mReview: 2nd-Gen Mercedes CLA Class

(Photo Credit: Autocar)

The Mercedes CLA, a highly competitive rival to the upcoming BMW 2 Series and the Audi A3, is now available with quite a number of variants to choose from. Depending on your needs, the Mercedes CLA could be the right choice for you.

Dubbed the "most fun of all its compact cars", the 2nd-gen Mercedes CLA certainly looks the part with its sleek coupe design, 7-speed automatic transmission, and interior ambient lighting with 64 colour settings.

Let's take a closer look at Mercedes' latest offering!

Drivetrain and Performance

(Photo Credit: CAR Magazine)

Besides its basic model, the Mercedes CLA also comes with two performance models – the AMG CLA 35 with 302bhp and the AMG CLA 45 with 382bhp.

Here’s a list of all the different variants for the Mercedes CLA:

The Mercedes AMG CLA 45 is declared to be the “Most Powerful” inline-four engine in the world, pushing at just about 382 bhp.

The AMG 45 uses an 8-speed automatic transmission as opposed to the CLA 35 where you have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Similar to the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, the Mercedes CLA is also a front-wheel-drive-based car with an all-wheel-drive system.

This car can cover bus-length distances quickly and can hit 0-to-60 miles per hour (mph) in 4.0 seconds flat. With an optional drift setting, you are able to cut off the power to the front axle and let your tail slide for some added “fun”.

There are also different modes that lets the car adapt to its environment, such as town cruising or wet road – which are perfect for Singapore's road conditions.

Interior

(Photo Credit: Motor1)

The Mercedes CLA offers more headroom and elbow room as compared to its previous generation. For those who are fans of in-car displays, the CLA comes with two large screens - the driver's display is 7-inch, while the passenger's display is at 10.25-inch. The CLA also features a “Hey Mercedes” voice activation control system.

Despite being an entry-level car, the interior oozes both style and flair, typical of the Mercedes brand. Hence, it will definitely attract young buyers.

Safety

(Photo Credit: Motor1)

Mercedes has also implemented other drive assistants into its Mercedes Benz User Experience (MBUX) system. These include a number of safety features, such as:

• Collision prevention assist
• Adaptive braking
• Attention assist

Using artificial intelligence, the MBUX system actually studies the user's driving habits, and adapts to better suit them on the road.

Price and Release Date

(Photo Credit: CAR Magazine)

Prices for the Mercedes CLA roughly start at about S$180,000, including COE, for the baseline models and could go up to approximately S$190,000 for the AMG models.

It’s also facing fierce competition against its rivals – the BMW 2 Series and the Audi A3.

The CLA was officially launched in Singapore on 12 July 2019. However, the launch date for the AMG line is to be confirmed, but is set to release in 2020.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

(Photo Credit: Autocar)

Personally, we would go with the CLA instead of the BMW 2 Series as we prefer the larger interior space, as well as its increased boot space. Mercedes also offers sportier options such as the AMG CLA 45.

Although it is expected to be pricier than the BMW 2 Series GC, we believe that this car is definitely worth its weight in salt with its enhanced handling and performance.

With a sleeker body and a more aggressive look, the Mercedes CLA would definitely be a head-turner on the roads of Singapore.

What do you think of the Mercedes CLA? Yay or nay? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More: mReview: 2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

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