You guys may not remember this, but the Mercedes-Benz CLA was a little bit controversial when it came out about five or six years ago. It was an entry-level sedan from Mercedes, and that in itself was heresy, but also front-wheel drive.
Over the years, people have gradually gotten used to the idea of premium cars that aren't RWD and expect certain things from them as well. Sure, they will never have as many features as a Toyota Camry costing the same kind of money, but a certain road presence is projected.
The original CLA was a saloon based on the A-Class, but we now have an A-Class sedan, which leaves the CLA II to go a little bit upmarket. It's a bit like Apple products, where they charge you more for every generation iPhone, but sometimes slot an "affordable" model underneath.
The next generation of the CLA has been spied undergoing testing ahead of its early 2019 reveal. The design is pretty much finished, and we can't say we're blown away. However, a slightly longer body is helping to sell the idea that this is a four-door coupe, in combination with the frameless doors that the A-Class doesn't have.
The underpinnings are going to be shared between the two, as well as many other Mercedes-Benz compacts. However, the CLA will be wider, sportier and probably more comfortable as well.
Engines will be shared between all Benz compacts and include a new 1.3-liter turbo that's quite versatile. But most new CLA buyers are going to have the 2-liter units of both diesel and gasoline variety. The good ones will have somewhere between 190 and 220 horsepower and should be available with AWD.
Of course, AMG versions will be available. Yes, plural. The base version will be the CLA 35 with a little over 300 horses of power. Next, we should have separate CLA 45 and CLA 45 S models with something like 380 and 400+ HP. A CLA Shooting Brake is also coming, despite what Mercedes may have lead you to believe.
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
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