The Mercedes-Benz CLA’s design comes close to its concept sketches, with a long, stretched bonnet, a compact greenhouse, a wide track with flared wheel arches, and a pronounced GT rear end with a “Coke bottle shoulder.” The youthful and sporty design cues highlight LED high-performance headlamps with daylight running lamps, complimenting the low-slung bonnet and diamond grill reminiscent of classic Mercedes-Benz sportscars. Giving the CLA a flatter and sportier stance are 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and new narrow tail lamps at the rear, giving the CLA a wider look.
High-tech interior
Everything about the new CLA’s interior evokes techy design themes, from the leather multi-function steering wheel and new touchpad to the Artico-leather seats and other design enhancements found in the dashboard.
One of the standout highlights of the new CLA’s cabin is the inclusion of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, also found in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and GLE. The new system comes with two seven-inch digital screens for the instrument cluster and the media display. The MBUX system can be controlled by a virtual assistant activated either by pressing a button on the steering wheel or saying “Hey Mercedes” from anywhere in the cabin. The given voice commands can control functions related to destination input, phone calls, music selection, and climate control. The infotainment system also offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA offers a number of improvements to interior room as well. Headroom up front has been increased by 17mm, and elbow room by 35mm. The boot compartment features a wider opening, 262mm over the previous generation model, making it easier to load cargo. The rear seats offer a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat backrest to accommodate longer items.
From left: Daimler Executives, Daniel Lee and Gerald Ho with Auto Nation Group Executives, Jonathan Francis Ang and Romel Franco.
Efficient powertrain
The new Mercedes-Benz CLA is powered by a turbocharged 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine which produces 136 hp and 200 Nm of torque, mated to a 7G-DCT seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Improving the CLA’s driving dynamics is a Dynamic Select function which allows the driver to shift between various driving modes that suit their driving style, the weather, and road conditions. The CLA is also equipped with a comfort suspension package and direct steering assist.
Full safety
Giving peace of mind to its passengers, the new CLA is equipped with Active Parking Assist with a rear-view camera, Active Brake Assist, Adaptive brake lights, ABS, Electronic Stability Program, Acceleration Skid Control, and Hill-Start Assist. It’s also equipped with a Pedestrian Protection Active bonnet as well as multiple airbags for the driver and front passenger including window bags and knee bags for the driver.
The new CLA comes in one variant: the CLA 180 Progressive, and is available in Polar White, Digital White, Night Black, Mountain Gray, Denim Blue, Sun Yellow, Jupiter Red, Mojave Silver, and Cosmos Black. The new CLA is offered at a price point of P3,190,000, and is now available for booking and test drives at all Mercedes-Benz branches nationwide.
By Chris Van Hoven