autoevolution
 

2019 Mercedes CLA-Class Testing with 2019 A-Class Sedan and Hatch

It's a compact car testing party in Germany, as the camouflaged next-gen CLA-Class "coupe" and B-Class tourer have been joined by the 2019 A-Class hatchback and sedan, which have already been revealed.
2019 Mercedes CLA-Class Testing with 2019 A-Class Sedan and Hatch 1 photo
Photo: YouTube screenshot
How many compact cars is too many? Mercedes doesn't know the answer to that. Arguably the most popular luxury brand is covering all the body styles using its new platform. All that's missing is an Audi TT rival or a roadster.

While we don't quite understand why both an A-Class sedan and a CLA-Class are needed, the latter does have some different styling. This latest spy video from Germany puts the four-door coupe in the same frame as its smaller brothers.

Observing the difference in the headlights is easy. It also has a larger middle grille. But is it strange that we like the A-Class more? I mean, you can barely tell it doesn't have frameless doors, and the greenhouse is about the same height. So how is the CLA sportier?

The suspension is one thing that might set them apart. The CLA is expected to offer only an independent rear setup whereas the A-Class models below about 200 ponies have a more "rudimentary" setup. But Mercedes is probably going to greed and offer all the same engines. Can you imagine boasting your "Mercedes sports car" for people to discover it has a 115 HP diesel?

Want fresh info about the AMG models? The CLA 35/40 has only just begun testing, and a recent report suggests it will offer 340 horsepower and over 400 Nm of torque, outclassing the Audi S3 sedan. Further down the line, a CLA 45 successor should go over the 400 HP threshold using an electric turbocharger.

Of all the cars mentioned here, the B-Class is the only one that won't get an AMG. Its a more practical car with a spacious cabin. However, Mercedes also plans to launch the equally practical GLA and GLB crossovers, and those will probably have AMG badges.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories