Of the choice classes Mercedes-Benz offers, it makes some sense for a CLA model to be chosen as the first vehicle to debut the all-new Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture. Configured for both fully electric and hybrid drivetrains, its efficiency-driven (*cough* future-proofing) system is potentially best showcased on the compact coupe.
We have to talk about design first, for a class that recognisably prioritises looks. Your eyes follow the visual line of its sleek shark nose to a roof that smoothly tapers towards the rear, leaving the subjectively loud elements to be the unmissable patterned radiator grille, and the iconic star that focal-points the brake lights.
It’s hard to dislike the animated mix that greets you when the car keenly senses your approaching. Flushed door handles slide out with a chime and illumination, making it seem to quite literally light up upon seeing you walk into the room. Yet, the attractive silhouette becomes comparably subtle to what’s inside.
Frameless windows, sports seats, AMG pedals, and a generous glass roof from A-pillar to C-pillar (with heat-insulated coating, fret not). It’s screen galore with the 14” central touch control, a dashboard for the driver and a separate display for the shotgun. A frivolous nicety we all secretly enjoy in cars (for example: ambient lighting comes in 64 options, even running through the turbine-esque AC vents). The further observant will notice the outward ground projection.
More unnecessarily indulgent but fun features include the four-way adjustable lumbar support that comes with heating and mild massage for the front seats. Camera and microphone functions, but obviously only when stationary because no one wants to see you crash and die mid-Zoom call, unless the meeting was that boring. If you’re used to old school methods, you probably wouldn’t favour the keyless-go start and stickless shifts. If not, you’ll quickly come to appreciate their ease.
A 4-cylinder petrol engine combines with a 22kW electric motor, where the 48-volt hybrid powertrain purports to add 27 horsepower to the performance. The drivetrain recuperates energy in all eight gears, and you’re able to maintain decent speed without the engine switched on, but the reaction to the throttle is less ideal. The proprietary Mercedes-Benz OS includes over-the-air updates the way all smartphones do.
The new MBUX generation and intelligent driver assistance are fairly intuitive, albeit on the sensitive side. Like an over-protective parent, it makes decisions to ensure your safety; gently pulling you in for lane keeping, eagerly alerting you when motorcycles are simply overtaking. Of the available assists—like the adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, forward collision warnings, and whathaveyous—automatic parking reigns supreme.
While not flawless—working better when there are fellow vehicles present—it wastes no time spotting lots, of which you may select. It then manoeuvres you in more swiftly than previous versions with the same capability. Automatic exit, on the other hand, was iffy. It could be a one-off situation, but it’s best to always keep your foot on the brake as the car itself intelligently suggests
