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Mercedes-Benz reveals new second-generation CLA

From:Greg Kable 2019-01-09 17:37:27

Mercedes-Benz board member for research and development, Ola Källenius, has lifted the veil on the second-generation CLA at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, revealing a larger and more comprehensively equipped four-door model that is planned to go on sale in China in November 2019 at a starting price described as being close to that of its predecessor.

The latest in a planned eight strong compact car line-up from Mercedes-Benz, the new CLA joins the fourth-generation A-class hatchback, first-generation A-class sedan in both standard and long-wheelbase formats as well as the third-generation B-class in a renewed line-up of front-wheel drive models from the German car maker.

All five of Mercedes-Benz’s new compact models are based around a heavily upgraded front-wheel drive platform known as the MFA (Modular Front Architecture) structure, with a further three, the second-generation CLA Shooting Brake and GLA as well as the all-new GLB SUV set to be unveiled in 2019, according to Källenius.

As with the first-generation model launched in 2013, the new 2019 model year CLA receives distinctive exterior featuring a coupe-like profile with a heavily curved roofline, frameless doors and a relatively short boot that slopes away at the rear.

The new CLA also adopts uniquely designed LED headlamps within a heavily tapered front end, a stretched six-window glasshouse intersected by wide B-pillars and wider haunches over the rear wheels than the model it replaces.

Aerodynamic developments include an almost completely flat undertray and so-called wheel arch spoilers that help to smooth airflow within the wheel houses at speed. Still, the new four-door can’t quite match the outstanding 0.22 Cd of its predecessor, with Mercedes-Benz claiming a 0.23 Cd for its latest model, due in part to the new CLA’s larger frontal area.

The new look exterior is a further evolution of Mercedes’ so-called ‘sensual purity’ design lineage, with smoother and fuller forms replacing the taut surfacing treatment and heavily etched swage lines of the first-generation CLA. The design-led focus is what will distinguish the CLA from the A-class sedan, similar to how the larger CLS sits alongside the E-class further up the German car maker’s line-up.

As with other recent new compact Mercedes-Benz models, the 2019 model year CLA is longer than the car it replaces. Length has increased by 48mm over the first generation model at 4688mm, making it 139mm longer than the recently introduced standard wheelbase A-class sedan.

Significantly, the new coupe inspired four-door model is now also 2mm longer than the standard wheelbase C-class, which runs to 4686mm in length.

Much of the new CLA’s added length is concentrated within the wheelbase, which has been extended by 30mm at 2729mm. The front and rear track widths are also up by 63mm and 55mm at 1612mm and 1602mm, giving it a considerably larger footprint overall. Despite this, its overall width has been reduced 33mm at 1999mm. Height is also down by a scant 2mm over its predecessor at 1439mm

Inside, the new Mercedes-Benz adopts the same contemporary interior appointments as other models based on the German car maker’s MFA II platform. The dashboard is carried over from the latest A-class hatchback and sedan as well as the new third-generation B-class. It features a large panel with two digital displays, each ranging between 7.0-in and 10.3-in in diameter, depending on the specification. There is also an optional head-up display.

The CLA is the latest Mercedes-Benz model to adopt the new MBUX operating system, which includes touch, voice and gesture control as well as various Mercedes Me connectivity functions. It also comes with a raft of standard and optional driver assistant functions, some of which offer semi-autonomous driving features.

Mercedes-Benz claims the new CLA brings added head and elbow room. Oddly, given the increase in length, though, there is no major increase in rear seat legroom, which at a claimed 861mm is just 1mm more than that offered by the first-generation CLA. A slightly longer rear overhang has also failed to bring any improvement in boot capacity. At a nominal 460-litres, it is actually 10-litres less than before. By comparison, the A-class sedan offers 420-litres.

The new CLA is underpinned by a reworked version of its predecessor’s suspension. It uses a MacPherson strut front suspension in combination with either a twist beam or multi-link  set-up at the rear depending on the engine. Buyers can option the new model with adaptive damping control and have a choice of wheels ranging from 16-inch through to 19-inch in diameter.

The increase in track width and a reduction in the centre of gravity is claimed to provide the new model with added agility and improved road holding. Mercedes-Benz also says ride comfort and overall refinement levels have been improved with reduced road surface sensitivity and noise levels.

The engine line-up for the front-wheel drive CLA is yet to fully revealed. The only confirmed unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder producing 165kW and 350Nm of torque in the CLA250. It will be joined by a range of petrol and diesel engines with either a standard manual or optional dual clutch automatic gearbox and, in selected models, Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic system, which uses multi-plate clutch to apportion power to all four wheels.

As with its predecessor, the new CLA will be produced at Mercedes-Benz’s factory in Kecskemét, Hungary. The German car maker’s compact model blitz will

The renewal of the German car maker’s compact car lined-up will continue in 2019 with the planned launch of the second-generation CLA Shooting Brake, second-generation GLA and the new GLB compact SUV - the latter described as a rival to the likes of the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.

Editor:Greg Kable