The wraps have come off the second generation of Mercedes’ compact saloon, the CLA, at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Just like the A-Class upon which it’s based, the CLA has grown in size, with the new car being 5cm longer and wider than its predecessor. The car is now longer than a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.
An increased wheelbase means that there will be more interior space on offer with larger door apertures and, more leg room. However, boot space capacity is slightly down with 460 litres on offer compared with 470 litres in the previous model.
Just like the model that went before it, the CLA has a swooping roofline and short boot which differentiates it from a standard A-Class. In terms of engines, there are updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants, with CLA 35 and CLA 45 models both expected.
New technology will be carried over from the A-Class, such as the Mercedes MBUX operating system, which includes digital instruments and touchscreen infotainment functions.
The new CLA is the fifth Mercedes-Benz to be based on the new MFA2 platform, also found in the A-Class hatch and saloon, long-wheelbase A-Class and new B-Class. Mercedes claims the new platform will support front or four-wheel drive and offers a more focused and engaging driving experience. A lower centre of gravity and wider track should also help matters.
The CLA borrows semi-autonomous driving technology which is the same found in the S-Class luxury saloon, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and radar-guided cruise control. Buyers will also have the choice to opt for alloy wheels ranging from 16-inch to 19-inch designs.
If the CLA saloon isn’t practical enough, you will have to wait for the shooting brake (estate) version, which will add more boot space and passenger room. It’s expected to be revealed later this year.
The new CLA will go on sale in June 2019 with prices yet to be confirmed.
