The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is a subcompact executive sedan available in the Philippine market. Locally, this model has only one variant: the CLA-Class 180 Progressive 1.3 AT. Currently, 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class price tag of Php 3,190,000.
Under the hood, the Philippine-spec CLA-Class uses a 1.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine that can make up to 208 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. Power is then sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.
Size-wise, the CLA-Class has a length of 4,688mm, a width of 1,830mm, and a height of 1,439mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,729mm, and a ground clearance of 160mm.
Locally, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class primarily competes against the BMW 3 Series 318i Sport as both of them are executive subcompact sedans.
Launch
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA Class was introduced by Auto Nation Group in September 2019. Its launch price starts at Php 3.19M with two variants which are the CLA 250 and the CLA 45 AMG 4MATIC.
The CLA-Class is handsome-looking five-door shooting-brake
Mercedes-Benz CLA Exterior
The latest Mercedes-Benz CLA Philippines has an athletic yet luxurious design that caters primarily to the younger market. Up front is a low-slung hood and a diamond grille that carries the German brand’s signature emblem front and center. High performance LED headlamps and daytime running lamps complement the aggressive-looking front fascia. One each side are minimalist lines that lead to the rear. Narrow tail lights give emphasis to the span of the CLA. The top-spec variant rides on 18-inch multi-spoke alloys while the base variant comes with 17-inch alloy wheels.
Mercedes-Benz CLA Interior
The CLA’s interiors are as elegant and refined as its façade. For starters, the spacious cabin boasts of a higher headroom and elbow room compared to its previous generation. The rear compartment has an opening of 262mm, much larger than the older model. Its rear seats can also be folded in a 40:20:40 format to accommodate additional cargo.
All seats of the Mercedes-Benz CLA 2023 are clad in high-grade leather. Its entire cabin is decked with soft-touch finishes and a plethora of premium leather that the brand is known for. The dashboard is clean and sleek, incorporated with new technologies such as a touchscreen infotainment system.
Technology & Safety Features
On the dashboard is a 7-inch digital touchscreen infotainment system that comes with the latest update of the Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX). The system has a virtual assistant mode that can be voice-activated by saying “Hey Mercedes.” Voice commands also work for navigation, phone calls, and music. On top of these are the standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity systems.
Mercedes-Benz did not skimp on safety features as well. The CLA is equipped with active park assist, a rear-view camera, cruise control, electronic stability program, ABS with acceleration skid control and active brake assist, tire pressure monitoring, and a start-stop system. The top range variant comes with front and rear parking sensors on top of the standard safety features.
Platform & Chassis
The CLA 250 is a coupe that can sit up to five people while the top-spec AMG variant is a 2-door coupe with a capacity of four individuals. The front suspension remains at Independent MacPherson Strut while the rear is an Independent Multi-link. Stopping power comes from disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
Both variants of the Mercedes-Benz CLA Class are powered by a 1.3L 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The CLA 250 sends power to the front wheels through a 7G-DCT Automatic Transmission. It produces 208 hp and 350 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the AMG model’s engine is mated to the same 7G-DCT AT that powers all wheels. It can produce a powerful 375 hp and 475 Nm of torque.