- The new-gen CLA is expected to take the design cues from the recently revealed A-Class sedan and CLS-Class.
- It will be based on the new MFA platform.
- Expected to break cover only next year.
Mercedes-Benz’s revamping its line-up which was initiated with the A-Class. It was joined by the new-gen CLS-Class and we can see the new and edgier design philosophy from the Three-Pointed-Star. The next-car to get the same wedge-shaped styling is the CLA compact sedan. A prototype of the CLA class was spotted recently burning rubber in the sunny day at the Nurburgring.
The prototype hasn’t dropped any of the body cladding from the previous sighting. But underneath that, we know there will be a wide-gaping grille with horizontal louvre flanked by a sharper pair of headlights. The silhouette will retain the four-door-coupe line as can be seen on the test mule. However, the liftback tailgate is planned for the new CLA which can help it gain better practicality credentials.
On the inside, expect the same cabin as the A-Class with the latest MBUX infotainment system. The interior space might be improved over the first-generation. There might also be some driver assist and safety features from expensive cars.
The CLA will move to the new MFA2 platform, which also underpins the new A-Class and the China-only A-Class sedan. So we expect same powertrains as well as feature list as the hatchback. So expect four-cylinder petrol motors putting out between 150-250bhp. The oil burner will also be available. The new nine-speed automatic transmission is also on the cards apart from the standard seven-speed unit. It will be joined by more potent CLA 45 as well.
Mercedes might reveal the new CLA only next year. It will be one of the many cars the German carmaker plans for 2019 which also includes the new-gen GLC, GLE, B-Class and even the GLS apart from a plethora of AMG models.
