Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Second generation
Second generation
	Mercedes-Benz CLA 220
Overview
Model code	C118; X118 (shooting brake);
Production	February 2019–present
Assembly	Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary);
Designer	Balázs Filczer
Body and chassis
Platform	MFA2
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W/V/Z177); Mercedes-Benz GLA (H247); Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W247); Mercedes-Benz GLB (X247);
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol:; 1.3 L M282 turbo I4; 2.0 L M260 turbo I4; 2.0 L M139 turbo I4; Petrol plug-in hybrid:; 1.3 L M282 turbo I4; Diesel:; 1.5 L OM608 turbo I4; 2.0 L OM654 turbo I4;
Transmission	6-speed manual (2019–2023); 7-speed DCT; 8-speed DCT (AMG CLA 45 & 45 S & 200d & 220d);
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,729 mm (107.4 in)
Length	4,688 mm (184.6 in)
Width	1,830 mm (72.0 in)
Height	1,439 mm (56.7 in)

First generation
First generation
	Mercedes-Benz CLA 180 (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model code	C117; X117 (shooting brake);
Production	2013–2019
Assembly	Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary); India: Chakan (MBI); Thailand: Samut Prakan (TAAP);
Designer	Mark Fetherston; Robert Lešnik (2010)
Body and chassis
Platform	MFA
Related	Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W176); Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W246); Mercedes-Benz GLA (X156);
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol:; 1.6 L M270 turbo I4; 2.0 L M270 turbo I4; 2.0 L M133 turbo I4; Diesel:; 1.5 L OM607 turbo I4; 1.8 L OM651 turbo I4; 2.1 L OM651 turbo I4;
Transmission	6-speed manual; 7-speed DCT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,699 mm (106.3 in)
Length	4,630 mm (182.3 in)
Width	1,777 mm (70.0 in)
Height	1,437 mm (56.6 in)
Curb weight	1,430–1,540 kg (3,153–3,395 lb)

Mercedes-Benz CLA
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler AG (2013–2022); Mercedes-Benz Group; (2022–present);
Production	2013–present
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact executive car (C)
Body style	4-door saloon; 5-door estate;
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive; Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (4Matic);

The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a small luxury car made by Mercedes-Benz. It was first introduced in 2013. The CLA is known for its design, which looks like a four-door coupe. It shares its platform with the A-Class and the B-Class.

First generation (C117; 2013-2019)

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA, produced between 2013 and 2019, is a compact luxury car designed as a four-door fastback coupe. It was based on the Concept Style Coupe, which Mercedes-Benz revealed in 2012 at the Avant/Garde Diaries event in Los Angeles and showcased at other events like Auto China. The CLA was built on the same platform as the W176 A-Class and W246 B-Class compact models. The production version was officially unveiled at the 2013 North American International Auto Show, with sales beginning in September of the same year. In 2017, the CLA underwent a facelift, which included updated headlights, taillights, and LED lighting features.

The CLA lineup also included a high-performance AMG variant, the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45. This model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine, producing up to 375 hp and 475 Nm of torque, allowing for a 0–100 km/h acceleration time of just 4.1 seconds. The AMG CLA also included distinctive styling elements like a front fascia, AMG sports seats, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Second Generation (2019–present)

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA (C118) was introduced in January 2019 at the Consumer Electronics Show and is based on the Modular Front Architecture (MFA2) platform, shared with the A-Class, B-Class, GLB, and GLA. The C118 maintains the fastback shape and features updated design elements inspired by the larger CLS model. Compared to its predecessor, the C118 is longer, wider, and has a slightly lower height, with a 30 mm longer wheelbase.

The vehicle's underbody is nearly flat, contributing to a low drag coefficient of 0.23. The CLA uses MacPherson struts in the front and either a twist beam or multi-link rear suspension, with optional adaptive dampers. Inside, the CLA includes the MBUX infotainment system, with options for dual 7-inch or 10.25-inch displays and advanced driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and active brake assist.

The CLA Shooting Brake variant was launched in 2019 and offers increased cargo capacity. It has a drag coefficient of 0.26 and is not available in the U.S. or Australia.^[3]^[4] High-performance AMG models, including the AMG CLA35 and CLA45 S, are equipped with all-wheel drive, advanced dual-clutch transmissions, and specific driving modes. The CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid, available in coupe and estate forms, was introduced in 2020.

