After introducing the updated A-Class Hatchback and Sedan in October 2022, Mercedes will launch the even more stylish CLA. The teaser image shows a swoopy saloon although we wouldn’t be too surprised if the CLA Shooting Brake will also be unveiled at the same time. These preview images were released on social media where the German automaker announced the premiere will take place tomorrow, January 18th.
Seeing how the A-Class and B-Class models underwent a light facelift, we don’t expect major changes for the CLA duo. Turn up the teaser brightness and you’ll see a license plate ending with “E”, which tells us the car has a plug-in hybrid powertrain. In the case of conventional hatchbacks and sedans, the electric motor now produces 107 hp or seven horses more than before. The battery can be charged with alternating current at 11 kW or with direct current at 22 kW.
27 Photo
Mercedes will likely sell the 2024 CLA with a mild hybrid petrol engine connected to a seven- or eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 48V technology provides a temporary boost of 13 hp (10 kW) when you drive. If the debut also includes AMG, it’s likely that the CLA 35 will also get a mild hybrid system and switch to the eight-speed DCT.
The styling change will be subtle seeing how the A-Class goes through quiet revisions for its mid-cycle facelift. New wheels and fresh paint are likely on the menu, along with minor changes inside where the MBUX will continue to have a dual 10.25-inch screen layout for its more expensive trim levels.
For the next generation of compact cars, dubbed “Entry Luxury”, Mercedes reportedly intends to streamline the lineup to just four models. The CLA and CLA Shooting Brake appear to be safe, and so do the GLA and GLB. We can’t say the same about Class-A and Class-B as German newspapers Handelsblatt citing automaker sources as saying the A-Class hatchback and sedan along with the B-Class minivan will be removed from the lineup by 2025.
