MERCEDES BENZ CLA Klasse Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Mercedes-Benz introduced an updated version of its small compact four-door coupe CLA in January 2023, and the car featured more upgrades than just a few colors and wheel options.

After four years on the market, the CLA clearly deserved an upgrade. So the German automaker finally brought it as a 2024 model year. With this version, Mercedes upgraded the entire range's exterior, interior, and drivetrain.

The German carmaker introduced the second generation of the CLA on the market in 2018 as a four-door coupe for the A-Class hatchback. The vehicle made its way into customers' hearts with its sporty shape. However, it was still capable of transporting four adults inside, but by 2022 standards, it was already old. Thus, the facelifted version came with a new 3D grille that sported a horizontal bar. Furthermore, to emphasize the vehicle's sporty character, the lower bumper featured an AMG-inspired A-shaped center grille flanked by two scoops that channeled the air on the side of the car. In addition, the headlights received an LED upgrade and a different pattern.

Inside, the CLA came fitted as standard with a pair of 10.25" displays, one for the instrument panel and the second, touchscreen, for the infotainment system. In addition, high-seatback seats were installed for the front occupants. Unfortunately, like on the non-facelifted version, the rear bench was profiled for two, and the headroom could have been better.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz offered a choice of turbocharged gasoline engines helped by a new 48 volts starter generator. While that didn't provide too much power (13 hp), it helped smooth the departures. Power went to the front or all wheels, depending on the version.

The second generation of the CLA Coupe was eagerly awaited by those looking for a premium four-door coupe sized to fit inside urban parking lots without the fear of tight spots.

While it may look like a baby CLS, the CLA Coupe was a different vehicle. Not only was it based on the same platform as the front-wheel driven A-Class, but it also lacked in terms of size and comfort. Yet, somehow this sporty-looking four-door coupe made its way onto many driveways thanks to its stylish look, carefully crafted interiors, and a wide choice of engines.

The CLA Coupe was attractive to young people with its narrow front end and angry-looking headlights. In addition, the LED daytime running lights that were shaped like arrows pointing toward the center of the car emphasized the vehicle's dynamic look. Depending on the trim level and options, the CLA Coupe featured an oversized lower bumper that carried over some AMG styling elements, such as the A-shaped lower grille flanked by side scoops. From its profile, the curved roofline and the sloped-back windscreen resembled a coupe shape, while the short rear deck emphasized it. Yet, the four doors and the frameless windows were those elements that confirmed the four-door coupe characteristic.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz kept the same interior as in the A-Class, with a wide display that served as an instrument cluster and an infotainment system screen. The turbine-like vents, illuminated, were some of the details that helped the German automaker transform this vehicle into a top seller. Customers could order the car with regular or sports seats with integrated headrests. At the back, there was little headroom for tall adults, but suitable for children.

Underneath the skin, the CLA Coupe kept the mechanical bits and pieces that made the A-Class a sought-after vehicle. Its front-wheel drive platform was forgiving to its drivers. Customers could've chosen an all-wheel drive system as well.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the facelifted version of the CLA's first generation at the 2016 New York International Auto show, upgrading the car both on the inside and outside.

The CLA was the smallest sedan in the German carmaker's stable and the only one fitted with a front-wheel drive system. As unusual as it might sound, it was a bright idea since it won the hearts and wallets of many, who didn't want to struggle with the length of a C-Class and enjoyed the four-door coupe shape of the car and the fuel efficiency that it provided.

The carmaker changed the vehicle's front fascia for the facelifted version by offering a standard black grille with a diamond pattern. In addition, customers could have chosen new LED headlights, which provided not only a modern look but also better road illumination. Depending on the version, the carmaker added a lower, AMG-style grille. Mercedes-Benz said that the CLA offered the best drag-coefficient on the market at just Cd=0,23, thanks not only to the vehicle's shape but also to the car's frontal area.

One of the most significant changes to the interior was the introduction of an 8" display for the infotainment unit. Like in the non-facelifted version, it was mounted atop the center stack in a free-floating design style. In addition, inside the instrument cluster, the carmaker changed the dials and introduced standard red needles for better readability.

Underneath the hood, Mercedes-Benz introduced a new, highly fuel efficient, 1.5-liter turbo-diesel powerplant carried over from Renault. Moreover, there were several other engines supplied by the French carmaker, which was better at building small-displacement units than the German automaker.

After the successful introduction of the A-Class's new generation, Mercedes-Benz decided to build a four-door coupe based on it and named it CLA.

The A-Class MPV sales were not that great, so Mercedes-Benz decided to make a bold move by launching the compact hatchback A-Class instead. It was a replacement for both the compact MPV and the former CLC, based on the W203 C-Class model. The five-door hatchback was soon followed by a sedan built like a baby CLS, but with front-wheel-drive.

While the car's front was carried-over from the A-Class, the car's shape was completely changed from the A-pillars to the back. The German designers imagined a low-profile roof with a sloped back and short trunk lid. The frame-less doors enhanced the car's look.

The interior was inspired by the A-Class, with a more organic feel to it and a better fit and finish. A thick, three-spoke steering wheel, round air vents, race-inspired seats, ambient lighting, and a floating infotainment system screen were all part of the new packaging. The rear seats didn't offer too much headroom, but those who bought it were more concerned about the look and style than the practicality. But still, they could transport two adults on the rear seats.

A fully independent suspension, four-disc braking system, and an electromechanical power steering ensure the car is both comfortable and very maneuverable. Power comes from a choice of new turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engines, coupled with both 6-speed manual and 7-speed automatic transmissions. Both front- and all-wheel-drive systems were available.