New 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA hits wind tunnel ahead of January unveil

New CLA and CLA Shooting Brake will be revealed at next year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas
17 December 2018

Mercedes-Benz is continuing to fine-tune the aerodynamic properties of its second-generation CLA less than a month ahead of a planned unveiling for the new four-door coupe at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Set for UK delivery next June, the 2019 model adopts all the various developments already seen on other new A-Class models, including a re-engineered version of its predecessor’s platform supporting both front- and four-wheel drive, and the choice of two different rear suspension systems.

Updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines also feature, as well as a contemporary interior boasting Mercedes' new MBUX operating system with digital instruments and touch screen infotainment functions, among a host of new equipment. A Shooting Brake estate variant will be unveiled later in the year.

Joining the recently unveiled A-Class Saloon as the second dedicated four-door model in an expanded eight-model-strong compact car line-up from the German car maker, the new CLA has grown in size and is now longer than a BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.  Figures are not planned to be made official until its unveiling, but Mercedes-Benz officials confirm it is longer than the 4549mm long A-Class Saloon.

Our Verdict

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLS sold on its exclusivity. Can the Mercedes CLA pull the same trick?

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week

 

The added length is concentrated mainly within the wheelbase, providing scope for larger rear door apertures, easier access to the rear seat and improved interior packaging with greater rear legroom. Autocar was granted access to the new model, known internally under the codename C118, during a recent photoshoot at the brand's Stuttgart wind tunnel - featuring two-time ironman triathlon world champion, Jan Frodeno.

As with the first-generation CLA, it receives a coupe-like profile with a heavily curved roofline and short boot giving it a distinctly more cab back proportions than the more upright A-Class Saloon. While we are not able to reveal the new car in full, our exclusive photographs confirm the new CLA also adopts uniquely designed headlamps within a heavily tapered front end, a stretched six-window glasshouse intersected by wide B-pillars and wider haunches over the rear wheels.

 

Aerodynamic developments include an almost completely flat undertray with various diffuser like elements to smooth airflow at speed. Mercedes-Benz is yet to reveal details, but it is believed the new four-door comes close to matching the outstanding 0.22 Cd of its predecessor despite a larger frontal area.

The new look is a further evolution of Mercedes’ so-called ‘sensual purity’ design lineage, with smoother and fuller forms set to replace 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 Saloon, similar to how the larger CLS sits alongside the E-Class.

Recently seen prototypes also point the way to the look of the second-generation CLA Shooting Brake estate. Like its predecessor, it's expected to receive a heavily stylised appearance, with a sloping roofline and heavily angled tailgate set to prioritise styling ahead of load-carrying capacity. 

The new CLA and CLA Shooting Brake will be the fifth and sixth models to use Mercedes’ MFA2 platform, following on from the five-door A-Class, A-Class Saloon, long-wheelbase A-Class Saloon and recently unveiled B-Class. The MFA2 platform supports front- wheel drive and four-wheel drive and can accommodate either a torsion beam or multi-link rear suspension. 

Power for the new CLA pair will come from a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including a powered-up version of Mercedes’ latest M260 petrol unit in AMG's new four-wheel-drive CLA 35 4Matic models. That shares its powertrain with the recently launched A35 AMG variant.

A more highly tuned version of the M260 engine with 404bhp will be used for range-topping CLA 45 models, according to AMG officials. Those variants will, like the upcoming A45, use an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a newly developed four-wheel drive system that features an electronically controlled ‘drift mode’. 

 

Other new Mercedes models confirmed for sale in 2019 include the new GLE, the third-generation B-Class and the first model from Mercedes’ EQ electric car division, the EQC, all of which have already been revealed. 

Read more

New Mercedes-Benz EQC: all-electric SUV revealed

Mercedes-Benz CLA review

Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 review

Join the debate

Comments
19

jer

2 November 2018

Fwd hatches with longer front over hangs don't work as estates.

Byzantine

2 November 2018

...or to stay interested. The proliferation of bodystyles and models is bonkers. Which manufacturer now makes the most? Actual models, I mean, not otions but actual models.

jason_recliner

2 November 2018

Cartoon proportions.  This thing is going to to be even dumpier than the hatch.

abkq

2 November 2018

Had to think hard what this particular combination of three letters C & L & A means in Mercedes's nomaclature and had to give up.

But anyway the outline looks sharp and promising. I hope Mercedes would do a slimmer and sharper front elevation. It should give up the typical dumpy looks,

Peter Cavellini

2 November 2018

 How many Car makers will we have in the future?,an important question?, well, there might be because very few are producing something different they’re just churning out the profit makers,and now that the way we buy a Car has changed more “little Boxes” which have the same design cues are becoming a blight on the Roads, Mercedes do however try to be different.

Peter Cavellini.

LaurenDesouza

2 November 2018

Thanks

LaurenDesouza

2 November 2018

Actually love this new models the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake alongside for 2019 launch by Mercedes-Benz successors. Thanks for sharing here facelifted versions of the GLC SUV and GLC coupe as well as the third-generation GLS.

Lauren,

Online CV Builder

voyager12

6 November 2018

me too

WallMeerkat

9 November 2018

Strangely I think it looks a bit like a Vauxhall Insignia?....

Maybe it's just the prototype cladding. Hats off to Merc for continuing to build small saloons.

Jeremy

9 November 2018

Seriously, what is the difference between this CLA and the A-Class saloon? Apart from the CLA having a more sloping rear screen and therefore presumably worse rear room, for a higher price?

Pages

Add your comment

Log in or register to post comments

Find an Autocar car review

Driven this week