Markets

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is sold in many global markets, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. and The CLA's high-performance AMG models, including the CLA35 and CLA45 S, are also marketed worldwide, with availability in regions like Europe, Asia, and North America. The CLA 250 e plug-in hybrid variant, is available as both a coupe and a Shooting Brake in select markets.

Third generation (C178/174; 2025)

Third generation
Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4Matic
Overview
Model code	C178^[5] C174 (EV) X178 (shooting brake) X174 (EV shooting brake)
Production	May 2025 – present^[6]
Assembly	Hungary: Kecskemét (Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing Hungary) Germany: Rastatt China: Beijing (Beijing Benz, L models only)
Designer	Mayya Markova
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive (hybrid) Front-engine, all-wheel-drive (hybrid, 4matic) Rear-motor, rear-wheel-drive (EV) Dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (EV, 4matic)
Platform	Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA)
Related	Mercedes-Benz GLB with EQ Technology
Powertrain
Engine	1.5L M252 turbo I4 (hybrid)
Electric motor	27 PS (20 kW; 27 hp) permanent-magnet motor (hybrid) 1x or 2x Permanent magnet AC synchronous (EV)
Power output	??? (hybrid, FWD) ??? (hybrid, AWD) 200 kW (268 hp; 272 PS) (EV, RWD) 260 kW (349 hp; 354 PS) (EV, AWD)
Transmission	8-speed dual-clutch (hybrid) 2-speed automatic (EV)
Hybrid drivetrain	High-tech Hybrid
Battery	Lithium-ion: 1.3 kWh 48V (hybrid) 58.0 kWh LFP (EV) 85.0 kWh Li-NMC (EV)
Range	694–792 km (431–492 mi) (EV RWD, claimed) 672–771 km (418–479 mi) (EV AWD, claimed)
Plug-in charging	320 kW (DC)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,790 mm (109.8 in) 2,830 mm (111.4 in) (CLA L)
Length	4,723 mm (185.9 in) 4,763 mm (187.5 in) (CLA L)
Width	1,855 mm (73.0 in) 1,836 mm (72.3 in) (CLA L)
Height	1,468 mm (57.8 in) 1,471 mm (57.9 in) (CLA L)
Kerb weight	2,135 kg (4,707 lb) (EV)

The third-generation CLA, officially marketed as CLA with EQ Technology, was unveiled on 13 March 2025, firstly as a sedan.^[7] The CLA is the first model to be based on the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform.^[8]

For the first time for Mercedes, the combustion-engine and battery electric models of the CLA feature identical designs for the exterior and interior, as well as sharing a model name. This marks the end to Mercedes’ strategy of entirely bespoke battery electric models being developed to sit alongside their combustion-engine equivalents, such as with the E-Class and EQE.^[9]

The battery models come with an 800-volt electrical architecture and advanced drive units with a two-speed transmission on the main drive at the rear axle. It can recharge up to 325 km (202 mi) of range in just 10 minutes and fast DC charging up to 320 kW.^[10]

The Shooting Brake model was unveiled on 14 July 2025, as the first battery electric station wagon from Mercedes-Benz.^[11]

The third-generation CLA was awarded as the 2026 European Car of the Year, becoming the second Mercedes-Benz to won the European award after the Mercedes-Benz 450SE.^[12]

2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 350 4Matic (rear view)
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ (rear view)
2025 Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 4Matic (ICE)
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake (rear view)
Interior
Mercedes-Benz CLA L (China)
Mercedes-Benz CLA L (China; rear view)

Exterior

The third-generation CLA adopts Mercedes-Benz Sensual Purity design language and the design was inspired by the Concept CLA-Class previewed at the 2023 Munich Motor Show.^[10]

The front fascia features a shark nose design. The battery electric model features an illuminated panel with a total of 142 illuminated chrome-effect stars and an illuminated star logo (depends on market-specific regulations), whereas the combustion-engine model has a traditional open grille needed for cooling airflow to the engine. The LED headlights are connected with a thin LED light strip and the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights features the daytime running lights in the shape of the Mercedes-Benz star.^[9]^[10]^[13]

