Mercedes-Benz CLA upgraded

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA has undergone a comprehensive mid-life upgrade that heralds a host of exterior tweaks and the introduction of new cabin tech to ensure it stays competitive against rivals like the Audi A3 sedan and BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe.

First introduced in 2019, the three-year-old second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA gains a restyled front grille that gets a star pattern. A tweaked bumper and a pair of standard-fit LED High Performance headlights also join the party.

At the rear there’s a new diffuser and a pair of LED tail-lights.

As standard, base models now sit on either silver 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels or gloss black five-double-spoke rims.

Inside, even the cheapest version comes with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and a 10.5-inch digital instrument cluster. Twin 10.25-inch screens are also available.

Among other cabin changes, the steering wheel is wrapped in Nappa leather as standard and is also heated in the AMG Line version for the first time.

New dark carbon, open-pore brown lime wood or microfibre trim (AMG Line only) options are all introduced to raise the premium feel of the CLA.

As standard, base models bag a pair of ‘comfort’ seats wrapped in Artico faux leather that come in either black or grey. Mid-spec models offer the same seats in black, beige or grey while the AMG Line adds a brown shade into the mix.

Mercedes-Benz has also taken the opportunity to upgrade the tech available.

For example, all CLA models now come with Highbeam Assist, along with the addition of the new lamps.

The infotainment, meanwhile, gets Benz’s latest MBUX operating system, with the instrument panel offering new designs for the Classic, Sport and Discreet displays.

Greater levels of customisation are also available, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard.

A smaller update sees all the USB ports illuminated.

Good news for those with broader accents, the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant is said to be capable of dialogue and learning that will see it improve with use.

There’s also the option of a Burmester sound system that uses Dolby Atmos technology to project 3D soundscape within the cabin.

Safety improves with the facelift, too.

There’s an upgraded Driver Assistance Package that improves the lane keep assist system, while a next-gen self-park feature can cope with longitudinal parking.

The new Parking pack also offers 360-degree visualisation for when you’re parking yourself, using neat 3D images to help you slot into the tightest spot.

Under the bonnet the CLA 200 and CLA 250 carry over but benefit from 48-volt mild-hybrid tech that adds a belt-driven starter-generator. It produces an extra 10kW and promises smoother step-off and greater efficiency.

The plug-in hybrids not offered Down Under get a power bump, thanks to an electric motor that now produces 80kW (up from 75kW). The battery can also be topped up with more powerful 11kW AC charger (up from 7.4kW).

A 22kW DC charge from 20-80 per cent takes 25 minutes.

If you’re wondering what’s happened to the AMG versions, both also receive the full range of updates to the core range, plus significant mechanical upgrades designed to boost performance.

The big news is the CLA 35 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo also gains the 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

Power remains pegged at 225kW, but the fast four-door coupe should prove quicker in the real world thanks to its new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission that replaces the old car’s seven-speeder.

The flagship CLA 45 S, meanwhile, gets a power boost from 285kW/480Nm to a more muscular 310kW/500Nm, although the 0-100km/h sprint of 4.1 seconds remains the same.

Both AMG models receive new front styling, revised graphics for the headlights and, in the CLA 45 S, the option of a new AMG Aerodynamics Package Plus that adds a fixed rear spoiler.

There’s also new wheel options including an 18-inch 10-spoke black rim and a 19-inch five-twin-spoke alloy finished in matte black and high gloss for the AMG 35.

The AMG 45 S sits on standard matte-black 19s, with a further option of another five-twin-spoke 19-inch rim.

Inside, there’s grey or black faux suede leather with the option of a red/black combination. Open-pore brown lime wood also becomes available.

Finally, a new AMG Performance steering wheel finished in leather or microfibre become standard.

The new 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA goes on sale in Europe later this year. Australian launch timing and model range details are still to be announced.

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