THE CLA COUPE has proven very successful for Mercedes-Benz, offering a size that has broad appeal, plus a distinctive style. No doubt, the silver star up front helps, too.
The latest edition of the CLA 250 4MATIC Coupé is a step up in performance and features from the entry CLA 200.
And for customers looking for an even sportier version, there is a new choice: the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupé.
The CLA models were Mercedes-Benz’s first (oxymoronic) four-door coupé design, and the new generation of CLA models continues the tradition of creating vehicles with emotional as well as intelligent attraction.
The second-generation CLA Coupé has a substantially larger footprint than its predecessor, now longer (+48mm), wider (+53mm) and riding on a longer wheelbase (+30mm), with wider tracks at the front (+63mm) and rear (+55mm).
These dimensional changes, and packaging advances, free up extra headroom front/rear (17mm/3mm), though the CLA overall is 2mm shorter than before. Front/rear elbowroom has increased by 35mm/44mm over the outgoing model, while the boot compartment opening is 262mm wider, enabling easier loading of cargo items.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Coupé
The new generation of the CLA 250 benefits from key range-wide improvements over the superseded model. These include increased dynamic stability from a broader stance, a more spacious interior, and beefed-up technology.
The CLA 250 variant adds a 2.0-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 165kW of power and 350Nm of torque, channelled through a 7G-DCT seven-speed auto and delivered to the road by 4MATIC all-wheel-drive grip.
Other key features added to the CLA 250 model include a panoramic electric glass sunroof, the Night Package including tinted privacy glass and gloss-black exterior trim enhancements, and the connectivity of Mercedes me Connect, which enables a host of clever smartphone-controlled features including Remote Engine Start.
This is in addition to standard equipment available across the range such as eye-catching AMG Line exterior styling as standard, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, sports seats in ARTICO/DINAMICA upholstery, the MBUX multimedia interface with two customisable 10.25-inch digital widescreens, ambient lighting featuring 64 colours, DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto integration with wireless smartphone charging, steering wheel shift paddles, and 18-inch AMG five twin-spoke alloy wheels.
Standard convenience features also include KEYLESS GO and KEYLESS START, Active Parking Assist including a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and 180-degree wide-angle visibility, plus automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers. The Hands-Free Access feature enables opening of the boot lid with a gentle wave of the foot under the rear bumper.
A comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment across the range includes nine airbags, Active Brake Assist with semi-autonomous braking function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Blind Spot Assist with exit warning assistant, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 4MATIC Coupé retails for $68,800 (plus on road costs) and will be available locally in early 2020.
The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupé
Offered for the first time, the CLA 35 4MATIC Coupé blends performance and style with a sportier aesthetic. The sophisticated drivetrain, AMG-specific standard exhaust and brake packages, plus exterior and interior cosmetic enhancements, combine to create an involving driving experience.
The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine produces an impressive 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The turbocharger combines optimum response at low engine speeds, with a strong power increase as revs rise.
Driven through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed dual-clutch sports transmission and the all-wheel grip of AMG Performance 4MATIC, engine response is instantaneous. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes as little as 4.7 seconds on the way to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
A standard RACE-START function allows maximum acceleration from a standing start, while an AMG exhaust system includes an automatically controlled exhaust flap to modulate the exhaust note (read: “make it louder”). AMG-supplied high-performance brakes, featuring four-piston callipers on the front axle, ensure short braking distances and fade-resistant deceleration.
Additional strengthening around the front of the bodyshell improves turn-in ability, even when driving at speed, while a lightweight aluminium plate bolted underneath the engine increases torsional stiffness. The result is maximum precision at the limits of performance, with clearly defined feedback to the driver.
AMG-specific chassis components include a front steering knuckle with a radially bolted brake calliper, a technology that originates from AMG’s participation in the highest levels of motorsport.
Australian-delivered CLA 35 4MATIC models will be fitted with the AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive damping system as standard, enabling the driver to choose between three different suspension control modes, ranging from comfort-focused to sporty. The fully automatic system adjusts within milliseconds to adapt damping forces to the driving situation and conditions.
As well as five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs to choose from (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual) to fine-tune engine, transmission, sound and suspension responses, the CLA 35 4MATIC is fitted as standard with AMG DYNAMICS, an integrated dynamic handling system that extends the stabilising functions of ESP with imperceptible assistances such as braking intervention on the rear inside wheel during cornering, creating a feeling of precise control and response.
The most tangible connection to any Mercedes-AMG comes via the steering wheel and the AMG Performance wheel in the CLA 35 4MATIC delivers, with a flattened lower section, perforated leather surfacing and galvanised paddles for manual gear-shifting. Two newly developed colour LCD controllers are added to the lower sections of the steering wheel on either side, giving fingertip access to AMG driving programs on one side, and two key functions selected by the driver on the other. These enable the driver to concentrate fully on dynamic driving, yet also make quick and easy changes to performance settings without splitting their attention.
The cabin features two-tone Lugano leather front seats with electric adjustment and seat heating, and the ENERGIZING Comfort Control feature that tailors the cabin ambience to match the occupants’ mood. The CLA 35 4MATIC rides on distinctive 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels.
The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 4MATIC Coupé retails for $83,400 (plus on road costs) and is expected in local showrooms from early 2020.
Also due to arrive in Q1 2020 is the potent CLA 45 S 4MATIC+ Coupé, which will top the range with 310kW and 500Nm. More information to follow closer to its local launch.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mercedes-Benz CLA models, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.