Following the same recipe as the A and B class
Almost exactly four years after the unveiling of the current generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, it is time for a facelift. The CLA Shooting Brake, introduced slightly later, is also updated at the same time. The appearance of both models only changes at a detail level. Furthermore, the CLA will soon have more extensive standard equipment, the model will be fitted with the latest MBUX infotainment system and petrol variants will always be mild hybrids from now on.
Highlights:
- More reach and faster loading for plugins
- Petrol versions will always be mild hybrid from now on
- Richer standard equipment
- Latest version MBUX infotainment system, without touchpad
- Tightened interior and exterior on details, also for AMG variants
For those who keep a close eye on this website, the content of the facelift for the Mercedes-Benz CLA comes as no surprise. The car undergoes more or less the same changes as its technically related A- and B-class brothers did during their recent facelift. This means that the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake will now also have a slightly different front and rear bumper, new grille and other light units. In addition, the ‘High Performance’ LED headlights with high-beam assistant are now standard on the CLA.
We also find visible changes in the interior. Mercedes-Benz is bringing the latest version of its MBUX infotainment system to the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake and that’s accompanied by an ever-present 10.25-inch centrally placed touchscreen. In addition, the touch pad on the center console that was previously available for its operation is no longer available, so that you can also operate the system in the CLA from the steering wheel and via the screen. The wireless version of Apple Carplay and Android Auto is now also always available, as is a reversing camera.
Other visible changes include two new blue exterior colors called ‘hyper blue’ and ‘spectral blue’, three new wheel designs and additional interior trim choices. With the latter, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the option of going for a steering wheel covered with artificial leather. The steering wheel is wrapped in ‘real’ Nappa leather as standard. From the facelift, the CLA also always has the comfort seats that were previously optional.
These comfort seats are now standard. The light leather color is a new option.
More and better hybrid technology
However, we find the most important changes of the facelift under the skin. For example, from now on all petrol models are equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system and the plug-in hybrid variants will have more electric range. They are also faster to charge. The facelifted CLA 250e can travel 71 to 82 kilometers on a battery charge (WLTP), the CLA Shooting Brake 68 to 80 kilometers. The battery capacity remained the same. Adding a mild hybrid system to the CLAs without a plug provides slightly better fuel economy on paper and ensures that the start-stop system works more silently.
Mercedes-Benz is also using the facelift to introduce more sophisticated active driver assistance systems for the CLA. For example, the lane keeping assist would work better than was previously the case. Lane keeping assist is also part of the Drive Assistance Package, one of the option packages that Mercedes offers for the facelifted CLA. After the facelift, the further options are often also bundled in packages, which the brand put together on the basis of its previous experiences with CLA customers. By doing so, the brand wants to make configuring a CLA a more manageable affair.
New taillights and a different diffuser. LED rear lights are optional, front LED lights are standard.
Changes for the AMG variants
Of course, the AMG variants may also be part of the facelift, with the biggest changes for the ‘milder’ of the two: the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4Matic. That car now has not seven, but eight gears and therefore also has mild hybrid technology. The full-fat CLA 45 S 4Matic+ retains the eight-speed gearbox that that variant already had.
However, the latter is now also available as an AMG Street Style Edition, decked out with a matte gray paint, a sticker package and orange details on the outside and inside. Both the CLA sedan and the Shooting Brake are available in Street Style flavour. The Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4Matic is also available in both body styles, but not as Street Style.
The prices for the renewed Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA Shooting Brake will follow later.
The interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S 4Matic+ Street Style Edition, including the new AMG steering wheel.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl