 350Nm of torque (unchanged).

It drives through a 7G-DCT seven-speed automatic with steering-mounted shift paddles.

As seen on the just-launched A35, the CLA35 is endowed with a 2.0-litre twin-scroll turbo-four that produces 225kW and 400Nm, and likewise uses a seven-speed DCT.

This enables it to devour the sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h, yet still leaves plenty of limelight for the more aspirational CLA45 and its world-class series-production credentials – 310kW, 500Nm, 4.0s to 100 clicks, 270km/h V-max, and so on.

The 45 also has the latest AMG Speedshift eight-speed DCT automatic.

Equipment list highlights for the CLA250 nominated by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific include a panoramic electric glass sunroof, a ‘Night Package’ (tinted windows, gloss-black exterior bits) and the ‘Mercedes me Connect’ system, which enables smartphone-controlled functions such as remote engine start.

Features in common with the CL200 include 18-inch AMG five twin-spoke alloy wheels, AMG Line exterior styling elements, automatic climate-control air-conditioning, sports seats with Artico/Dinamica trim, the advanced MBUX multimedia system (including two 10.25-inch digital screens), ambient interior lighting (with 64 colours), DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and wireless smartphone charging.

Safety equipment runs to nine airbags and a high level of driver-assist systems such as autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam, blind-spot monitoring (with exit warning), lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition and active park assist (with a widescreen reversing camera).

Mercedes’ Pre-Safe collision anticipation system is built in, while convenience features include keyless entry/start, automatic headlights/wipers and a hands-free boot opening function.

The AMG badge on the CLA35 denotes a mix of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades over the regular model variants, notably 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels, a Race-Start function (launch control), a sonorous AMG-specific exhaust, an uprated braking package (including four-piston front callipers) and various other unique chassis components and modifications including a stronger bodyshell and extra bracing in the engine bay for improved dynamic performance.

The driver also has a degree of control over suspension settings via the three-mode AMG Ride Control adaptive damping system and can additionally switch between five AMG Dynamic Select drive modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Spot+ and Individual). The AMG Dynamics handling software is also included in the Australian-spec CLA35.

Cabin highlights include a flat-bottomed, leather-clad AMG steering wheel that has two colour LCD controllers on its lower section to give fingertip control to the AMG driving programs, along with Lugano leather front seats (with power adjustment and heating) and Mercedes’ ‘Energising Comfort Control’ feature that is designed to tailor cabin ambience to match the occupants’ mood.

2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs

2020 Mercedes-AMG CLA35 pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs