The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class was initially launched in 2013, and is based on the same platform as that of the A-Class hatchback. This C-segment luxury sedan is one the German carmaker’s most popular and one of their best-selling cars to date. With the CLA-Class, Mercedes-Benz was setting its sights at a younger audience who are on the lookout for a sophisticated yet trendy car.
Some of the primary rivals for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class are the Audi A3/RS3 sedan, BMW 2-Series Coupe, and the endangered Lexus CT. However, none of its chief rivals look nearly as chic as the CLA, and in some cases, cost way more than the Merc.
Exterior
The exterior design theme of the Mercedes-Benz CLA incorporates some of the best characteristics of a coupe without sacrificing some of the practicality associated with a sedan. The front of the CLA features Merc’s fancy diamond grille which has a single chrome slat in the middle, along with sleek LED headlamps with an integrated LED DRL strip and finally, an aggressively-styled front bumper that’s flanked by large air intakes.
Viewed side on, the flared front fenders, distinct character lines, and a low, sloping roofline provides for a svelte yet dynamic stance of the CLA. At the back, the short overhang and steeply raked rear window emphasize the coupe look even further. There’s also a subtle bootlid spoiler, contemporary-looking LED taillights, and an air diffuser with integrated twin-pipe exhausts.
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA bears dimensions of 4.640 meters in length, 1.777 meters in width, 1.432 meters in height, and 2.699 meters in wheelbase. Despite its elaborate coupe-like body, the CLA-Class still offers a boot capacity of 470 liters.
Interior
The interior of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is just as trendy as the exterior styling would suggest. The most eye-catching design elements include the fancy air-con vents, the dash-mounted infotainment screen, and a flat-bottom steering wheel. The multi-trimmed dash and door pads look cool, and so do the large front sports seats.
However, because of the coupe-like styling and its smaller size, the CLA’s cabin can feel dingy and a touch claustrophobic. The aforementioned sports seats at the front with their integrated headrests and the small rear windows don’t help matter either. This cabin is best left for four adults, though hopefully not very tall ones. Similar to the A-Class, the overall build quality and fit & finish is good, but not stellar.
Features on the CLA-Class come in the form of dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery with contrast stitching, electric sunroof, automatic adaptive headlights, electrically-operated front seats with memory, paddle shifters, adaptive suspension, cruise control, keyless entry with push-ignition, premium audio system, ambient lighting, and a COMAND infotainment display with navigation. The CLA-Class gets all the usual electronic safety gear plus 7 airbags, collision detection, driver attention assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors with reversing camera.
Engine and performance
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA is available in the CLA 250 Sport and CLA 45 AMG guises. Both use the same 2.0-liter four-pot turbo engine, but in different states of tune, and both get a 7-speed double-clutch transmission. Also, both cars can direct the engine’s grunt to all four wheels.
The CLA 45 AMG makes 381 HP and 475 Nm of twist, and can hit 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically-governed at 250 km/h. Fuel economy figures for the new CLA-Class ranges between 6.7-7.3L/100 km.
Verdict
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class kick off at AED 170,000 for the 250 Sport, going all the way up to AED 265,000 for the CLA 45 AMG. Insurance premium ranges between AED 3,825 to AED 5,963.
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