Mercedes-Benz debuts its subcompact CLA sedan at CES 2019

.
January 9, 2019

With a new Mercedes-Benz A-Class debuting a few months ago, it somehow follows that the CLA will be close behind. True enough, the Stuttgart-based luxury car brand has unveiled the second iteration of the subcompact Merc at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sure, it looks pretty much the same as the previous model. Yet this one is all-new, says Merc. The front end is shared with its hatchback sibling, while dimensions have grown quite a bit. This serves up more interior space that belies its smallish dimensions.

What’s truly new for 2019 is the Merceces-Benz User Experience interface that controls infotainment and the car itself. Apart from the dual 7-inch touchscreens that come standard, pwners can control the sytem via the center console touchpad or using Gesture Control. Customers can even choose the larger 10.25-inch displays on the options list for a richer user experience.

Powering the new CLA at launch will be the familiar 2.0-liter turbo four in the CLA250. This one puts out 221hp and 350Nm of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Clients can opt for either front- or allwheel drive. Needless to say, a host of driver assistance systems, including Active Brake Assist, can be had with the new car. It’s in keeping with the marque’s quest for safety on the road.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLA is expected to hit dealerships later this year.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.