2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA Ups The Entry Level Luxury Game

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA has made its debut at CES 2019 in Las Vegas – a clear sign that the luxury  automaker has injected some extra technology into the second-generation of its now-familiar budget sedan.

Two versions of the 2020 CLA will be offered from launch: the front-wheel drive CLA 250 and the all-wheel drive CLA 250 4Matic. Both the FWD and AWD versions will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is now good for 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque – 13 hp more than the outgoing CLA 250’s 2.0-liter. Mercedes-Benz’s seven-speed DCT automatic transmission returns in he compact and remains the only transmission option.

Styling wise, the CLA stays true to form with curvaceous, flowing exterior styling and a relatively wide, athletic stance. With the introduction of the A-Class in North America for 2019, the CLA was able to grow up a little bit and is now 1.9-inches longer and 2.0-inches wider than its predecessor and has wider front and rear tracks as well. Despite this, the CLA is about 2mm shorter than before – tailoring its so-called ‘coupe’ shape just a little bit more.

The interior is similar to the 2019 A-Class, with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX widescreen infotainment system forming the centerpiece of the cabin. The screen’s shape and placement allows for a minimalist, horizontal layout and free-standing dashboard, making the 2020 CLA’s cabin feel more open and airy than the outgoing model’s. Mercedes-Benz’s trademark interior ambient lighting and turbine-style air vents are also present as well, just as they are in the new A-Class.

All 2020 CLAs will also come with the latest version of MBUX, which features a built-in AI assistant that is activated by saying “Hey Mercedes”. The AI assistant learns the user’s personal preferences, making it easier to adjust the car’s various settings using the voice command. The MBUX system also includes an adjustable full color head-up display, augmented reality video navigation and other advanced features.

The CLA has adopted some high-end active safety tech from more expensive vehicles like the S-Class as well. The four-door will now be offered with Active Distance Assist Distronic, which can navigate bends on the highway, bring the vehicle to a stop and accelerate back up to highway speeds, among other semi-autonomous driving functions. The system will be included as part of the 2020 CLA’s optional Driver Assistance Package, which will also add Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist, among more.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA will arrive at US dealers in late 2019. Pricing has yet to be announced, but expect it to cost a slight bit more than the outgoing CLA, which started at just under $34,000. The new 2020 A-Class, which undercuts the 2020 CLA in size, is expected to start at around $33,000 in the US.

*First Edition model shown won’t be offered in US or Canada

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