For the side, there are frameless doors and retractable flushed door handles. Mercedes-Benz engineers have tried to make use of additional headroom compared to its predecessor with a less of an inward curve to the side windows. All CLA models feature as standard a fixed panoramic glass roof helps to contribute for additional headroom for the rear occupants. The Shooting Brake has a lengthened roof from the B-pillar to include a full length panoramic glass roof made from heat insulated safety glass, it features 158 illuminated stars and an optional electrochromic function which changes the glass from clear to opaque.^[10]^[14]

The rear fascia has a GT-inspired design. It has star shaped LED taillights connected with a light band with coming-home and leaving-home lighting animations, gloss black rear diffuser and the numberplate is housed on the rear bumper.^[10]^[13]

Concept CLA at the 2023 Munich Motor Show
Concept CLA

Interior

The third-generation CLA is the first car to operate entirely on the in-house developed Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) - using QNX for the safety-related functions and the dash cluster, and Linux for the infotainment^[15] - marks the fourth MBUX generation, which is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. The MBUX Virtual Assistant based on ChatGPT4o, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing.^[10]^[13]

The interior has the MBUX Superscreen that has a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system features a Zero Layer mode shows the essential controls and information on the home screen, like the most recently used apps. The navigation system is based on Google Maps and the user interface from Mercedes-Benz. The MBUX Superscreen is also available with an additional 14-inch screen for the front passenger as an optional extra and the screen features eye-tracking technology to ensure the driver is not distracted. If not equipped with the front passenger screen, it is replaced with a glass panel with LED illuminated star logos matching the interior ambient lighting.^[10]

The sedan model has a boot capacity of 405 L (14.3 cu ft), while the Shooting Brake model has a boot capacity of 455 L (16.1 cu ft). The CLA with EQ Technology is the first Mercedes-Benz with a frunk of 101 L (3.6 cu ft) since the Mercedes-Benz 130 from the 1930s.^[10]^[11]

Safety

The third-generation CLA features a bundle of driver assistance systems under the name MB.DRIVE which includes: DRIVE ASSIST, DRIVE ASSIST PLUS, DRIVE ASSIST PRO, DRIVE PARKING ASSIST and DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360. Technical details for the driving assistance systems include five radar sensors, eight cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a water-cooled supercomputers with regular over-the-air updates. For the first time in its segment, the CLA is available with a central airbag integrated into the driver’s seat backrest and deploys between the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact.^[10]

Euro NCAP test results
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ AMG Line (2025)^[16]
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	37.7	94%
Child occupant:	43.7	89%
Pedestrian:	58.6	93%
Safety assist:	15.5	85%

Technical details

Engines


ICE drivetrains
Model	Years	Configuration	Displacement	Transmission	Power	0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Torque	Top speed	Fuel consumption / efficiency (EU-Norm combined)
CLA 180	11/2025 - present	Inline 4 turbo (M252) + 22kW electric motor	1499 cc	8-Speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (8F-eDCT) w/ integrated electric motor	136+30 hp	8,8 s	200 Nm	218 km/h / 135 mph	4,9 l/100 km - 56.5 mpg (UK)
CLA 200					163+30 hp	8 s	250 Nm	232 km/h / 144 mph	4,9 l/100 km - 56.5 mpg (UK)
CLA 200 4MATIC					163+30 hp	7,9 s	250 Nm	228 km/h / 144 mph	5,2 l/100 km - 55.4 mpg (UK)
CLA 220					190+30 hp	7,2 s	300 Nm	240 km/h / 149 mph	5,1 l/100 km - NC (UK)
CLA 220 4MATIC					190+30 hp	7,1 s	300 Nm	237 km/h / 147 mph	5,5 l/100 km - 51.4 mpg (UK)
Electric drivetrains
Model	Years	Configuration	Battery capacity (usable)	Transmission	Power	0-100 km/h (0-62 mph)	Torque	Top speed	Energy consumption (EU-Norm combined)
CLA 200	10/2025 - present	165 kW rear-axle electric motor (RWD)	58 kWh	2-Speed automatic transmission	224 hp	7,5 s	335 Nm	210 km/h / 130 mph	12,3 kWh / 100 km
CLA 250+	06/2025 - present	200 kW rear-axle electric motor (RWD)	85 kWh		272 hp	6,7 s	335 Nm		12,5 kWh / 100 km
CLA 350 4MATIC	06/2025 - present	260 kW dual-motor layout (AWD)	85 kWh		354 hp	4,9 s	515 Nm		12,5 kWh / 100 km